DataDomain and NetBackup, replace a DD using Collection Replication

Question

All, Our customer has a set of aging DD890's which we intend to replace with a set of DD9300 systems. Current situation: NetBackup 8.0, DDboost 3.3, DDos on D890 + DD9300 = 6.0.1.10 MFR is used to duplicate backup jobs. All necessary licenses. Our intention is to setup Collection replication between a DD890 and a DD9300 to create an image copy of the data. Once the initial sync is complete, we shutdown the NetBackup Media Server(s), do a final sync and break the replication. Next step is to update the DNS (Forward and Reverse records), so the DNS entry points to the (Data) IP address of the DD9300. By doing this, we do not need to do any form of re-configuration in NetBackup. Questions: Will NetBackup detect that there is now another DD unit?      The Storage Server in NBU is based on the DNS name and credentials      We only changed the IP address for the DNS record and credentials are identical in the old and new DD      (possibly also copies as part of the collection replication). Will NetBackup continue to work with the (replicated) data on the new DD?      One thing we try to avoid is a re-catalog of the data An alternative proposal is to make the DD9300's available in NetBackup. Next step is to write the backups with a retention < 60 days to the DD9300 and after the 60 days, use NBU duplication jobs to copy the remainder of the data (contained in an Mtree with Governance Retention set to infinit) Problem here is that this whole process will take 2-3 months whilst the maintenance contracts on the DD890 will expire in a few weeks, so wee seek a faster method.

Proact_Ruud · Answer

Jonathan,

Thanks for your answer.

To be sure, can you confirm that you indeed have used Collection Replication to replace a DD system with a newer/other DD system using NetBackup as your BU application?

Our customer is asking for a definite confirmation that this procedure can be used.

No reference at all can be found on the internet.

Met vriendelijke groeten / With kind regards,

Ruud Elshout • Proact Netherlands B.V.

Project Consultant

Tel. + 31 30 30 33 200 • Mobile: +31 6 29 60 0520 • Fax + 31 30 30 33 210

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jbrooksuk · Answer

Yes, I agree with your steps.

The user credentials will indeed be copied over (actually they will overwrite anything on the target) as part of collection replication.

The DNS record updates should be plenty to carry on without any issues to NBU, however, if you use ifgroups for DDBoost backups - these are related to IP, not hostnames - consider this in your configuration.

There is a KBA about LSU's not being seen after the cutover - which is not supposed to impact DDOS 6 but bear it in mind if you see these symptoms, since I've seen it on DDOS 5.7;

472484 : DDboost storage units that are being replicated using Mtree or Collection replication against a DDOS 5.5 target, are not being shown as a storage units on destination

https://support.emc.com/kb/472484

Regards,

Jonathan

jbrooksuk · Answer

Of course.

The intention of collection replication is to have a dedicated DD system in place and ready to be used in the case of a DR - fully in sync and ready to go.

Normally, it would be on an alternate site but it's generally much easier as will be your case when it's on the same site and you simply apply some resolution changes to it to continue with BAU.

Hope that helps, Jonathan

Data Domain

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