Optimizing backup server resources

Data Protection for SAP uses the IBM Storage Protect™ archive function for all backup activities. When you are setting up the IBM Storage Protect server for use with IBM Storage Protect for Enterprise Resource Planning, the following considerations help you to optimize performance when you set up the IBM Storage Protect server.

Dedicated backup server

A dedicated backup server allows sharing of resources and provides an efficient resource usage.

CPU power

For a specific data throughput, the CPU load on the backup server is approximately 60% of the load on the database server. Therefore, backup server CPU power is not as critical as the CPU power of the database server. However, demands on the IBM Storage Protect server CPU do increase when several clients access a single IBM Storage Protect server.

Storage hierarchy

Backup of large data files is to be directed to tape to achieve the highest transfer rates. If disks must be used, use one disk pool per session. Small files such as log files, are to be directed to disk storage first and then moved to tape collectively to avoid excessive tape mounts.

Parallel sessions

The IBM Storage Protect server allows the use of several tape drives in parallel to store data. This setup can increase overall data throughput. To fully use this feature, two conditions must exist. The corresponding IBM Storage Protect node must be allowed the appropriate number of mount points and the device class must be allowed the appropriate mount limits.