A dataset is a collection of storage sets. SnapManager integrates with datasets and SnapVault to archive these storage sets to secondary storage. By replicating Snapshot copies of the storage sets to secondary storage, SnapVault provides you with a centralized disk-based backup solution.
The dataset being a data management concept introduced in Protection Manager includes the backup copies and replica of the primary data and configuration information, along with data protection policies that determine how the data is protected. Datasets enable you to keep backup online for faster restore.
The following capabilities of Protection Manager make it a good option for integration with SnapManager:
- Automatic setting up of SnapVault relationships and complex replication topologies with resource pools
- Monitoring of data transfer
- Management of remote backup retentions
If Protection Manager is available and SnapDrive is configured for DataFabric Manager, SnapManager automatically becomes aware of the dataset. If Protection Manager is not available, SnapDrive informs SnapManager of its unavailability. SnapManager continues in normal mode, and does not support remote backup operations.
Protection Manager integration can be enabled without reinstalling SnapManager for Exchange anytime by rerunning the SnapManager Configuration wizard. However, you must first ensure that you have configured Snapdrive for Protection Manager integration. If you have not already done so, you can set up Snapdrive Protection Manager integration with the sdcli command, and then restart the SnapDrive service, or by rerunning the SnapDrive setup. ( Refer to the SnapDrive Help for more information on Protection Manager integration.)
Dataset policies
Dataset policies control the protection of data in datasets. A policy defines characteristics such as the replication topology, backup retention, replication lag, and throttle.
Remote backup retention policies control the backup copies that are created at the remote site. The remote backup retention policies are controlled by Protection Manager, not SnapManager.
Datasets associate the LUNs that are used by an Exchange server to the related set of protection policies. The LUN association with the policies enables the administrator to protect the data through remote backup copy and to relate to the corresponding resource pool.
