Configuring Off-host Backups Dell PowerVault DL Backup to Disk Appliance and Dell MD3000i Storage Arrays
Configuring Off-host Backups Current Situation Microsoft Exchange Server and SQL Server are mission-critical components in today’s business environment. IT administrators need to ensure that access to data and email communications for employees, customers, and partners is maintained 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How does Off-host Backup Work? Off-host backup minimizes the impact to the LAN by moving backup data across the SAN during the backup process.
3) The snapshot is mounted directly to the Backup Exec media server and the backup data flows directly across the SAN instead of the LAN. Solution Components PowerVault DL Backup to Disk Appliance powered by Symantec Backup Exec Dell has simplified the backup process by offering the only integrated hardware, software and services solution powered by Symantec Backup Exec.
extensive network interaction. The Remote Agent processes backup data into a continuous stream that the media server then processes as a single task. This method provides better data transfer rates over traditional technologies, which require multiple requests and acknowledgments between the media server and the remote server.
Note: Before continuing with the installation and setup of the DL Backup to Disk Appliance and MD3000i for offhost backups, refer to the Best Practices and Troubleshooting section located at the end of the document. Dell PowerVault MD3000i Storage Arrays The PowerVault MD3000i networked storage array leverages the modularity and availability of the PowerVault series to deliver an IP network storage solution that can consolidate up to 16 hosts.
Installing the Dell PowerVault MD3000i Storage Software on the Backup Exec Media Server This process assumes that the Dell PowerVault MD3000i array is setup and configured and the PowerVault DL Backup to Disk Appliance will be added to an existing installation. NOTE: Ensure the premium feature license for snapshots is installed. Please contact a Dell sales representative to purchase this feature if it’s not already installed. 1.
5. Verify the installation path and select Next to continue. 6. Select Host as the installation type and select Next to continue. 7. The Pre-Installation Summary screen appears, showing the installation destination, the required disk space, and the available disk space. Select Install to continue. 8. When the installation completes, select Done to continue. 9. A screen appears asking if you want to restart the system now. Select No, I will restart the system myself. 10.
12. 13. 14. 15. Select Next to acknowledge the copyright statement. Accept the terms of the license agreement and click Next to continue. Verify the installation path and select Next to continue. The Pre-Installation Summary screen appears, showing the installation destination, the required disk space, and the available disk space. Select Install to continue. 16. When the installation completes, select Done to continue. 17. Restart the system.
6. Choose whether or not the host server will be part of a host server group that will share access to the same virtual disks as other host servers. The Backup Exec Media Server will need access to the snapshots of the protected server in order to backup those snapshots. Click Next to continue. 7. Click Finish to complete the setup. Configure the Media Server for access the array 1.
3. Click on Targets tab and click Refresh. If not already done so, this will populate the iSCSI targets that the media server can access. 4. If the volume requires CHAP credentials, click Advanced in the Log On to Target dialog box. Set the CHAP logon information check box and specify the CHAP user name and secret. The username must match an access control record for the volume.
• • • Agent for Windows Systems (if applicable) Exchange Agent (if applicable) SQL Agent (if applicable) NOTE: A remote agent is required for each remote system that is being protected. 3. Verify that the licensed options will be installed on the media server and click Next. 4. A summary of the agents and options to be installed is presented. Click Install to continue. 5. Once the installation has completed, click Finish to continue. 6.
7. Right click on Windows Remote Agents and select Add Remote Computer. Browse through either Active Directory Domains or Microsoft Windows Network to browse and find the remote computers to install the agents on. Make sure to select all of the systems that will be protected by Backup Exec. 8. Enter the Username, Password, and Domain information that has administrative rights on the target system and can be used to install the agent. Click Ok to continue. 9.
3. Next, select the destination for the backup. Select Device and Media and then select the destination from the Device drop down. 4. Select General to name the backup job and specify additional options. 5. Select Advanced Disk-based Backup and select the option Use offhost backup to move backup processing from remote computer to media server. Under snapshot provider, select Hardware – Use technology provided by the hardware manufacturer. Symantec Corporation World Headquarters 20330 Stevens Creek Blvd.
6. Perform this step if this is a backup of Microsoft Exchange. If this is not a backup of Microsoft Exchange, skip to step 8. Select Microsoft Exchange and verify that the option Use Backup Exec Granular Recovery Technology (GRT) to enable the restore of individual mailboxes, mail messages, and public folders from Information Store backups. Continue to Step 8. Symantec Corporation World Headquarters 20330 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014 USA +1 (408) 517 8000 / +1 (800) 721 3934 www.symantec.
7. Perform this step if this is a backup of Microsoft SQL. If this is not a backup of Microsoft SQL, skip to Step 8. Select Microsoft SQL and specify the backup options for the SQL backup. Continue to Step 8. 8. Click on Schedule and specify the scheduling options for the backup. Click Run Now to submit the backup job for processing. The backup job status can be monitored from the Job Status tab. Restoring Data 1. Select the Restore Tab and select New Restore Job.
2. Select the data that is to be restored. If you are restoring data to a file server, individual files and folders or complete volumes can be restored. If you are restoring data to an Exchange server, individual items can be restored such as mailboxes, messages, and public folders and the entire Information Store can be restored. If you are restoring data to a SQL server, select the SQL database for restoration. 3. Select General to name the backup job and specify additional options. 4.
5. Perform this step if this is a restore of Microsoft SQL. If this is not a restore of Microsoft SQL, skip to Step 6. Select Microsoft SQL to verify the restore options for the SQL data. Continue to Step 6. Symantec Corporation World Headquarters 20330 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014 USA +1 (408) 517 8000 / +1 (800) 721 3934 www.symantec.com © 2008 Symantec Corporation. All rights reserved.
6. Click on Schedule and specify the scheduling options for the restore. Click Run Now to submit the restore job for processing. The restore job status can be monitored from the Job Status tab. Conclusion Creating snapshots for off-host backup requires minimal overhead and does not interfere with normal system operations. As a result, administrators can schedule snapshots frequently, minimizing potential data loss during a disaster.
Best Practices and Troubleshooting • • • • • • • • • • • The off-hosts clients must be using Windows Server 2008 to perform off-hosts backups with the DL Backup to Disk Appliance. The Backup Exec Hardware Compatibility List contains the list of the supported software and hardware certified with this solution. (http://support.Veritas.com/menu_ddProduct_BEWNT_view_CL.htm). Check the HCL to verify that all components are certified and supported.
