Access "Why recursive VSS is good for backing up virtualized Windows Servers"
This article is part of the Vol. 11 Num. 4 June 2012 issue of Beyond the hype of object-based storage
Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) can back up Windows-based virtual servers while ensuring data is application-consistent. In a world where server virtualization is a “when” and not an “if,” it’s important to understand how backup strategies might change when moving from OS-centric (guest-level) backups to host-based (hypervisor) protection. More importantly, not all host-based backup methods are the same, particularly when it comes to transactional apps such as Microsoft SQL Server or Exchange. According to Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG) Research, 46% of all IT environments are still running guest-based backups for their virtualized servers. And even with all the host-based and array-based approaches, it’s still the primary means of protection for 20% of them. Why? I haven’t met too many folks who inherently want to deploy and manage backup agents within each virtual machine (VM), but they often feel forced to do so. For most, the reason appears to be application-specific issues. For instance, a database like SQL Server needs to be ... Access >>>
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Features
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Inside object-based storage
by Jacob N. Gsoedl, Contributor
Web 2.0 applications and cloud storage have shown that object-based storage offers unrivaled scalability and is also ideal for use with distributed applications.
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NetBackup, Avamar top choices for backup apps again
by Rich Castagna
Both of last year's top Quality Awards backup applications keep up their winning ways with repeat victories over an expanding field of backup and recovery apps.
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Inside object-based storage
by Jacob N. Gsoedl, Contributor
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Configuring storage for virtual desktops
by Chris Evans, Contributor
The goals of most desktop virtualization projects are reduced costs and efficient support operations, but building a storage infrastructure for virtual desktops has its challenges.
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VM backup: almost too easy
by Rich Castagna
Almost all the respondents to our latest survey have virtualized some or all of their servers, and consider backup a piece of cake. What other VM backup myths did they debunk?
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Configuring storage for virtual desktops
by Chris Evans, Contributor
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Columns
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Cloud storage’s missing link: Editorial
by Rich Castagna
Cloud storage is inevitable -- even the skeptics agree -- but the best route to the cloud will be through the data center. Get Rich Castagna's take on the subject.
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A healthier diet for disaster recovery
by Jon William Toigo
Some upfront planning and a handful of non-proprietary products can make disaster recovery a whole lot easier.
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Why recursive VSS is good for backing up virtualized Windows Servers
by Jason Buffington
Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) can back up Windows-based virtual servers while ensuring data is application-consistent.
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How convergence can make your storage more valuable
by Jeff Boles, Contributor
The term “convergence” may have been overused by IT marketers, but it’s an important concept that should represent an ongoing design principle and can maximize storage investments.
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Cloud storage’s missing link: Editorial
by Rich Castagna
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