HP StorageWorks P9000 Replication Manager Software 7.1 Configuration Guide (TB584-96022, May 2011)

3 Setting up Application Agent
This chapter describes the Replication Manager Application Agent, the system requirements it demands,
and how to install the software on backup servers and database servers.
About Application Agent
Application Agent extends the functionality of Replication Manager to include application awareness,
which allows application resources to be managed using the Replication Manager interface.
Specifically, Application Agent allows Replication Manager to create and restore replicas of MS
Exchange and SQL Server databases.
Application Agent is just one component of Replication Manager. By linking Application Agent with
DBMS products on application servers, the databases managed by the DBMSs can be backed up
and restored.
Application Agent internally manages the relationships between these backup objects and their
associated logical units within storage systems, the relationships between primary and secondary
volumes, and the backup history. Application Agent also provides information to Replication Manager
whenever necessary. The following describes how Application Agent controls other software
components.
• Application Agent pauses databases in storage systems to ensure reliable backup operations.
• Using P9000 RAID Manager, Application Agent backs up or restores volumes that have already
been operated on using the functions built into the storage systems.
• Application Agent operates in conjunction with other backup management products to perform
tape backup or restore operations.
TIP:
Application Agent utilizes a command line interface (CLI) to communicate with P9000 RAID Manager
and other backup management products. Such products must be installed before using Application
Agent.
Application Agent interacts with other software products in the following ways:
• Application Agent freezes file systems and databases on systems so that accurate backups can
be obtained.
• Using P9000 RAID Manager and the system's volume replication function, Application Agent can
back up and restore volumes.
Application Agent functions
The functions provided by Application Agent are described in this section.
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