Getting Started
3
Why SnapBack
SnapBack Exact uses a novel approach to server data backup and restoration. This chapter will examine the problems
with conventional backup technologies, explain the unique solution provided by the SnapBack system, and summarize
the benefits and limitations.
Backup Blues
Most backup systems provide a great deal of activities for administrators and users. The backup software requires lists
of included and excluded directories; servers sometime become inaccessible; special modules purchased, installed,
and configured for applications that will be running during backup. In addition, backup operators require security
rights for everything. The backup software often needs maintenance when security rights are modified or applications
are added or deleted. Even after a backup system is properly set up, the administrator needs to review backup logs to
ensure that the essential files aren't skipped because somebody in shipping left an order screen open before heading to
Happy Hour.
Complex Recovery
Restoring a system can be a challenge as well. A disaster recovery can involve re-installing the underlying operating
system; recreating user security profiles; re-installing the backup software; and, finally, restoring the application files.
During this process the administrator is praying that the customer transactions weren't skipped because of that clown
in shipping or a key directory from the new SQL manager wasn't omitted from the inclusion list.
File Follies
Pulling individual files isn't necessarily a walk in the park either. Backup programs use a proprietary tape format.
Browsing for a file or opening a tape-based file just isn't possible. In the past, a user could tell an administrator the
name of an archived file to be restored. Today, a user document may be dynamically linked to dozens of files in
elaborate directory trees (restored any Web pages or Active X documents lately?).
The Trouble with Files
The problems with current backup systems are essentially problems with files. Backups based on files run under
server control. The file server controls security, access, and processing of files. Since files require special handling in
order to be shared, special software is required for open files. Since files are protected by security systems, backup
software must have complete administrator access to the file system. Should a server fail, the server, backup software,
and basic security must be recreated before component files can be restored. Backup software files are recorded in
proprietary formats that only the creating software can decipher; hence, individual file recovery must be via backup
software only.
Resourceful administrators and enterprising vendors have developed solutions to these problems. These solutions,
however, are sometimes expensive, usually complicated, and almost never transparent to the network users.
The Image Approach
SnapBack Exact takes a completely different approach to the backup process. Rather than going through the server
file system to access server data, a full binary data image is copied directly from disk to tape.
Absolute Backup
The SnapBack backup image contains everything on the server drives: the entire operating system, special server files,
patches, updates – EVERYTHING. Problems with missing open files, separate restoration of security and the
operating system, and re-installation of the backup software are solved completely.
Manymanuals.com
Manymanuals.de
Manymanuals.fr
Manymanuals.it
Manymanuals.pl
Manymanuals.cz
Manymanuals.es
Manymanuals-pt.com
Comments to this Manuals