Dynamic Computing Services Backup Solution. Whitepaper Stefan Ruckstuhl

Transcription

1 Dynamic Computing Services Backup Solution Whitepaper Stefan Ruckstuhl

2 Summary for decision-makers Content of this whitepaper A description of backup solutions for virtual servers, which are easy to implement, operated with Dynamic Computing Services with safe data storage in Switzerland Objective You would like a simple and efficient means of backing up the data on your virtual servers, which is operated in the Swisscom Cloud. You would also like to be able to restore this data autonomously up to file level, should the requirement arise. 2

3 Introduction Dynamic Computing Services (DCS) give customers the opportunity to obtain computing power from Swisscom s public cloud flexibly and matched to their requirements at the time. This is the Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) service model. As a functional element of these products, system images (snapshots) of virtual servers can be created automatically and restored, if required. In the event of a fault, a snapshot can ensure that entire virtual servers (VMs) can be restored. However, the snapshot function does not allow simple and efficient restoration of individual files, folders or application-specific elements such as mailboxes something that is required in the day-to-day operation of a productive IT environment at higher-level IaaS layers. It is, nevertheless, easy to extend the backup functionality required in addition at platform level for this. Content of this document This document describes three possible approaches for how a backup solution for virtual servers, which are operated in the Swisscom Public Cloud, can be easily implemented. All approaches consistently provide data storage in Switzerland and operation of the required infrastructure by Swisscom employees from Switzerland. The advantages and disadvantages of the individual proposed solutions are described below as a basis for decision-making. It is intended that this will help you to select the optimum approach to meet your requirements. Reference is made in the individual sections to additional documents for effective implementation and technical details. Our experts will also be pleased to provide professional services to assist you with implementation. 3

4 Proposed solution 1 Storebox Backup solution without a separate backup infrastructure Description The Storebox product is an addition to Swisscom s ICT portfolio and therefore offers a simple means of storing and managing data in Swisscom s storage cloud. Here the solution offers extensive backup functions for servers (and clients). A primary advantage of this solution lies in the fact that Swisscom is responsible for the operation of the backup management infrastructure yet you still have full flexibility for the implementation of your backup concept. Apart from restoring individual files and folders, this approach also supports the restoration of application-specific elements such as Exchange mailboxes, Active Directory entries, SharePoint configurations and SQL data. Windows and Linux derivatives can be backed up with this solution. The concept to be used for this is based on a backup agent, which must be installed on each server where a backup facility is required. Here the backup is configured via a central management portal. Once the necessary data has been backed up, it is stored georedundantly in four Swisscom computer centres. The solution is based on a platform that is completely independent of server storage, thus increasing data security further. The backup agent can also be installed on servers outside the Swisscom Cloud. It is easy to put in place a hybrid backup solution and thus a holistic backup concept. Here local systems can back up the data either directly in the cloud or, alternatively, initially on a local physical NAS, which is synchronised with the cloud. This local NAS option provides faster backup and restore times, as the data is temporarily stored on site in the first instance. Functional overview Dynamic Data Center Dynamic Server Storebox Administration portal Storebox Server Agent Storebox Server Agent https Georedundant distribution of data Storebox Server Agent 4

5 Overview of basic functions > > Backups are carried out automatically and at planned time intervals > > File backup and restore (restoration of individual files and folders) > > Application-specific backup functions for Active Directory, Exchange Server, SharePoint and SQL Server > > Server image backup and restore (only for Microsoft Windows) > > Incremental backups > > AES 256-bit encryption > > Data deduplication The product licensing is based on the following components: > > Basic package (XS to XL) > > Storage required in addition > > Number of server agents Procedure > > Fill in Storebox purchase order form online ( > > After the login information has been received from Swisscom, creation of the backup basic configuration in the Storebox portal (user, backup plans, backup times, etc.) > > Install serve agents and configure backup sets 5

6 Advantages > > Minimal outlay, as the backup infrastructure is operated by Swisscom > > Different backup policies ensure a high degree of flexibility > > Rapid implementation because of simple installation > > High security thanks to encrypted communication and the option of encrypting backups yourself > > Efficient transmission and minimal storage costs because of data deduplication > > Flexible option for hybrid solutions (remote backup), as servers outside the Swisscom cloud can also be incorporated > > Enhanced data security thanks to data storage at an independent facility, organised georedundantly at four sites > > Data stored in Switzerland > > Backup infrastructure operated by Swisscom > > Versatile to use, as Storebox Client also allows PC workstations (workplaces) to be backed up Disadvantages > > An agent needs to be installed > > Additional licence costs for Storebox Server Agent Further information A detailed description of the product and licensing is available at 6

7 Proposed solution 2 Use of own backup solution in combination with Dynamic Storage Introduction If there is a backup solution you would also like to use or you have an existing backup solution that you would like to continue to use in the cloud, you have the option of porting your back up solution to the cloud. The prerequisite for this is that the solution can be installed on a virtual server and can be licensed in a public cloud environment. Here the Dynamic Storage product is used as a storage medium. Dynamic Storage is a cloud object storage facility, which can be used as an integrated component of the DCS offering. Storage pools required and user authorisations can be ordered and managed directly via the DCS self-service portal. Any data you place in Dynamic Storage will be stored georedundantly in four Swisscom computer centres. The solution is based on a platform that is completely independent of the server storage, thus increasing data security further in the event of a disaster. The following three scenarios are used so that your backup solution can store the data in Dynamic Storage. 7

8 Proposed solution 2.1 Backup solution with Dynamic Storage direct access via API Description If the backup solution you would like to use permits direct communication with the cloud object storage, the backup data can be stored on Dynamic Storage without having to use an additional connector. The prerequisite for this is for the backup solution to communicate directly with REST API from EMC Atmos. Funktionale Übersicht Dynamic Data Center Dynamic Server Dynamic Storage Communication Via EMC Atmos API https Reverse Proxy Service & Load Balancing Georedundant distribution of data Backup Server Procedure > > Order a storage pool in the DCS portal > > Create Dynamic Storage users in the DCS portal > > Set up virtual backup server > > Configure EMC Atmos API > > Configure backup software 8

9 Advantages > > Dynamic Data Center, Dynamic Server and Dynamic Storage can be ordered and managed in the same portal > > Only the storage that is effectively used is invoiced for Dynamic Storage ( Pay per use model) > > No additional components are required for communication with Dynamic Storage > > Any backup software that is already used locally can continue to be used. (It must be ensured that a licence is obtained for cloud systems.) > > Data is stored at georedundant locations in Switzerland Disadvantages > > Additional licence costs for backup server > > Operation of own backup infrastructure > > Backup software, which requires access at hypervisor level, cannot be used in the public cloud > > Because of local caching, expensive local storage (primary storage) is required in addition on the backup server > > No data deduplication Further information A detailed description of the product and licensing is available at 9

10 Proposed solution 2.2 Backup solution with Dynamic Storage access via virtual disk Description If you are using dedicated backup software and only have to transfer fairly small quantities of data (in the order of up to 1 TB), you have the option of using Dynamic Storage as the backup in conjunction with Geodrive software. The software is installed and created on the backup server, depending on the operating system installed (Windows drive or a Linux Mount Point). This allows direct access to Dynamic Storage. For users, this makes access via API transparent. A further possible use of this solution is the sporadic (manual) archiving of long-term data. Funktionale Übersicht Dynamic Data Center Dynamic Server Dynamic Storage EMC Atmos Geodirve https Reverse Proxy Service & Load Balancing Georedundant distribution of data Backup Server The range of functions provided by the backup solutions always depends on the backup software selected. With the backup storage used, it is ensured that data will be backed up in Swisscom s computer centres in Switzerland and organised on a georedundant basis. Procedure > > Order a storage pool in the DCS portal > > Create Dynamic Storage users in the DCS portal > > Set up virtual backup server > > Install and configure EMC Atmos Geodrive on the backup server. (EMC Atmos Geodrive is available on the DCS portal to download.) > > Configure backup software 10

11 Advantages > > Dynamic Data Center, Dynamic Server and Dynamic Storage can be ordered and managed in the same portal > > Only the storage that is effectively used is invoiced for Dynamic Storage ( Pay per use model) > > Free use of the EMC Atmos Geodrive software > > Any backup software that is already used locally can continue to be used. (It must be ensured that a licence is obtained for cloud systems.) > > Data is stored at georedundant locations in Switzerland Disadvantages > > Additional licence costs for backup server > > Operation of own backup infrastructure > > Backup software, which requires access at hypervisor level, cannot be used in the public cloud > > Because of local caching, expensive local storage (primary storage) is required in addition on the backup server > > The EMC Atmos Geodrive software only supports data encryption and data deduplication as an additional option Further information A detailed description of the product and licensing is available at 11

12 Proposed solution 2.3 Backup solution with Dynamic Storage access via virtual appliance Description The third proposed solution is an extension of the second proposed solution. This solution is also based on Dynamic Storage. However, instead of the Geodrive software, a considerably more powerful Dynamic Storage appliance is used here (for example, from Riverbed Whitewater). The appliance is especially optimised for the archiving of large quantities of data. Furthermore, even when writing to the appliance it supports strong encryption and allows data deduplication with a factor of 10 to 20. Functional overview Dynamic Data Center Dynamic Server Dynamic Storage Backup Server NIFS CIFS Dynamic Storage Appliance https Reverse Proxy Service & Load Balancing Georedundant distribution of data The range of functions provided by the backup solutions always depends on the backup software selected. With the backup storage used, it is ensured that data will be backed up in Swisscom s computer centres in Switzerland and organised on a georedundant basis. Procedure > > Order the Dynamic Storage (software) appliance using the contact form on the DCS portal > > A Swisscom consultant will contact you and assist you with the optimum design of the appliance > > Set up and configure the backup server in the Cloud > > A Swisscom consultant will help you to install, configure and start up the appliance 12

13 Advantages > > High scalability (up to 5 PB) > > Deduplication optimised for back-up data (Factor 10 to 20) > > Additional encryption (even when writing to the appliance) > > Local cache for fast restoration > > Any existing backup concept from local servers can be adopted > > Dynamic Data Center, Dynamic Server and Dynamic Storage can be ordered and managed in the same portal > > Data is stored at georedundant locations Disadvantages > > Costs (Appliance from CHF 600 per month) > > Operation of own backup infrastructure > > Additional computing resources for appliance > > Additional licence costs for backup server > > Backup software, which requires access at hypervisor level, cannot be used in the public cloud Further information A detailed description of the product and licensing is available at 13

14 Your contact Stefan Ruckstuhl 14