Extend the expiry date of a VM image

[Iwan_Tamimi]

Hi All,

We  backup our VMware VMs  to the DataDomain with the policy storage for 5 weeks. Then there is a request to extend it to 3 montsh.  What is the best way to do it?

1. Can we just use the bpexpdate command? Is it possible on the disk like DataDomain?
2. Tape out? By duplicating the image usig Vault to the tape with expired date 3 months? (Is it true also if we duplicate to the tape then we lost the capabilities to do GRT restore?)
3. Is there any better option?

We are using NetBackup v. 7.6.0.2

Thank you.

Iwan Tamimi

[Marianne · Accepted solution]

1. Yes. bpexpdate can be used.

2. No GRT restore from tape. If original copy on disk has expired, you cannot do GRT restore.

3. Duplicate back to disk when GRT restore is needed.
Use SLPs for backup and duplication. SLP allows for different retentions for backup and duplication.

*** EDIT ***

Small correction:

GRT backup for Exchange, Sharepoint, Active Directory needs to be on disk.

VMware backup allows for file-level (granular) recovery, but uses FlashBackup technology and not the GRT technology like the above agents.

This means that granular recovery for VMware backups can be done from tape or disk.

[Iwan_Tamimi]

Thanks you so much Marianne for the prompt and fast answer.

Regards,

Iwan

[Marianne]

Please see correction in my post above.