More and more often, customers are looking for an almost 100% availability but are also looking for a Backup Solution on Power for System i.
- Of course, we all know 'Save while Active', but if there is a exclude read lock on an object, it will wait and at the end, if there is still a lock, it will bypass that object. The result of this is : no backup of that object.
- Another possibility is to use iASP with XSM (IBM PowerHA). However, customers who didn't want to migrate to iASP for any reason couldn't use this solution.
- A last solution is an Active-Active power Systemi Software replication like Quick-EDD/HA. This situation allows the customer to take a backup on the CBU after having suspended the replication. Once the Backup done, a resume of the replication is done. Often we hear the customer says that he isn't sure about the CBU content.
So what else could we propose ?
For those who are using IBM Vxxxx external Storage, there is a possibility with or without IBM Flash Copy Tools to minimise the downtime to a few minutes and Flash Copy the LUN's. These LUN's can then be used to make the Backup.
Flash Copy used in conjunction with Thin Provisioned LUN's allows you to minimise also the used Disk space and to free-up this space once the Backup is finished.
The process takes in charge the following aspects :
- Ethernet interfaces and TCP/IP addressing
- Startup depending on the LPAR name/number
- Backup with or without BRMS
- Automation of the full process with ssh to as well HMC as Vxxxx
- Logging
If interested or have questions regarding the practical aspects : d.simon@easi.net
We are proud to announce you that this concept is a practical added value of EASI for his Customers.
