Deploying Symantec Backup Exec 2014 with Dell PS Series Arrays Configuration and management recommendations and best practices Dell Engineering May 2015 A Dell Best Practices Guide
Revisions Report Date Description 1.0 January 2011 Initial release 2.0 May 2015 Updated with support for Backup Exec 2014 Acknowledgements Authored by: Daniel J. Curran THIS WHITE PAPER IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, AND MAY CONTAIN TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS AND TECHNICAL INACCURACIES. THE CONTENT IS PROVIDED AS IS, WITHOUT EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND. © 2011 - 2015 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. Dell, the DELL logo, and the DELL badge are trademarks of Dell Inc.
Table of contents Revisions ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 2 Acknowledgements .......................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Preface ..............................................................................................
B.6 C 4 Making a PS Series volume available to Windows...................................................................................................68 Additional resources................................................................................................................................................................ 73 C.1 Technical support and customer service ................................................................................................................. 73 C.
Preface Dell™ PS Series arrays optimize resources by automating performance and network load balancing. Additionally, PS Series arrays offer all-inclusive array management software, host software, and firmware updates at no additional cost. Audience The information in this guide is intended for technology professionals interested in using Dell PS Series storage in a Microsoft® Windows® environment.
1 Introduction to Symantec Backup Exec 2014 and PS Series storage This document describes how to use Symantec Backup Exec 2014 for Windows Server® with Dell PS Series storage arrays to back up and restore NTFS volumes, Microsoft Exchange® email, and Microsoft SharePoint® data. The procedures use Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS), the Dell Host Integration Tools (HIT) kit for Microsoft, and Symantec Backup Exec 2014 to create point-in-time copies of data called shadow copies or snapshots.
Key features for a PS Series SAN include: Easy setup Redundant, hot-swappable hardware Highly scalable, virtualized storage Integrated, self-managing software Automatic RAID configuration and management High-end features like snapshots and replication Auto-Stat Disk Monitoring System Automatic data and network I/O load balancing A PS Series volume is seen on the network as an iSCSI target and can be accessed by an iSCSI initiator installed on a host.
2 Common backup and recovery configurations Symantec Backup Exec 2014 can be used in a variety of backup and recovery configurations, including LAN backup and recovery, SAN backup and recovery, backup and recovery media, backup to disk and restore from disk operations, and backup to tape and restore from tape operations. LAN backup and recovery: A centralized backup server (Backup Exec server) runs the backup software and backs up other servers (backup clients) by using software agents.
Backup and recovery media: Backup media refers to the device that stores backed up data. Backup media can be fixed, such as disk, or removable, such as tape. Symantec Backup Exec 2014 supports backup to tape, as well as backup to disk, and PS Series arrays are ideally suited for disk backup media. Traditionally, tape has been the backup media of choice, because tapes can be easily transported to a separate facility for storage, and retrieved in the event of a disaster.
2.1 VSS snapshots and backup Snapshots (also called shadow copies) are point-in-time copies of data. A snapshot enables you to quickly copy data at the disk volume level. This volume copy can then be used as the source for backup operations. Snapshot creation does not disrupt access to the volume. The copy is created, typically in a few seconds, and maintained in disk storage (for example, in a PS Series group), providing high performance and low space utilization.
Figure 2 VSS framework 1. VSS writer integrated with the application, which prepares the application for the backup or restore operation. 2. VSS requestor is usually a backup application that requests the creation of shadow copies and provides an interface for backing up and restoring data. Backup Exec functions as a requestor. 3. VSS provider is installed with HIT for Microsoft and interacts directly with the PS Series group.
Local hardware-based VSS snapshots: The backup application requests that the storage hardware create and store the snapshot of a backup client volume. Then, the backup client mounts the snapshot, and the backup server backs up the snapshot. Local snapshot operations typically work as shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 Local snapshot operations. 1.
Transportable (offhost) hardware-based VSS snapshots: The backup application requests that the storage hardware create and store the snapshot of a backup client’s volume. Then, the backup server mounts the snapshot and backs up the snapshot. This moves (offloads) backup processing from the backup client and moves it to the backup server (offhost). Transportable (offhost) snapshot operations typically work as shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 VSS Transportable snapshot operations 1.
3 Exchange backup levels Symantec Backup Exec 2014 supports many levels of backup for Microsoft Exchange 2010 and 2013. Two of the basics are: Individual databases network backup / database availability groups (DAG) network backup. Snapshot and offhost backups of DAG or individual database(s). The backup software gives you the option of backing up each Exchange mailbox database or complete Information Store to backup media. Note: Each backup level has its advantages and disadvantages.
4 SharePoint backup levels Symantec Backup Exec 2014 supports many levels of backup for Microsoft SharePoint 2010 and 2013. A few of these are: Web applications and their associated databases Sites and subsites. Individual objects and their versions can be restored from full database backups Individual documents and any pictures that are contained in libraries Configuration databases that contain all of the configuration information for the entire SharePoint Server farm.
5 Symantec application agents, and ADBO Backup Exec 2014 includes agents for backing up a number of database applications, including Microsoft Exchange, and SharePoint/SQL Server. For transportable snapshots, Backup Exec 2014 supports the Advanced Disk-based Backup Option (ADBO). ADBO allows offhost backup using PS Series arrays with Backup Exec 2014 for Windows Servers on the Backup Exec server (also known as the backup server) that is doing the backup.
See PS Series group requirements in this document for more information. If your SAN is composed of multiple PS Series arrays, consider creating multiple pools of storage and segregating application data storage from backup data storage. See the PS Series Firmware Group Administration manual for more information. For more information on Dell Host Integration Tools for Microsoft, please refer to the Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools/Microsoft Edition - Installation and User's Guide – Version 4.7.
5.3 PS Series group requirements PS Series group requirements are as follows: One or more backup client volumes that will contain the data to be backed up Be sure to reserve snapshot space for each volume. For each backup client volume, create one or more access control records to allow the backup client access to the volume. If you will be creating transportable snapshots, you must also create one or more access control records to allow the backup server snapshot-only access to these volumes.
Note: The backup server can also act as a backup client when backing up its own data. See the Symantec Backup Exec 2014 documentation for detailed information about backup server and backup client hardware and software requirements.
Figure 5 Persistently connect the server to the volume Figure 6 Set up redundant paths between server and storage Deploying Symantec Backup Exec 2014 with Dell PS Series Arrays | TR1057
Figure 7 Initialize and format the new disk Figure 8 New volume Deploying Symantec Backup Exec 2014 with Dell PS Series Arrays | TR1057
5.5 Backup client requirements Each backup client (or remote server) requires the following: Microsoft Windows Server 2012 with latest Hotfix and service pack Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 with latest Hotfix and service pack (only for Exchange install) Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013 with latest Hotfix and service pack (only for SharePoint install) Microsoft SQL Server 2012 with latest Hotfix and service pack (only for SQL install).
6 Launching the Backup Administration Console The Symantec Backup Administration Console is run on the backup server and is used to identify backup devices, configure backup and restore jobs, monitor job progress, and restore data. To launch the Administration Console on the backup server, click: Start > Backup Exec 2014, or right-click and add shortcut to task bar, then click shortcut. The Backup Exec Administration Console appears (Figure 9).
7 Creating disk backup media To perform a disk-to-disk backup or a disk-to-disk-to-tape backup, you must configure the backup volumes you set up in PS Series group requirements as disk backup media. Backup Exec allows you to backup data to a virtual disk which maps to a PS Series volume. Alternately, you can set up a device pool, which is a group of storage devices (for example, virtual disks) that can be used as disk backup media. To create disk backup media, follow these steps on the backup server: 1.
After you create and configure a virtual disk, it will appear online under the Storage Tab. Repeat this step as needed to create another virtual disk from another backup volume you created. 3. To create an optional storage device pool, under the Storage tab, click Configure Storage. 4. The type of storage dialog box (Figure 11) appears. Select Storage Pools. Then click Next. The type of pool will be displayed. Select Storage device pool, then click Next (Figure 12).
5. Enter a name and description to use for the storage device pool. Figure 13 shows a storage device pool named storage device pool 0001. Click Next. Figure 13 Storage pool name 6. Enter the type of storage device to create. Select Disk storage and click Next (Figure 14).
7. Choose the storage device(s) to add to the storage device pool, then click Next (Figure 15). Figure 15 Add devices 8. The Storage configuration summary is displayed (Figure 16). Review then click Finish.
9. When you are returned to Storage, All Storage, a new All Storage Pools group is displayed with the new Storage device pool 0001 listed (Figure 17).
8 Creating an off-host backup job for NTFS volume(s) To back up an NTFS volume to disk using VSS, follow these steps on the backup server: 1. In the Backup Exec tool bar, click the Backup and Restore tab, and then in the selection pane, right click the server to backup and choose Backup to Disk (Figure 18).
Figure 19 Backup Definition Properties – device and media Figure 20 Backup Selections window Deploying Symantec Backup Exec 2014 with Dell PS Series Arrays | TR1057
3. On the Backup Definition Properties page in the right-most panel, click Edit (Figure 19). This job used a full backup job; select Create without schedule in the Full job template, and click the x beside the Incremental job template to delete it (Figure 21). Specify the backup storage for the objects you selected in step 2.
4. To create transportable snapshots, use the Advanced Disk-based Backup option in the left-most panel of the Backup Options window. The Backup Options – Advanced Disk-based Backup window (Figure 23) appears. Select Use offhost backup to move backup processing from remote computer to Backup Exec server. It is recommended to select Fail the backup job if selections do not support offhost backups.
5. To start the backup job immediately from the Job Monitor > Jobs section, right click the job and select Run Now. Alternately, you can schedule the job, from the Job Monitor > Jobs section, right click the job and select Edit. In the Backup Definition Properties page in the right-most panel, click Edit.
7. Monitor the backup job. You can monitor both running and scheduled jobs. In the Backup Exec tool bar, click the Job Monitor tab. The Backup Job Monitoring and Status window (Figure 26) appears. Figure 26 Job Monitor 8. To get the status of jobs, right-click a job in the Job History panel and then select view job log. Click the Job History tab (Figure 27) and then click Expand All, scroll down to review history of the selected job.
Figure 28 35 Job Log – Symantec ADBO with VSS and Auto-Snapshot Manager Deploying Symantec Backup Exec 2014 with Dell PS Series Arrays | TR1057
9 Creating an off-host backup job for Microsoft Exchange 2013 Follow Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 installation instructions to install the application and configure it to use the PS Series volumes that will be backed up. For more information, see the document, Deploying Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 with Dell EqualLogic PS Series Arrays . Before proceeding with this section, read “Snapshot and offhost backups with the Exchange Agent” in the Symantec Backup Exec 2014 Administrator’s Guide.
3. In the Backup Selections window (Figure 30), under the Exchange DAG01, expand Microsoft Information Store, select the database(s) you want to back up, then click OK. Figure 30 Backup Selections – selecting Exchange database(s) 4. On the Backup Definition Properties page in the right-most panel and to the right of Add Stage, click Edit (Figure 29). 5. For this example job, use a full backup job.
correctly picked the EqualLogic hardware provider. You can also choose the hardware provider as shown in Figure 32. Figure 32 Backup job properties - Advanced Open File options 9. Specify the Exchange options. In the left-most panel of the Backup Options window, select Microsoft Exchange. The Backup Options > Microsoft Exchange options window appears. 10. Choose the desired options (Figure 33), click OK, and then click OK again to finish. This job will be listed in Jobs under the Job Monitor tab.
12. Select Run according to schedule to display the Backup Job Scheduling dialog box where you can set the options for the backup schedule. Click OK to create and activate the schedule. Click Edit Schedule Details if you need to make further changes to the schedule. 13. You can monitor both running and scheduled jobs. In the Backup Exec toolbar, click Job Monitor to open the Backup Job Monitoring and Status window (Figure 34). Figure 34 Monitor both running and scheduled jobs 14.
15. Click the Job History tab (Figure 36), click Expand All, and scroll down to review history of the selected job.
16. Click the Job Log tab, click Expand All, scroll down and locate the server name, and ensure that the job is using the Microsoft Shadow Copy Service and the EqualLogic VSS provider (Figure 37). Note: Figure 37 shows that Backup Exec (VSS Requester) told the PS Series group (VSS Provider) to create snapshots of the Exchange data. Next, Backup Exec connected to the volumes (mounted) so it could do the Full backup. It also shows that Backup Exec Granular Recovery Technology (GRT) option was used.
10 Creating a VSS backup job for Microsoft SharePoint 2013 Follow the Microsoft SharePoint 2013 installation instructions to install the application and configure it to use PS Series volumes. For more information, see the following document: Deploying SharePoint 2013 Using a Dell EqualLogic PS Series iSCSI SAN. Before proceeding with this section, review “Using Snapshot Technology with the SharePoint Agent” in the Symantec Backup Exec 2014 Administrator’s Guide.
3. The Backup Selections window appears (Figure 39). Under the SharePoint farm, expand the farm name, select or de-select the item to back up, and click OK. For this example, all farm content was backed up. Figure 39 Backup Selections – selecting SharePoint farm Note: You can enable the Backup Exec Granular Recovery Technology (GRT) option for backups of SharePoint resources. When you select the GRT option for a backup, Backup Exec collects additional information for the catalog.
Figure 40 Backup Options – Advanced Open File options 6. Specify the SharePoint options. In the left-most panel of the Backup Options window, under Settings, select Microsoft SharePoint. The Backup Options > Microsoft SharePoint options window shown in Figure 41 appears. For this example, Full backup was selected and the Granular Recovery Technology (GRT) option was checked. Figure 41 7.
8. You can monitor both running and scheduled jobs. In the Backup Exec toolbar, click Job Monitor. The Backup Job Monitoring and Status window appears. Right-click a backup job in the Current Jobs or Job History panel and select Properties to display the Job History window (Figure 42). Figure 42 Job History – completed SharePoint backup job 9. Click the Job Log tab, scroll down, and ensure that the job is using Granular Recovery Technology (GRT) (Figure 43).
11 Restoring NTFS files from an offhost backup To restore NTFS files from a backup, follow these steps on the backup server: 1. On the Backup and Restore tab, in the list of servers or on the Job Monitor tab, right-click a server that has been backed up and click Restore. 2. Follow the Restore Wizard to restore the data. In the left-most panel, select from the backup job selections by expanding the date and selecting the folders.
3. Select the restore destination. By default, the restore operation will restore to the original location of the files (Figure 45). Figure 45 Restore destination 4. Click Next as the wizard walks through the restored data security screen, operating features, and tasks to perform before and/or after the restore screen. On the final screen the wizard requests the job name and schedule. For this example, defaults on all screens were chosen, including the default name and Run now for the schedule.
12 Restoring Microsoft Exchange 2013 from an offhost backup With the Backup Exec 2014 Granular Recovery Technology (GRT) option for offhost backups of Exchange resources, you can restore individual mailboxes, mail messages, and public folders from Information Store or Storage Group backups. Before proceeding with this section, review the Symantec Backup Exec 2014 Administrator’s Guide. To restore an Exchange Information Store or mail items, follow these steps on the backup server: 1.
3. In the left-most panel of the next screen, select from the backup job selections by expanding the date and selecting the folders. From the right panel, navigate further to select the file(s) to restore (Figure 47) and click Next. Figure 47 Selecting the Exchange restore source 4. Select the restore destination from the Where do you want to restore the items screen. When restoring, there are a few options. The first option is the default and will restore to the original location.
8. You can monitor both running and scheduled jobs. In the Backup Exec toolbar, click Job Monitor. The Backup Job Monitoring and Status window appears. Right-click a backup job in the Current Jobs or Job History panel and select Properties to display the Job History window. Figure 48 Restore summary 9. Verify the restored Exchange items (Figure 49).
13 Restoring Microsoft SharePoint data from a VSS backup To restore Microsoft SharePoint data from a VSS backup, follow these steps on the backup server: 1. On the Backup and Restore tab, in the list of servers or on the Job Monitor tab, right-click a server (farm) that has been backed up and click Restore. 2. When the Restore Wizard screen appears, click Next. The next screen lists a choice of restore options (Figure 50). Because this example uses GRT in the backup, select SharePoint individual items.
3. In the left-most panel of the next screen, select from the backup job selections by expanding the date and selecting the folders. From the right panel, navigate to select the file(s) to restore (Figure 51) and click Next. Figure 51 Selecting SharePoint items to restore 4. On the Where do you want to restore the items? screen, select the restore destination. When restoring, you have a few options. The first option is the default and will restore to the original location.
7. On the final screen, the wizard requests the job name and schedule to use. This example used the defaults on all screens, including leaving the default name and using run now for the schedule. Click Next, then review the restore summary screen and click Finish (Figure 52). Figure 52 SharePoint restore summary 8. You can monitor both running and scheduled jobs. In the Backup Exec toolbar, click Job Monitor. The Backup Job Monitoring and Status window appears.
9. Verify the restored database (Figure 53).
14 Summary With Symantec Backup Exec 2014 and PS Series storage arrays from Dell, you can backup and restore local and remote NTFS volumes, Exchange email, and SharePoint data. In addition, the VSS capabilities of Backup Exec 2014 and the PS Series Host Integration Tools for Microsoft allows you to create an integrated, scalable, high-performing, and highly-reliable backup and recovery solution for Microsoft environments.
A Configuration details Table 1 Software and firmware used in this paper Vendor Model Software revision Microsoft Windows Server 2012 6.2.9200 Microsoft SQL Server 2012 11.0.3128.0 Microsoft SharePoint 2013 15.0.4420.1017 Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 15.0.712.24 Dell Host Integration Tools for Microsoft 4.7.1* Dell PS Series Firmware 7.0.3* * For a complete version support list see the Host Integration Tools for Microsoft release notes on http://eqlsupport.dell.
B Creating a volume in a PS Series group You can create volumes to access storage space in a pool, and modify volume size and attributes on demand. 1. In the lower-left pane of the Group Manager, click Volumes. 2. In the Activities pane, click Create Volume.
3. Specify the General properties and Storage pool assignment: a. Provide a Name and Description (optional) for the volume. b. Select the storage pool to be used for the volume. c. Click Next. Figure 55 Volume Settings – General properties 4. Specify Volume space and Snapshot space: a. In the Volume size field, enter the desired volume size. b. To optionally enable thin provisioning, select Thin provisioned volume. Use the sliders in the Reported volume size section to adjust settings.
Figure 56 Volume settings – Space PS Series groups use access control records to prevent unauthorized computer access to iSCSI targets (volumes or snapshots). To log in to a volume or snapshot, the server iSCSI initiator must comply with conditions specified in the access control record. For additional information on access control records, refer to the Dell EqualLogic Group Manager Administrator’s Manual at eqlsupport.dell.com (requires login). 5.
6. Specify one or more of the options listed in Table 2 and click Next. Table 2 Volume settings – iSCSI Access Option Description Authenticate using CHAP user name Restricts access to computers that supply the specified CHAP user name and its associated password (or secret). The credentials must match a local CHAP account or a CHAP account on an external RADIUS server. Limit access by IP address Restricts access to iSCSI initiators that match the specified IP address.
7. Review the summary and click Finish. Figure 58 Volume settings – Summary If you create a thin provisioned volume, you will be presented with a screen as shown in Figure 59, letting you know that snapshot space borrowing will be enabled unless you choose to un-check snapshot space borrowing. Click OK to finish.
B.1 Configuring CHAP 1. Access the Group Manager. 2. Click Group Configuration. 3. Click the iSCSI tab to manage CHAP accounts (Figure 60). Figure 60 Group Manager – CHAP configuration 4. Click to VDS/VSS tab to manage VDS and VSS access to the group. You must enable an existing CHAP user to access the PS Series group using VDS and VSS.
B.2 Host Integration Tools for Microsoft Host Integration Tools (HIT) for Microsoft simplify the configuration and administration of Dell PS Series storage arrays on Windows computers. For additional information on HIT for Microsoft, including operating system support and PS Series product compatibility, refer to the Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools for Microsoft Installation and User’s Guide at eqlsupport.dell.com (login required).
There are multiple methods that you can use to install HIT for Microsoft on a host, including through PowerShell and ASM/ME. For first-time installations, you are first required to perform a manual installation. After that, you can easily install HIT for Microsoft on any number of hosts using the remote installation process from the ASM/ME GUI or through PowerShell. B.3 Perform a manual installation of HIT for Microsoft 1. Download the Host Integration Tools for Microsoft at http://eqlsupport.dell.
5. To modify settings for a PS Series group, in the PS Group Access window, select the PS group and configure the following settings: a. VDS/VSS access: Specify VDS/VSS CHAP credentials b. Smart Copy access: Specify CHAP credentials c. PowerShell/SMP Access: i. Enter the PS group management IP address (this is the group IP address, unless the group has a management network configured). ii. Enter the PS group username and password. The user name can be an account configured on the group or a domain account.
B.5 Connecting to a PS Series volume from Windows The Microsoft iSCSI Initiator enables you to connect a Windows computer to PS Series iSCSI storage through the server network adapters. Connecting to volumes with the Microsoft iSCSI Initiator will cause iSCSI SAN disks to appear as if they are locally attached to the server. 1. Launch iSCSI Initiator from Windows. 2. In the Discovery tab, click Discover Portal (Figure 63). Figure 63 iSCSI Initiator Properties 3.
Figure 64 Discover Target Portal 4. Discover all volumes that the server has access to: a. Click the Targets tab, and then click Refresh. A list of discovered volumes is displayed (Figure 65). b. Click to select the desired volume and click Connect.
5. Connect to the target (Figure 66): a. To make the system automatically attempt to restore the connection to the volume upon reboot, click Add this connection to the list of Favorite Targets. b. Click Enable multi-path and click OK. Figure 66 B.6 Connect to iSCSI Target Making a PS Series volume available to Windows After you have connected to the iSCSI target, you can make the volume available to Windows so that it can be used to store data: 6.
7. To bring the new disk online, right-click the disk and select Bring Online (Figure 68). Figure 68 Bring Online 8. You must initialize a disk before Disk Manager can access it. Right-click the disk and select New Volume.
9. Select the disk and click Next. Figure 70 New Volume Wizard 10. Specify the volume size and click Next.
Optionally, assign a drive letter or path and click Next. Figure 72 Assign drive letter or path 11. Format the partition by specifying File System Settings > Allocation unit size and Volume label, and click Next.
12. Review the settings and click Create (Figure 74). Figure 74 Confirming selections in the New Volume Wizard The volume is now available to Windows and is ready to store data.
C Additional resources C.1 Technical support and customer service Offering online and telephone-based support and service options, Dell support service can answer your questions about PS Series arrays, groups, volumes, array software, and host software. Availability varies by country and product, and some services might not be available in your area. Visit Dell.com/support or call 800-945-3355 (United States and Canada). For international support of Dell PS Series products, visit http://www.dell.
C.4 Related documentation Table 4 lists the referenced or recommended publications related to this document. Table 4 74 Referenced or recommended documents Vendor Document Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v15.
