Users Guide

Introduction to ASM/ME

Dell EqualLogic Auto-Snapshot Manager/Microsoft Edition (ASM/ME) enables you to create fast, space-efficient, point-in-time copies of

Dell EqualLogic volumes as part of a backup and recovery strategy for your data. You can quickly back up and restore Dell EqualLogic

volumes on multiple Windows machines, and manage multiple hosts from a single graphical user interface. ASM/ME is a component of the

Host Integration Tools, so it is installed when you install the Host Integration Tools.

For instructions on installing the Host Integration Tools, see the Host Integration Tools for Microsoft Installation and User’s Guide.

Topics:

• Functions Provided By ASM/ME

• ASM/ME and the Virtual Snapshot Service

Functions Provided By ASM/ME

You can use ASM/ME to perform backup and recovery operations in both standalone and cluster environments, including Hyper-V CSV-

enabled clusters. ASM/ME creates point-in-time, consistent copies (backups) of data stored on one or more PS Series groups. You can

back up a single volume, or an entire database consisting of multiple volumes. The resulting backup is called a Smart Copy.

A Smart Copy consists of the copy itself, and a backup document that describes the Smart Copy. If you configure your PS Series group

for replication, you can use ASM/ME to create a disaster-tolerant storage environment.

While you create Smart Copies, all applications remain online with little impact on performance and computer availability. The time required

for copying is minimized, and the data is always consistent and usable.

A Smart Copy can be one of three types—Snapshot, clone, or replica. After you have created a Smart Copy, you can restore it to recover

data at any time. The Smart Copies created by ASM/ME are application-consistent, which means that the Smart Copy is always usable by

Exchange, SQL Server, and Hyper-V after a restore operation.

You can use ASM/ME to create Smart Copies in the following ways:

• On Demand—You can select a volume, application component, or collection in the ASM/ME GUI and immediately create a Smart

Copy of it.

• Automated Schedule—You can select a volume, application component, or collection and then create a Smart Copy schedule for that

object. A schedule automates Smart Copy creation and allows you to control the timing, frequency, and number of retained copies.

• Scripts—You can use ASMCLI, the command-line interface for ASM/ME, to write scripts for creating Smart Copies.

While ASM/ME enhances and supplements your regular backup regimen by providing fast and efficient data recovery, it is not a

replacement for a regular and complete backup of your data to long-term media. You can use your backup software to transfer the data in

Smart Copies to long-term backup media. Because the applications in your production environment remain online during such transfers,

ASM/ME significantly reduces your planned computer downtime.

Supported Applications

ASM/ME supports these applications:

• Exchange Server

• SQL Server

• SharePoint

• Hyper-V

See the Host Integration Tools for Microsoft Release Notes for a list of supported versions.

HIT Groups and Multiple Machine Management

You can manage multiple hosts from a single instance of ASM/ME. A group of one or more hosts that you are managing from ASM/ME is

called a HIT Group. You can create a HIT Group on any machine that is running ASM/ME.

Introduction to ASM/ME 9