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Chapter 1. Introducing Tivoli Storage Manager

Tivoli Storage Manager provides automated, policy-based, distributed data and storage management for file servers and workstations in an enterprise network environment. The base functions provided by TSM include:

Backup and Restore:
The backup process creates a copy of file or application data that can be recovered if the original data is lost or destroyed. Unlike other backup applications, TSM implements a progressive backup methodology to move data quickly and reliably. Using progressive backup, the number of file versions maintained by TSM and the length of time they are retained can be specified by the storage administrator. Refer to Common Backup Methodologies for more information.

Backups can be scheduled, performed manually from the TSM client interface, or performed remotely using a Web-based interface.

The restore process transfers a backup data copy from TSM server-managed storage onto a designated machine.

Archive and Retrieval:
The archive process creates a copy of a file or a set of files and stores it as a unique object for a specified period of time. This function is useful for maintaining copies of vital records for historical purposes.

Like the backup process, the archive process can be scheduled, performed manually from the TSM client interface, or performed remotely using a Web-based interface.

The retrieval process transfers the archival data copy onto a designated machine.

Instant Archive and Rapid Recovery:
Tivoli Storage Manager allows for the creation of a complete set of client files, called a backup set, on the TSM server system using the most recent backup versions stored by the server. In a process called Instant Archive, a backup set is used to retain a snapshot of a client file system for a designated period of time. The Rapid Recovery process allow you to copy backup sets onto portable media for LAN-free recovery of a client system.

Tivoli Storage Manager also offers a number of separately licensed optional features. These include:

Disaster Recovery Manager:
Planning for disaster recovery involves implementing and automating the processes needed to recover from a major loss of enterprise infrastructure and data. These processes can include moving data to an offsite storage location, rebuilding the infrastructure, and reloading data as quickly as possible. Disaster Recovery Manager (DRM) facilitates the creation and testing of a disaster recovery plan by providing scripts and procedures for automating the restoration process. DRM also facilitates the tracking of media stored offsite.

Tivoli Space Manager:
This feature provides for the automatic and transparent movement of operational data from a client system to server-managed storage. This process, called Hierarchical Space Management (HSM), is implemented as a client installation and controlled by policy defined to the TSM server. HSM frees up space on a client machine by using distributed storage media as a virtual hard drive for that machine. Files are automatically moved and stored according to size, age, and usage. When a user accesses this data, it is dynamically and transparently restored to the client machine.


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