Backup Solutions for IBM i in Skytap
This guide provides an overview and technical comparison of the leading backup solutions for IBM i running in Skytap, including integration points, benefits, drawbacks, and architecture options.
1. Key Backup Solutions for IBM i
| Solution |
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
| Live Clone |
Fast environment clone; no extra cost |
RPO is last clone time |
| Commvault |
Multi-platform; compression & deduplication |
No native BRMS integration |
| VTL/DSI/FalconStor |
BRMS integration; emulates physical tape |
Additional config/license required |
| BRMS + ICC |
BRMS integration; included in Skytap |
Needs extra space; best for small VMs |
2. FalconStor StorSafe VTL for IBM i
FalconStor StorSafe is a certified solution for IBM i in Skytap. It delivers backup and DR by providing a virtual tape library (VTL) that integrates with BRMS and supports modern and legacy tape workflows.
Key features:
- Patented deduplication & compression: Up to 95% storage savings.
- BRMS and tape process compatibility: Emulates physical tape, supports BRMS/SAVE21/BRMS-ICC/Spectrum Protect, and other software.
- Cloud-native: Backs up directly to Azure Blob, block storage, or object storage.
- Multi-cloud and hybrid: Replicate backups between on-prem, Skytap, Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud.
- Disaster recovery: Full region-to-region DR in Skytap.
- Single management pane: StorSight console for all environments.
- Non-disruptive: Reuse current backup apps and tape processes.
- Secure: Encryption at-rest and in-flight.
Use cases:
- On-premise backup optimization and DR.
- Hybrid cloud backup: Deduplicate and copy on-prem IBM i backups to Skytap.
- Migration: Move workloads and tape data to Skytap/Azure.
- Skytap-resident backup: Cloud-native backup and long-term retention for IBM i workloads.
- Skytap disaster recovery: Region-to-region replication for DR and ransomware protection.
3. MIMIX for IBM i
MIMIX for IBM i is a leading real-time logical replication and HA/DR solution for IBM i, fully supported in Skytap.
Key features:
- Continuous, real-time replication at the object or journaled level (minimal RPO/RTO).
- Automated failover/failback, planned or unplanned.
- Supports both OS and user data (delta sync for production LPARs).
- Delta sync to NFS or cloud for DR/backup scenarios.
- Full support for Skytap-to-Skytap, on-prem-to-Skytap, and multi-cloud architectures.
- Integrated monitoring, role swap, and scripting for managed DR.
Resources:
4. Commvault for IBM i
Commvault delivers multi-platform backup and restore with advanced deduplication and compression, and supports sending data to cloud targets.
Note: No direct BRMS integration—often paired with other tools for granular IBM i backup.
5. Skytap Live Clone
- Clone a running IBM i VM/environment in Skytap with a few clicks.
- No additional cost (except storage).
- Limitation: Recovery point is last clone operation (not continuous).
6. BRMS + ICC
- BRMS integration: Leverage Skytap-included BRMS licensing for IBM i.
- Best for small VMs or for use with incremental capacity cards.
- Limitation: Requires extra VM space for temporary backup images.
7. High Availability and DR Patterns
- Live Clone: Simple VM copy for rapid recovery (RPO = last clone).
- Logical Replication (MIMIX): Continuous, low-RPO HA and DR.
- Geo-Mirroring: IASP-based replication for lower data change rates.
8. Reference Architectures
A. On-premises → Skytap over VPN or ExR
- Use VPN or ExpressRoute Global Reach for secure connectivity between your datacenter and Skytap.
- Backup/replication can be routed over this private link.
- Skytap VPN Setup
- ExpressRoute Setup
B. Skytap to Skytap (DR)
- Leverage region-to-region replication with FalconStor or MIMIX for robust DR, ransomware protection, and regulatory compliance.
C. Hybrid Cloud
- Use FalconStor or Commvault to deduplicate and send IBM i backup data to Skytap or Azure Blob for long-term retention and recovery.
9. Summary Table: IBM i Backup Solution Features
| Solution |
BRMS Integration |
Deduplication/Compression |
Tape Emulation |
Real-time Replication |
Cloud/Hybrid Support |
Disaster Recovery |
| FalconStor VTL |
YES |
YES |
YES |
No |
YES |
YES |
| MIMIX for IBM i |
Partial* |
No |
No |
YES |
YES |
YES |
| Commvault |
No |
YES |
No |
No |
YES |
YES |
| Live Clone |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Partial |
| BRMS + ICC |
YES |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Partial |
*MIMIX for IBM i replicates at the OS/journal/object level and works alongside BRMS for tape/archive operations.
10. References
For detailed implementation guides, best practices, or further technical assistance, contact Skytap, FalconStor, Precisely, or your managed service provider.