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NDMP (Network Data Management Protocol) is an open protocol used to control data backup and recovery communications between primary and secondary storage in a heterogeneous network environment. NDMP specifies a common architecture for the backup of network file servers and enables the creation of a common agent that a centralized program can use to back up data on file servers running on different platforms. By separating the data path from the control path, NMDP minimizes demands on network resources. Backup operations can be performed locally (for example, directly between a file server and a tape drive) and yet managed by a centralized application. NDMP uses a common data format that is written to and read from the drivers for the various devices.
NDMP supports backup for network-attached storage (NAS) devices. NDMP addresses a problem caused by the particular nature of NAS devices. These devices are not connected to networks through a central server, so they must have their own operating systems. Because NAS devices are dedicated file servers, they aren't intended to host applications such as backup software agents and clients. As a consequence, administrators had to mount every NAS volume by either the Network File System (NFS) or Common Internet File System (CIFS) from a network server that did host a backup software agent. However, this cumbersome method led to an increase in network traffic and a resulting degradation of performance.
By defining a common agent to interface between any NAS device and any backup software program, NDMP minimizes demands on network resources, and enables localized backups and disaster recovery. The protocol is being further developed by the Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA) NDMP Working Group.
Last updated on: Aug 25, 2005
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