status of software vss in hyper-v 2012R2

[mrt]

In the v7 manual we see this:

(For Microsoft Windows 2008 R2) Software providers are not suitable for backup on Cluster
Shared Volumes (CSVs), because a significant backup window is required to back up VMs that
reside on the same volume but are registered on different hosts. When a cluster node initiates
a snapshot on a CSV, the CSV is switched to the Backup in Progress, Redirected Access mode.

Does the same hold true for Server 2012 R2 CSV's? Unfortunately Hardware VSS is not an option for us. Thanks

[veremin]

There were some Enhancements over CSV Backup and Restore functionality in 2012 release, such as Direct IO mode for software snapshots of the CSV – when there is no hardware VSS provider, etc. So, you might want to test this combination (backup software/software provider) and see whether it meets your requirements.

Thanks.

[foggy]

Unfortunately Hardware VSS is not an option for us.

Could you please elaborate on this? Is this because of the local storage or storage that has no hardware provider available? Note, that in case of local storage you still can use Microsoft VSS Hardware Provider to create and manage volume shadow copies.

[mrt]

we have hp eva fiberchannel storage arrays and to license hardware vss on them is quite pricey.
thanks for the suggestion; I might pursue it if the 2012 R2 CSV enhancements are insufficient.

[foggy]

Got it. It would be great if you could share your findings here.