Overview - NetWare Server iDataAgents

Choose from the following topics:

Introduction
- Replica Rings
Supported Data Types
Tree Levels in the NetWare iDataAgents
License Requirement
Using the Appropriate NetWare Server iDataAgent
Disaster Recovery Considerations

Introduction

There are three iDataAgents available for backing up and restoring NetWare Servers:

iDataAgent for NetWare File System
iDataAgent for Novell Directory Services (NDS)
iDataAgent for Novell GroupWise (See Overview - Novell GroupWise iDataAgent for comprehensive information)

These are the back up and restore vehicles for all data residing on NetWare Servers.

The NetWare File System iDataAgent allows you to back up and restore the File System of a NetWare server. You should install this iDataAgent on each NetWare server whose File System you want to secure.

The NDS iDataAgent allows you to back up and restore the NDS tree residing on a NetWare server. You can back up the NDS tree from any NetWare server within the tree.

The following example shows the iDataAgents needed to fully secure a hypothetical heterogeneous computing environment:

Replica Rings

The next diagram illustrates a typical NetWare installation environment. The tree, Company, consists of two partitions, hence two replica rings. Notice that while the File System iDataAgent is installed on all the servers, the NDS iDataAgent is installed on one server from each of the replica rings. The NDS iDataAgent is not installed on server USA_2, as their NDS data will be secured through server USA_1.

For maximum efficiency, it is recommended that you select one NetWare server in each replica ring, and install the NDS iDataAgent to this server.

Supported Data Types

To secure the file system of a NetWare server, you need the NetWare File System iDataAgent. Any other agent (e.g., Windows File System iDataAgent) cannot be used to secure a NetWare server.
To secure a GroupWise database, you may use the Novell GroupWise iDataAgent, NetWare File System iDataAgent, or the OES File System iDataAgent, depending on your environment. Any other agent (e.g., Windows File System iDataAgent) cannot be used to secure a GroupWise database.
Note that to secure a GroupWise database using the NetWare File System iDataAgent or OES File System iDataAgent, Novell's TSAFS.NLM must be loaded with the EnableGW switch.

File System Data Types

Data Protection Operations for the following data types are supported by the NetWare File System iDataAgent:

Traditional Volumes
NSS Volumes - The NetWare File System iDataAgent can back up files on an NSS volume that are open while using the NetWare feature Copy on Write (COW). COW does not replace the need for third party applications that handle back up of open files, since these applications may handle traditional volumes where NetWare COW does not.
All types of namespaces (i.e., Long, DOS, MAC and NFS)
Server Specific information (Disaster Recovery information)

When restoring file system data it is possible to restore across different namespaces, as long as the filenames fit where the data will be restored. You have the option to restore trustees, data with no trustees, or trustees and data. Restoring user space restrictions is also supported.

NDS Data Types

Data Protection Operations for the following data types are supported by the Novell Directory Services (NDS) iDataAgent:

NDS Objects, such as users at the object level
NDS Schema

When restoring NDS data it is possible to restore individual objects without restoring the entire tree.

Due to a limitation set by Novell, the NDS iDataAgent cannot backup license objects.

Tree Levels in the NetWare iDataAgents

When NetWare iDataAgents are installed, the following levels are automatically created in the CommCell Browser.


obelisk2: Client
NetWare File System File System: Agent defaultBackupSet: Backup Sets	default: Subclients
Novell GroupWise GroupWise DB: Agent	default: Subclients
Novell Directory Services (NDS) Novell Directory Services: Agent defaultBackupSet: Backup Sets	default: Subclients

License Requirement

To perform a data protection operation using this Agent a specific Product License must be available in the CommServe^® Server.

Review general license requirements included in License Administration. Also, View All Licenses provides step-by-step instructions on how to view the license information.

Using the Appropriate NetWare Server iDataAgent

You cannot back up data with one NetWare iDataAgent and restore it with the other. For example, you cannot restore your NDS tree using the File System iDataAgent.

For total coverage of your NetWare environment, we recommend installing the File System iDataAgent on all NetWare servers. Doing so ensures that all NetWare File System data can be backed up and recovered. You can install the NDS and/or GroupWise iDataAgent in addition to the NetWare File System iDataAgent.

It is not necessary to install the NDS iDataAgent on every NetWare server, as the NDS data is often replicated on servers within the same tree.

Disaster Recovery Considerations

Before you use your agent, be sure to review and understand the associated full system restore (or disaster recovery) procedure. The procedure for some agents may require that you plan specific actions or consider certain items before an emergency occurs. See Disaster Recovery for more information regarding your agent.