Virtualization and Continuous Data Protection, Zero Downtime Backup

Previously, we have discussed about Traditional agent based backup in some detail. In this article, we will discuss on Continuous Data Protection, Consolidated Backup and Zero Downtime Backup used in Virtualization.

The characteristics of virtual systems in terms of data protection are just in the benefits of virtualization. The major problem in Virtualization is, the processor might already occupy even upto 90 percent working power, so barely a very small room is left for backups in the virtualization from the processor side, however, only 10-15 percent CPU is generally enough.

Most often the backup in Virtualization deployed system is run when the server has the least load, mostly at the night.

This makes Backup and Restoration system in Virtualization is a separate technical field.

Continuous Data Protection in Virtualization

Procedure of Continuous Data Protection in Virtualization approach almost has no similarity with Traditional Backup Methods. Contious Data Protection typically used hard drives as backup media. These can be connected over any IP routes. Mostly it is based are much shorter intervals. This can be hours or even shorter time intervals.
Apart from use of CDP in Virtualization, it can be used in physical environment as well.

Consolidated Backup in Virtualization

Consolidated Backup in Virtualization is provided by VMware. VMware has introduced a facility for backup, which solves many of the problems and shortcomings of the other methods. The procedure requires, however, that the data (vmdk) to a proxy server to be mounted (VCB Proxy).

Zero Downtime Backup in Virtualization

EVA storage systems by HP is an example of Zero Downtime Backup in Virtualization. ESX host from VMware is released by this process. To avoid overloading at this high frequency of the backup to the storage system in Virtualization, these snapshots are stored on secured VTLs.

This article ends the series on Backup methods used in systems running Virtualization.