Backing up Microsoft Windows Server application data from Exchange Server, SQL Server and Hyper-V is one of the biggest challenges for storage administrators. When taking a snapshot, Windows Server applications need to be in a known state. Ensuring data consistency requires the applications to shut down prior to backup. If not, there is risk that during the snapshot process some data files may be skipped, causing information to be unrecoverable if a power outage occurs or disaster strikes.
By leveraging integration with Microsoft’s Volume Shadow Copy Shadow Service (VSS) Dell Compellent Replay Manager ensures data remains consistent even if Exchange, SQL or Hyper-V is running when the snapshot is captured. The application remains online during the snapshot process, but the application I/O is momentarily fenced for true point-in-time accuracy.
VSS coordinates the function and timing of the operating system, application and storage, enabling Data Instant Replay software to take snapshots without error, disruption or downtime. With Replay Manager, administrators can call upon VSS snapshots that are tabbed and cataloged for rapid and precise recovery to virtually any time.
Key Benefits
- Take time-consistent snapshots of application data in physical or virtualized server environments without disruption
- Protect Windows Server applications and virtual machines without full-volume clones or taking applications offline
- Prevent business-critical data from being corrupted or skipped during the backup and recovery process
- Recover application data in seconds to virtually any point in time by scheduling continuous space-efficient snapshots
