Sun Microsystems Virtual Tape Library manual Configuring Automated Tape Caching, Next task

Managing virtual libraries

Next task:

■If you are going to configure tape caching on this virtual library, go to “Configuring Automated Tape Caching” on page 45.

■If you are going to use the automatic archiving features, go to “Setting up the Auto Archive feature” on page 49.

■If you are going to use the automatic replication feature, go to “Setting up the Auto Replication option” on page 50

■Otherwise, go to “Generating the virtual library” on page 51.

Configuring Automated Tape Caching

You configure Automated Tape Caching for the virtual library by defining a migration policy and a reclamation policy. A VTL policy is simply a set of criteria (triggers) that control how and when VTL software automatically moves data from its physical disk cache. Using the configuration dialogs, you can specify simple schedules or more complex state‐ and event‐driven policies.

Migration policies control when VTL copies data from the disk cache to physical tape. Good migration policies maximize the performance and reliability of the disk cache by minimizing simultaneous reads and writes. Simultaneous reads and writes—cross I/O—force disk arrays to switch back and forth between multiple, competing I/O steams, reducing throughput and subjecting hardware to excessive wear. So best practice is to schedule migration as soon as possible after a backup AND at a time when other backup jobs are not running.

Reclamation polices control when VTL releases the disk space that is used by a data set that has already migrated to tape. Prompt and efficient reclamation prevents over‐subscription of the disk and consequent backup failures and system down time, while minimizing investment in cache capacity. Best practice is to reclaim space as soon as the highest demand for restores has passed—typically after three to five days. This approach strikes the best balance between taking advantage of the speed and convenience of a disk‐based restore and minimizing consumption of cache space.

To create a migration policy, select one of the following approaches:

■“Creating simple schedule‐driven migration policies” on page 46

■“Creating state‐ and event‐based migration policies” on page 46.

Then go to “Creating a reclamation policy” on page 48.

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