Configuration
The ARCA can be configured to backup multiple Windows 2000 and Windows 2003 Servers and their volumes or logical drives. There are no file or folder level exclusions because a snapshot of the entire volume is taken at the block level, capturing the actual 1's and 0's on the hard drive. In order to take advantage of the virtualization services the operating system drive must be selected. Additionally, the data backup can be scheduled to run during selected times and days of the week.
Incremental Forever Methodology
The Incremental Forever Methodology is similar to other incremental backup tactics where each incremental backup records all changes since the last backup. Where the ARCA’s technology differs is that only one full backup or base image is required. This greatly reduces the time it takes to perform backups as each Incremental Snapshot takes only seconds to complete.
Base Image
The base image is the first backup that occurs on the ARCA, which is a complete image of the volumes intended for backup. The base image serves as a starting point for all incremental snapshots. The incrementals collapse into the base image when a restoration is performed providing you with a complete image of the server from the selected point in time.
Incremental Snapshots
The Incremental Snapshots are the changes on the ARCA since the last snapshot. For example, the first Incremental will be all of the changes since the Base Image and the second Incremental will be all of the changes since the first Incremental. There are nearly 100 incrementals in a 24-hour period if the backup frequency is set to every 15 minutes.
Synthetic Incrementals
Synthetic Incrementals (SI) are the result of collapsing multiple Incremental Snapshots into a single file. The Daily Synthetic Incrementals are created at the end of the day or 24 hour period when all of the day’s Incrementals are collapsed leaving you with a single recovery point for that day.
The Synthetic Incrementals result in a complete archiving solution as each Daily SI is collapsed to create a Weekly SI, each Weekly SI is collapsed into a Monthly SI and finally each Monthly SI is collapsed into a Yearly SI. When recovery from a specific month or a year is needed, the ARCA can simply join together the necessary incrementals in a chain with the base image to create the desired point in time image. The entire joining process takes only few seconds to complete.
Recovery Options
Recovering files and folders is a simple process where the entire server is mounted as a volume on the ARCA. The files can then be copied to the destination server over the network. Through Operations IT partners, the ARCA can also be configured so files, folders, and Exchange mailboxes or messages can be restored.
Virtualization (Physical to Virtual)
The ARCA is capable of virtualizing failed servers while keeping the exact system state previous to the failure. This means there are no configurations necessary as the virtual server retains the same IP address and application state. Once virtualized, the server will resume the same backup schedule previous to the failure, giving you the same level of protection as if you were running the physical server.
Bare Metal Restore (Virtual to Physical Recovery)
When it comes time to restore the temporary virtual server back to physical hardware, the ARCA is equipped to perform Bare Metal Restores to dissimilar hardware. Once the server image is loaded on the new server, the ARCA enables the manipulation of the Hardware Abstraction Layer by inserting new drivers for the new hardware.
Monitoring and Management
The Operations IT ARCA is monitored and managed 24x7 by our NOC Team. If an issue occurs during any process or with the hardware, the Operations IT NOC and your Operations IT partner are immediately notified so they can take corrective action. Not only do we monitor the entire solution, but we can also manage it by performing restorations and virtualization of servers as needed. Operations IT performs daily tests to verify the integrity of base images and Incremental Snapshots, and can work with your team to make sure any errors are quickly remediated.
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