Dataset configuration

A storage set grouped with its configuration information makes a data set. Data sets associate the LUNs used by an Exchange server to the related set of protection policies. This enables the administrator to protect the data through remote backup and relate to the corresponding resource pool. One data set is created for each Exchange server on the server host.

You can create and configure datasets when you run the SnapManager Configuration wizard for the first time on a system with Protection Manager installed. If you upgrade SnapManager from an earlier version, re-run the Configuration wizard to configure a dataset.

You cannot configure datasets through the Database Availability Group (DAG). You can configure datasets on all member servers of the DAG. You must enable the dataset option on a member server during SnapDrive for Windows installation to create a dataset on that server.

You cannot change the names of the datasets. The following is the example for the naming convention for a dataset:

SnapMgr_Exchange_exchange1

For a server running on Microsoft Clustered Server, a virtual server is used to name the dataset. In the case of Continuous Cluster Replica (CCR) configuration, the Exchange server name is used along with the name of the node.

Dataset member information is a list of drive letters and mountpoints related to SnapManager. The information is stored and tracked by Protection Manager, and its information is retained even after SnapDrive is uninstalled. The member information is retained on all cluster nodes.

If you are using Microsoft Exchange 2003 or 2007, you can view the current dataset status for your server by selecting the server and then selecting Backup in the Scope pane. SnapManager gives you the dataset description and status, the protection policy description, the protection status, the conformance status, and lists the dataset members in the Results pane.

You can also view the dataset status from the Microsoft Management Console. When you click SnapManager for Exchange, you can see a list of servers. If datasets are configured for a server, MMC displays the dataset status. If datasets are not configured, the message Dataset not configured is displayed.

• Creating a dataset using SnapManager
  When you run the Configuration wizard for the first time with Protection Manager configured, SnapManager creates a dataset for each server internally that you configure with SnapManager using the Configuration wizard.
• Editing a dataset using Protection Manager
  It is mandatory that you use Protection Manager to add individual physical resources to the dataset (that you created with Protection Manager) after you run the SnapManager Configuration wizard. Only after adding resources you can start archiving the database. SnapManager cannot associate a resource pool to the dataset.
• SnapVault relationships
  After you create the dataset, determine its policies, and add secondary resource pools to the dataset, Protection Manager creates SnapVault relationships for archiving. You cannot restore a remote backup if you change or modify the SnapVault relationship.