Alternate client backup of an RDM consists of the following:

• The RDM disk array contains the data to be backed up. Another host containing NetBackup client software and Snapshot Client software must have access to the disk array. This host is the alternate client. In this configuration, the virtual machine is called the primary client.

• A snapshot of the data is created on the disk array and is mounted on the alternate client. The alternate client creates a backup image from the snapshot, using original path names, and streams the image to the NetBackup media server.

• The alternate client handles the backup I/O processing; the backup has little or no effect on the virtual machine. The media server reads the snapshot data from the alternate client and writes the data to storage.

• The virtual machine and alternate client must be running the same operating system, volume manager, and file system. For each of these I/O system components, the alternate client must be at the same level as the primary client, or higher level.

  For complete requirements on alternate client backup, refer to the Policy configuration chapter of the NetBackup Snapshot Client Administrator's Guide.