File to tape backup limitation...

[EBoucq]

Hi,

I'm asked by one of my customers to do file to tape backup of a VM...that is a replica...
In my option it's not possible....unless I script a power on of the machine, run the backup and power off the VM.

Am I missing something ?


Thanks.
Eric

[foggy]

Eric, am I getting your right, you need to backup files from this VM guest OS to tape?

[EBoucq]

Hi Alexander,

Exactly. I need to backup vm guest files (file server) on tape...As the VM isn't on the same site as the tape device, I set up a replication. And that's the replica I'm asked to backup...

[foggy]

Not an ideal setup, of course. However, should work if you start the VM prior to backup and keep in mind that the original VM is also running (to avoid conflicts). Any chance you can backup the entire VM to tape instead? Easier setup, however longer FLR.

[EBoucq]

How can you backup the entire VM to tape ? I thought you could only backup files or backup files to tape ?!

[foggy]

I meant backup replica VM to disk first and then its backup to tape.

[EBoucq]

Unfortunately, this isn't an option because the VM is huge (8 TB !)..In case I need to restore one file, I'd have to first restore 8 TB of backup files to disk....

[foggy]

At least tape is your last resort, since you most likely have local backups for operational restores.

[EBoucq]

Thanks for your answers.