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9 Deploying Symantec Backup Exec 2014 with Dell PS Series Arrays | TR1057
Backup and recovery media: Backup media refers to the device that stores backed up data. Backup media
can be fixed, such as disk, or removable, such as tape. Symantec Backup Exec 2014 supports backup to
tape, as well as backup to disk, and PS Series arrays are ideally suited for disk backup media.
Traditionally, tape has been the backup media of choice, because tapes can be easily transported to a
separate facility for storage, and retrieved in the event of a disaster. However, disk backup media is
becoming more commonplace because it improves backup performance, provides online recovery
capabilities, and supports the use of advanced operations such as snapshot-based backups.
Backup to disk and restore from disk operations: In a backup to disk scenario, not only is the data backed
up and stored in a volume on a PS Series group, another volume on a PS Series group serves as the backup
media to enable disk-based backups. This document describes how use the Backup Exec Storage
Provisioning Option (SPO) to configure a virtual disk mapped to a PS Series volume; a quick way to create
backup media on a PS Series group.
Environments using Windows Server and the HIT kit can use the Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service
(VSS) to create snapshots of application data that is used as the source of a backup.
It is important that when performing virtual disk backups that a copy of data is stored away from primary
data. This can be accomplished by maintaining tape backups stored at a remote location, or by replicating
data to a remote location.
Backup to tape and restore from tape operations: Data stored in a PS Series volume can be backed up
using any of the traditional disk-to-tape (D2T) backup methods. Simply follow the Symantec Backup Exec
recommended procedures for your environment.
You can also backup to tape using VSS, by following the instructions in the backup-to-disk sections of this
report and selecting tape for the backup device (backup media).