Management of data transfers
Managing data transfers using SnapVault for NetBackup includes scheduling backups, file naming, monitoring qtree status, checking the status of a data transfer, and viewing space savings.
- Scheduling backups
Data ONTAP manages all data transfers when responding to requests from the NetBackup interface. However, backup policies are scheduled using the NetBackup Administration Console. Policies are a set of rules that define backup criteria for a particular client or group of clients. For example, NetBackup policies control backup intervals, number of versions, and how long to retain a particular archive. For more information about backup policies, see the NetBackup documentation.
- Efficient backup schedule
Efficient backup schedules can help maximize the number of backups retained in the fewest number of archival Snapshot copies. In addition to planning each individual schedule, it is important to carefully synchronize backup schedules directed to the same volume. Coordinating schedules from different clients or policies to the same volume can improve overall space savings.
- How backups are stored in archival Snapshot copies
SnapVault for NetBackup uniquely identifies each backup based on the policy, client, and the time at which the backup was taken. Each backup for a specific client-policy pair is uniquely stored in a Snapshot copy referred to as an archival Snapshot copy.
- How to manage consumption of Snapshot copies
The maximum number of Snapshot copies allowed by Data ONTAP is 255 for a volume; however, the recommended maximum number of Snapshot copies available for backups is 250, because other Data ONTAP services require Snapshot copies. You can use different strategies to optimize consumption of Snapshot copies.
- How to coordinate schedules to optimize space savings
When directing backups from multiple policies to a single volume, you should make sure that these backups have similar backup frequency and retention periods. Even though backups expire based on their retention period, the space consumed by these backups in the Snapshot copy might not be released until all the other backups (from different policies) in the same Snapshot copy have expired.
- Concurrent transfer limits
Each model has a limit on the number of concurrent transfers for SnapVault for NetBackup.
- File system naming for SnapVault for NetBackup qtree images
SnapVault for NetBackup qtree images follow the default file system naming convention.
- Monitoring qtree status
To confirm that a destination qtree has been created on the storage system, use the qtree status command to display SnapVault for NetBackup volume status.
- Checking the status of a data transfer
To check the status of a data transfer, use the snapvault status command.
- Viewing space savings
You can monitor the space savings for each DSU using the snapvault status –b command.
