Backup Solutions for AIX in Skytap
This document provides a technical overview of the backup solutions available for AIX in Skytap, including feature comparisons, architectural considerations, and operational recommendations.
1. Overview of Backup Solutions
| Tool Name |
Backup & Restore |
High Availability |
DR Solution |
Limitations |
| CommVault |
YES |
Yes |
Yes |
Issues with some AIX 7.2 versions |
| Storix |
YES |
No |
Partial |
No HA, DR is not full |
| Veeam |
YES |
Yes |
Yes |
JFS2 not snapshot backup (some LPARs) |
| Skytap Snapshot |
Limited |
N/A |
N/A |
Limited, not file-level or granular |
| FalconStor StorSafe VTL |
YES |
Yes |
Yes |
None significant, Skytap certified |
| Mimix for AIX |
YES |
Yes |
Yes |
Requires configuration, licensed product |
2. Detailed Solution Descriptions
2.1. FalconStor StorSafe VTL
Key Features
- Certified by Skytap for Power (AIX, IBM i, Linux) workloads.
- Virtual Tape Library (VTL) replaces or complements tape libraries with disk/cloud.
- Global deduplication and advanced compression: Up to 95% reduction in backup storage costs.
- Multi-OS support: IBM i, AIX, Linux.
- Encryption at-rest and in-flight for data security.
- Seamless hybrid-cloud and DR: Replicate to Skytap, Azure Blob, PowerVS, or even on-premises.
- Pay-as-you-grow scalability: From 1TB to PBs.
- Non-disruptive: Reuse existing backup software and processes; no need for forklift upgrades.
- Multi-cloud support: Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, Skytap.
- Long-term retention and tape consolidation.
How It Works
- Deploy StorSafe VTL as a virtual appliance in Skytap (or on-prem).
- Use existing backup software (e.g., BRMS, Spectrum Protect, Veeam, or native AIX/IBM i utilities) to back up AIX data to the VTL.
- Data is deduplicated/compressed before landing on primary disk or cloud (e.g., Azure Blob).
- Supports 3-2-1 backup architectures (multiple offsite copies for DR).
- Enables both operational backup and migration scenarios (on-prem to Skytap, or Skytap-to-Skytap DR).
- Management via StorSight console for unified operations and monitoring.
Technical Use Cases
- On-Prem Backup Optimization: Use StorSafe VTL to speed up and deduplicate on-prem AIX backups, replicating to Skytap for DR.
- Hybrid Cloud Backup: Deduplicate backups on-prem, then send only optimized data to Skytap for archive or DR.
- Migration: Back up AIX workloads on-prem, replicate to Skytap, and restore to Skytap LPARs. Legacy tape data can also be migrated.
- Skytap Resident Backup: Directly protect AIX running in Skytap; backup to VTL, deduplicate to Azure Blob for cost savings.
- Disaster Recovery: Replicate AIX backups across Skytap regions for region-to-region DR; also supports air-gapped ransomware protection.
Advantages
- Proven at large scale (multiple enterprise Skytap customers).
- Dramatic storage and cost savings.
- No need to disrupt existing backup strategies; complements legacy processes.
- Multi-cloud, scalable, secure, and supports advanced compliance and long-term retention scenarios.
2.2. Mimix for AIX
Product Page: Assure Mimix for AIX
Key Features
- Real-time data replication and continuous availability for AIX environments.
- Automated failover and failback: Enables rapid DR testing and response for planned or unplanned events.
- Granular file system and volume group protection: Protects mission-critical data (e.g., DB2, application filesystems, user data).
- GUI/AUI and command-line control: Easy management, monitoring, and role swaps.
- Snapshot/point-in-time recovery: Virtual failover and fast testing for DR scenarios.
- Integration with AIX and Skytap: Certified and runbook-driven deployment for Skytap environments.
How It Works
- Mimix for AIX is installed on both production and recovery AIX LPARs.
- Real-time replication of protected filesystems and volume groups.
- GUI/AUI or CLI used to manage start/stop, planned/unplanned failover, and failback.
- Snapshots allow virtual failover and testing at any recovery point.
- Integrated scripts support application (e.g., DB2) start/stop around backup/failover events.
- Automated or manual DR workflows, with logging and monitoring via web UI and CLI.
Operational Workflows (from runbook)
- Planned/Unplanned Switch: Easily roleswap between production and recovery.
- Failover/Failback: Multiple workflows supported (GUI and CLI) with precise steps.
- Monitoring: Replication lag, status, and log file monitoring via UI or CLI (
tail -f /var/log/EchoStream/scrt_lca-1.out).
- Snapshot Automation: Scripted DB/application stop, snapshot creation, restart, and automated transfer to DR.
- Recovery Testing: Mount/umount filesystems at DR, snapshot rollback, PIT restore, and validation workflows.
Advantages
- Real-time DR with minimal RPO/RTO.
- Frequent DR testing, validation, and granular recovery.
- Well-documented and certified for Skytap environments.
- Integrated support for DB/application quiesce before backup/failover.
Limitations/Considerations
- Requires configuration and licensing per AIX LPAR.
- Operational best practices (network, storage, DR planning) must be followed for reliable protection.
2.3. CommVault
- Full backup/restore, HA, DR for AIX in Skytap.
- Integration and new features depend on vendor support.
- Limitation: Issues with certain AIX 7.2 versions—always validate compatibility.
- Operates with agent-based architecture.
- Policy-driven backups, automation, ad-hoc restore supported.
- Supported by Skytap and CommVault teams.
2.4. Storix
- Backup and restore support for AIX.
- No built-in HA; DR is partial.
- Backup via SBAdmin (Storix Backup Administrator).
- Can recover to same/different hardware.
- Feature and compliance improvements dependent on vendor.
- File and system-level backup supported.
2.5. Veeam
- Backup, restore, HA, and DR for AIX.
- Integrates with Kyndryl’s business model and multi-cloud targets.
- Supports JFS; JFS2 snapshot backup not available on some LPARs—validate before deploying.
- Supports customer-driven enhancements (CR requests).
- Veeam IP and tools can be reused for Google/Amazon cloud targets.
2.6. Skytap Snapshot
- Limited functionality: Only supports ad-hoc disk/VM snapshots.
- No file/folder, geo-redundancy, or policy-based backup.
- Basic audit and restore test capabilities.
- Best used as a rapid rollback/quick recovery tool, not as primary backup for critical workloads.
3. Feature Comparison Table
| Function Requirement |
Skytap Snapshot |
CommVault |
Storix |
FalconStor StorSafe VTL |
Mimix for AIX |
| Disk/Volume Snapshot Backup |
Limited |
YES |
YES |
YES |
YES (with DR/HA) |
| File/Folder Backup |
Limited |
YES |
YES |
YES (via backup app) |
YES (replication) |
| Geo-Redundancy |
Limited |
YES |
YES |
YES |
YES |
| Policy-Based Backups (daily/weekly/etc) |
To be developed |
YES |
YES |
YES |
YES (schedule) |
| Ad-hoc Backups |
YES |
YES |
Limited |
YES |
YES |
| Backup Failure Alerts/Notifications |
Skytap Support |
TBD |
YES |
YES |
YES (monitoring) |
| Backup KPIs Monitoring |
Skytap Support |
Limited |
Limited |
YES (StorSight) |
YES (UI/CLI) |
| Backup Dashboard |
No |
Limited |
Limited |
YES (StorSight) |
YES (web UI) |
| Backup Audit Logs |
Limited |
YES |
Limited |
YES |
YES (logs/CLI) |
| Archival/Long-Term Retention |
YES |
YES |
YES |
YES (Cloud/Tape) |
Limited |
| Restore to Same/Different VM |
No Capability |
YES |
YES |
YES |
YES |
| Partial Recovery of Volume/Disk |
No Capability |
YES |
YES |
YES |
YES (snapshot) |
| Recovery Audit Logs |
Limited |
YES |
Limited |
YES |
YES |
| Restore Test Plans |
Limited |
Limited |
Limited |
YES |
YES (testing) |
4. Architectural Recommendations
- For mission-critical AIX workloads:
Use FalconStor StorSafe VTL, Mimix for AIX, or CommVault for enterprise-grade, policy-based, geo-redundant backups and DR.
- For continuous availability and frequent DR testing:
Mimix for AIX provides real-time replication, seamless role swap, and robust failover/failback for production environments in Skytap.
- For quick rollback, dev/test, or supplementary protection:
Skytap Snapshots are fast and easy but not a substitute for enterprise backup.
- If migrating from tape or modernizing backup strategy:
StorSafe VTL offers seamless integration and deduplication/compression benefits, enabling long-term retention and migration to cloud storage (Azure Blob).
- For cloud-native or multi-cloud needs:
Veeam provides a reusable asset, especially if targeting Google, Azure, or AWS.
5. References
For more information or architectural guidance, contact Skytap, FalconStor, or Precisely support. Validate all backup strategies in pre-production before rolling out to mission-critical AIX workloads.