Configuring alternate client backup of RDMs
This topic applies to NetBackup for VMware and VMware raw device mapping mode (RDM).
This procedure highlights key points in creating a NetBackup alternate client backup of a disk array that is configured as an RDM. For broader details on disk array configuration, refer to the NetBackup Snapshot Client Administrator's Guide.
To create an alternate client policy for a disk array that is configured as an RDM
- Select a policy type that is appropriate for the OS of the virtual machine and for the type of data to back up.
Refer to the Policy configuration chapter of the NetBackup Snapshot Client Administrator's Guide.
- On the policy Attributes tab in the Administration Console, click Perform snapshot backups and Perform off-host backup.
The following is a detail from the Attributes tab.
- Select Alternate Client from the Use pull-down. Do not select VMware backup host.
In the Machine field, enter the name of the host that is configured as an off-host backup computer (the alternate client).
- Click Options.
- Select a snapshot method.
The VMware method does not apply to alternate client backup and is not available in the list.
Select a snapshot method that is appropriate for the volume or array. For example:
The HP_EVA_Snapclone method or other EVA method for an HP EVA array.
The EMC_CLARiiON_Snapview_Clone or other CLARiiON method for an EMC CLARiiON array.
FlashSnap.
For FlashSnap, the following must be installed: VxVM 3.2 or later for UNIX, VxVM 4.0 or later for Linux and AIX, or VxVM 3.1 or later for Windows. Also, volumes must be configured over the primary host's disks. The VxVM FlashSnap license must also be installed.
VSS (for Windows guest operating systems only).
The array may require additional OS and NetBackup configuration as described in the disk arrays chapter of the NetBackup Snapshot Client Administrator's Guide. The same guide contains more details on snapshot methods.
- If required by an array snapshot method that you selected in the previous step, specify the Snapshot Resources.
- In the policy's Clients list, select the virtual machine on which the array is configured as an RDM.
- In the policy's Backup Selections tab, specify the disk that you want to back up, or the files or volumes that reside on the disk.
