To support application-aware backups, you must ensure that the environment is correctly configured. You must also understand the requirements that apply for each hypervisor and for each supported application.
Workflow Requirements
To perform application-aware backups, the workflow engine must be installed with the CommServe system.
License Requirements
In addition to the license requirements for the Virtual Server Agent, application-aware backups require the following licenses:
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Application backups that are performed as a part of a VSA application-aware backup require the Hardware Snapshot Enabler license.
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For the initial installation and configuration of application plug-ins, an application agent license is required. After the initial configuration is complete, application-aware backups release the application agent licenses and consume Application Class Virtual licenses instead.
The following applications require an Application Class 1 license:
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Microsoft Exchange
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Microsoft SQL Server (also required for SharePoint support)
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MySQL
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Oracle on Windows
The following application requires an Application Class 2 license:
- Oracle on Linux
The following application requires a Server File System license:
- Active Directory
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Application-aware backups consume an Application Class Virtual license for each protected VM. Application-aware backups of virtual machines are counted against the Application Class Virtual license and do not count toward capacity usage or traditional application agent licenses.
Virtual Server Agent (VSA) Proxy
The VSA proxy used for an application-aware backup must meet the following requirements:
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MediaAgent software must be installed.
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For VMware, the proxy can be a VM or a physical machine.
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For Hyper-V, the VSA proxy must be a Hyper-V server.
Important
A list of VSA proxies can be configured at the instance or subclient level, with the list of proxies at the subclient taking precedence. Multiple proxies can be added to provide load balancing and failover capabilities. Ensure that all of the proxies that are configured to be available for application-aware backups meet these requirements, including the requirements for streaming or IntelliSnap backups.
Upgrades
If the CommServe system has been upgraded to V11, VSA proxies must also be upgraded.