Traveling data during backup, Part II

Thanks for the question, Calvin.

Synchronization has nothing to do with formats. It has everything to do with data that is updated while the backup is running. Look in my book for information on hot backups and copy on write. The problem is that you need a consistent image of the data, not data that potentially represents two different versions. Big, busy systems have lots to back up and they typically have a lot of activity. There is a lot of detailed bookkeeping and synchronization of functions to make sure that the data being moved by a data mover is being protected by a host-based copy on write process.

As to vendors and comparisons: I try not to do this because as soon as I do, I'll be wrong. Talk to the different vendors and ask them specific questions about their backup products, including how they handle hot backups of live data for serverless backup.

It?'s the same thing for vendors of SAN products. You will need to find out from them what the status is of any data mover implementations.

Regards,
Marc

Editor's note: To check out Marc's answer that Calvin is referring to, go to http://www.searchStorage.com/ateQuestionNResponse/0,289625,sid5_cid416435_tax286191,00.html or to take a look at Marc's book go to http://www.digitalguru.com/DigitalGuru/product_detail.asp?catalog_name=Books&category_name=&product_id=0072130725&partner_id=69

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