1.2 IBM Tivoli Storage Manager (TSM) Backup and Archive Functions and Features

 IBM Tivoli Storage Manager offers Backup/Restore and Archive/Retrieve functions to protect the Client systems.

Backup and Restore Functions

Tivoli Storage Manager can create backups of both files and raw logical volumes. When backing up files, the Tivoli Storage Manager server database keeps a list of all files and their attributes: time, date, size, access control lists, and extended attributes. It treats raw logical volumes as separate entities, and the management class policy applies to the entire image. No tracking of individual files occurs in an image backup because it is treated as an object.

Backup: Creates a copy of a file to protect against the operational loss or destruction of that file. Customers control backups by defining the backup frequency and number of versions.

Restore: Places backup copies of files into a customer-designated system or workstation after the loss of a file. By default, the backup restores and replaces the most recent version of each active file that is requested.

Four levels of backup are available as follows:

• Byte level, small amounts of data, for example, on notebook computers.

• Block level, bigger amounts of data, between 40 KB and 2 MB.

• File level, normal files

• Image level, which includes file system and files

Tivoli Storage Manager uses progressive backup methodology, also known as incremental backups by default.

Progressive incremental backup Features:

• Backup of only new or changed files

• No redundant or full backups

• Tracks data at the file level

• Accurate restore of files to a point-in-time copy

• Requires less storage space compared to full backup

• Requires less network bandwidth

• Uses less time

• Shorter backup window time frames • Faster restores

Traditional backups of a weekly full backup, plus incremental backups require more time and space than the Tivoli Storage Manager’s incremental forever concept. TSM supports different kinds of backup methods/types such as Full, Incremental, Differential, Progressive Incremental, Adaptive subfile and Image backup etc 

Archive and Retrieve Functions

The Tivoli Storage Manager archive function stores selected files unconditionally on the server, according to the applicable management class limits. Unconditionally means no version limit, and the files are retained for the defined time period regardless of whether they are deleted on the client or not.

Archiving is useful when you want to store data that is infrequently accessed but must remain available. Also, it is common to have a legal requirement to archive business records for extended periods of time. Tivoli Storage Manager has the capability of archiving for 30 years.

Archive: Creates a copy of a file or set of files for vital record retention of data, such as patent information, financial information, or medical records. You control the length of time to keep an archive in storage by defining the retention period. With this feature, customers can keep unlimited archive copies of a file.

Retrieve: Users can copy an archive file from the storage pool to the workstation. The archive copy in the storage pool is unaffected.

Difference between Backup and Archive

• Backup copies files or directories from a client node to server storage. More than one backup version can exist in server storage, but only one backup version is the active version.

• Archive copies data or files to other storage media, usually for long-term storage or security. Only one version exists.

Storage media

Tivoli Storage Manager supports a variety of libraries and media type for copy storage pools, including the following types:

• Tape

• Disk

• CD-RW

• DVD-RAM

• File

• Virtual tape library (VTL)

Storage media can be disks and sequential media, such as optical and tape. Storage media is assigned to a storage pool, which is the data area on the Tivoli Storage Manager server that holds client backup-archive data.For sequential access storage, Tivoli Storage Manager supports device and media types. 

Storage pools contain backup files, archived files, and space-managed files. These storage pools are chained to create a storage hierarchy. The disk pool is typically first in the chain and generally followed by tape. This is called Storage hierarchy.

Disaster Recovery Manager (DRM)

The Tivoli Storage Manager disaster recover manager (DRM) function offers various options to configure, control, and automatically generate a disaster recovery plan. The plan contains the information, scripts, and procedures to automate restores and help ensure quick recovery of your data after a disaster. It also manages and tracks the media that your data is stored on, whether on-site, in transit, or in a vault. Your data can easily be found if disaster occurs. The scripts can help you document your basic information technology recovery strategy, the steps to rebuild your core systems, and the critical machines that you must recover.

With Disaster Recovery Manager, you can accomplish the following tasks:

• Prepare a Disaster Recovery Plan.

• Manage off-site volumes and track media. 

• Manage client data.

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