Backing up to complete Directory Server instance information

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This feature enables you to back up and restore complete Directory Server instance information

Directory Server provides two mechanisms for backing up and restoring complete Directory Server instance information:
  • basic
  • enhanced
These mechanisms can back up not only the Directory Server instance data (stored in a DB2® database), but also the associated configuration and schema files for the directory server instance.

You can find information about the basic method in the Configuring section of the IBM® Security Directory Suite documentation See the section Backing up the Directory Server instance. Also, you can find information about the basic method in the Command Reference section of the IBM Security Directory Suite documentation. See the information about the idsdbback and idsdbrestore commands.

Information about the enhanced method is contained in this section and in the Command reference section (see the information about the ldapexop utility with the extended operations option -op backuprestore).

Both methods provide the option to perform:
  • online backups: Online backups can be performed while the server is running or stopped
  • offline backups: Offline backups must be performed while the server is stopped
The backups are always stored on the server where they are taken. However, there are differences in where and how you can request the backup.

With either of these two methods, the backups do not back up the following files, which you must back up separately:

  • idsinstances.ldif
  • SSL related files: keys, key stash files, CRL files
  • IBM Security Directory Integrator solution files

After investigating these methods, choose one and use it exclusively. Do not mix the two methods.

The following table compares the two methods.

Table 1. Comparison of basic and enhanced backup and restore methods
Feature Basic method Enhanced method
Request from Local server Remote or local server
Interface used The idsdbback and idsdbrestore commands Web Administration Tool or ldapexop utility
Backup location Can be taken to a different location each time; overwrites the previous backup only if the backup is performed to the same location Provides a way to configure the backup location and method that is used for all the backups requested through this mechanism
Store one or multiple backups Multiple backups Stores only one backup at a time and overwrites previous backups when the new backup is successfully taken
Restores Administrator can choose from any backup location on the disk Allows a restore only from the most current backup taken
Scheduling One time request that backs up or restores to a specific location specified at the time of the backup Provides the option to schedule backups one time, daily or weekly
Online or offline Can perform online or offline backups Can perform online or offline backups
Backs up Directory Server data and associated configuration and schema files Provides option to back up only configuration files Backs up data and associated configuration and schema files
Administrator management More required. Administrators must better manage their disk space Less required. Only one backup location.
Backs up and restores DB2 parameters Backs up and restores DB2 configuration parameters and database optimization parameters Backs up and restores DB2 configuration parameters and database optimization parameters