Pure Storage Snapshot to backup WSFC (with shared vmdk)

[Hoegimator]

Hi all

Backing up Windows Server Failover Cluster (WSFC) with shared VMDKs has always been challenging because vCenter snapshots cannot be used. I was considering leveraging the Pure Storage Snapshot functionality through its API integration for our WSFC backups.

Has anyone had experience using Pure Storage Snapshots for Windows Server Failover Cluster with shared VMDKs? Does it work effectively?

Thank you
Joerg

[david.domask]

Hi Joerg,

Just out of curiosity, have you considered Veeam Agent for Windows for protecting the failover cluster? The Veeam Agent for Windows has specific handling for clusters like this, and the restore narrative from agents is very similar to a snapshot based backup in VMware.

Consider this KB article on the configuration and considerations: https://www.veeam.com/kb2463

I'm not opposed to the idea of storage snapshots, but I think that you get some additional benefits with agents, not limited to just the mobility and redundancy within Veeam by using the agent based backup (which opens up easy paths to 3-2-1 with backup copy jobs and tape-out). I know similar things can be done with many storage snapshots, but now you're managing your recovery data via two means, so less of a strictly technical assessment and more of logistics assessment, but I think it's worth considering along with the technical aspects of storage snapshot vs image based backups.

[Hoegimator]

Hi David

Thank you for your curiosity , I am also considering using Veeam Agent for Windows, but two significant limitations are proving to be major obstacles.

1. Backup of CSV (Cluster Shared Volumes) is not supported. Cluster disks used as CSV are automatically excluded from backup.
2. Active Directory-Detached Clusters are not supported.

There are workarounds for the first one, but we have also two WSFC not AD Joined (in a special FW zone).