Backup
Backup |
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Implement Remote Storage should be implemented within a well-planned primary backup scheme. Remote Storage media are standard Microsoft Tape Format (MTF) tapes. MTF-compliant backup applications can catalog the tapes and restore migrated files from Remote Storage media.
Important
Do not confuse Remote Storage media with primary backup media or view Remote Storage as a substitute for primary backups. Remote Storage migrates data that is used infrequently. Busy data that needs to be restored immediately after a primary storage catastrophe, is less likely to be present on Remote Storage media.
Remote Storage enhances system usability by ensuring a steady supply of free space on file server volumes. It also enhances backup procedures because infrequently used data is no longer present on the volume, and this data doesn't need to be included in a full backup. It is not meant to protect data the way that backup applications do.
Where backup and Remote Storage share a single tape changer that only has one tape drive, backups of this type cannot be created because they would be contending for use of the single tape drive. Remote Storage uses Removable Storage to arbitrate its access to secondary storage. If Backup also uses Removable Storage, then under normal conditions the backup application and Remote Storage can share devices. However, Remote Storage recalls cannot preempt backup jobs, so it is necessary to ensure that backups do not cause recalls when only a single tape drive is available.
When writing to tape media, Remote Storage uses the MTF. When files cannot be recovered from regular backups, Backup uses MTF tapes to restore the Remote Storage data from the Remote Storage tapes.
For more information about Remote Storage, see "Data Storage and Management" in this book.