Data backup and archiving

Requirements for using the software

With a central backup/archive service, the University Computer Centre wants to provide a convenient way to back up important data via the campus network. However, for financial and capacity reasons, only the most urgent needs can be met, i.e. each department should be given the opportunity to use the service.

To this end, it is necessary to equip a computer (e.g. the departmental file server) with the appropriate software so that it can act as an interface to the backup/archive server. The software, known as Spectrum Protect Client, is available for all common operating systems.

Client data is backed up daily at night, i.e. the backup is initiated by the server. For this purpose, a service must be installed on the client machine. This is part of the software but must be started separately or should be enabled automatically when the system starts up.

Storage

Due to the possibility of also backing up network directories via this computer, a thorough data and network analysis should be carried out for the relevant application in order to be able to back up and, of course, restore data quickly and efficiently. It is advisable to only back up important data.

With regard to data storage, it should be noted that up to three versions of a file with the same name are backed up. The most recently backed up file is called the ‘active’ file, and the other two files, if any, are called the ‘inactive’ files. These are stored for 30 days. For the active file, the retention period only begins when it has been deleted from the client computer. This period is 90 days by default. Only then is the file irrevocably deleted from the Spectrum Protect server.

If data is to be archived (longer-term storage), different rules apply. This request must be reported separately to the IT Services department.

Requesting a client setup

In order to be able to perform data backups with the available resources, the IT Services department must first be notified of the intention to do so via the Backup Service. This is particularly important so that the requesting party can be assigned a client licence for the Spectrum Protect software used. In addition, each backup client must be set up on the Spectrum Protect server to enable an authorised connection between the two.

Any necessary coordination between the IT Services department and the person responsible at the chair/institution should be carried out by email.

Obtaining the software

The platform-specific, ready-to-install Spectrum Protect Backup/Archive client software can be obtained from the following manufacturer link: IBM

In general, the latest client version should be used, although this will not always be possible for all operating system versions, i.e. under certain conditions, older release versions must be used.

Note:

After clicking on the manufacturer link above, first select the version (currently v8r1), then your operating system (e.g. Linux) and then the processor architecture (e.g. LinuxX86).

For some architectures, you must also select the ‘BA’ directory.

[Please note: Linux systems are divided into Debian-based (with the suffix _DEB) and Red Hat-based systems (without suffix).]

Here you will find a list of operating systems currently supported by IBM.

Licence terms

The licence terms for using the Spectrum Protect client software apply as printed in the original licence agreements for proof of use.