Using the Snapshot Feature
61
4
Using the Snapshot Feature
This chapter describes how the Snapshot feature works, lists the snapshot
script commands, and explains how to use the commands to create snapshot
virtual disks. Additional information about the Snapshot feature and related
definitions is available in the online help, the
Deployment Guide
, the
MD
Storage Manager online help
, and the
Owner’s Manual
.
The Snapshot feature creates a snapshot virtual disk that you can use as a
backup of your data. A snapshot virtual disk is a logical point-in-time image of a
standard virtual disk. Because it is not a physical copy, a snapshot virtual disk is
created more quickly than a physical copy and requires less physical disk space.
Typically, you create a snapshot virtual disk so that an application, such as a
backup application, can access the snapshot virtual disk. The application reads
the data while the source virtual disk remains online and user accessible. You
can also create several snapshot virtual disks of a source virtual disk and write
data to the snapshot virtual disks to perform testing and analysis.
NOTE:
If you ordered Premium Features for the Snapshot Virtual Disks, you would
have received a Premium Features Activation card shipped in the same box as your
Dell PowerVault MD storage array. Follow the directions on the card to obtain a key
file and to enable the feature. For more information, see "Premium Feature
—
Snapshot Virtual Disks" in the
Owner’s Manual
.
Snapshot virtual disks allow you to perform the following tasks:
• Create a complete image of the data on a source virtual disk at a particular
point in time.
• Use only a small amount of disk space.
• Provide quick, frequent, nondisruptive backups; or test new versions of a
database system without affecting actual data.
• Provide for snapshot virtual disks to be read, written, and copied.
• Use the same availability characteristics of the source virtual disk (such as
redundant array of independent disks (RAID) protection and redundant
path failover).
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Summary of Contents for PowerVault MD3200 Series
Page 1: ...Dell PowerVault Modular Disk Storage Arrays CLI Guide ...
Page 42: ...42 About the Script Commands ...
Page 263: ...Script Commands 263 ...
Page 269: ...268 Sample Script Files ...
Page 271: ...270 CLI Command Updates ...
Page 279: ...Index 278 ...