Getting Started with the Virtual Server Agent for Microsoft Hyper-V

Step 1: Before You Begin

• This page assumes you have already installed the CommServe software. If not, refer to the Quick Start Guide - Install the Software.

• Review deployment planning.

• Refer to the following information to learn more about the requirements and capabilities of the Virtual Server Agent for Microsoft Hyper-V:

  • System Requirements

  • License Requirements

  • Supported IntelliSnap Platforms

  • Supported Features

Step 2: Install the Virtual Server Agent

To set up your environment for IntelliSnap, install the Virtual Server Agent (VSA) and the MediaAgent on each Hyper-V node that will provide backup and recovery services.

Review each of the following topics to get started with the installation:

• Prepare the Installation on Windows Computers

  Review general guidelines to prepare for the installation, which include configurations that your computer might need before the installation.

• Preinstallation Checklist for the Virtual Server Agent

  Review agent-specific guidelines to prepare for the installation, such as gathering the information that you must provide during the installation.

• Installation Methods

  Select the installation method that is most appropriate for your environment.

Step 3: Prepare for Your First Backup and Restore

1. Open the CommCell Console.

2. Configure a storage device.

3. Optional: Configure a Storage Policy. See Storage Policy - Getting Started.

4. Create a virtualization client for the standalone Hyper-V server or a Hyper-V cluster.

   The virtualization client is added to the list of clients in the CommCell browser.

5. Optional: Create a subclient.

   By default, the default subclient backs up all the virtual machines in the standalone Hyper-V server or Hyper-V cluster. To change this behavior, see Adding a User-Defined Subclient.

6. Enable IntelliSnap.

7. Optional: Decide whether to add the following functionality:

   • To be notified of events that require attention, see Alerts and Notifications - Overview.

   • To report and analyze critical data about your CommCell operations, see Reports Overview.

   • To manage security, see User Account and Password Management - Getting Started.

8. Create a Snapshot Copy.

9. Configure a Backup Copy.

Step 4: Run Your First Backup and Restore

• Back up virtual machines.

• Restore a virtual machine.

Step 5: Where to Go from Here

• Manage snapshots.

• Plan to rapidly recover critical data and to restore business functions if a disaster occurs. Review Full System Recovery - Virtual Server Agent for Microsoft Hyper-V.

• Configure data retention and data aging for this agent. For more information, see Data Aging.