Backing up Storage Replica Targets

[ekisner]

Question.. can I run backups of a storage replica target?

I'm evaluating implementing failover clusters for my file servers with cluster shared volumes, which of course cannot be backed up. But I can use MS SR to push block level changes to a target directly at the CoLo. And then back up the VM to provide historical recovery options. Right?

I do see it's possible in the latest builds of Windows to mount read-only copies of the volumes which is why it feels like it should be possible. While it wouldn't be ideal, I'd be okay with a pre-script that uses invoke-command to mount the volume and a post-script to dismount it.

[foggy]

To back up these VMs, you would need to register them on some host first.

[ekisner]

They would be registered/running on a host already?

Dedicated VMs with oodles of disk space at the CoLo, taking storage replica data from an FCI in production. Backups then run on the dedicated VMs using typical VMDKs.

[foggy]

Then, in theory, this should work.

[nmdange]

Something you should be aware of, CSVs are for Hyper-V/SQL application data only. They are not for general purpose file servers. You should be doing a standard Active/Passive failover cluster for your file servers. http://www.aidanfinn.com/?p=12786