Developing a backup and recovery software strategy for the AS/400 is not always an off-the-shelf endeavor. Where do you go when the basic OS/400 tools no longer meet all of your requirements? Should you build custom software or look to the growing marketplace of packaged solutions?
In the past, the requirements for AS/400 backup and recovery could be summed up in two words: "Do it!" The system operator was handed the tapes and the AS/400 went comatose for a number of hours, or even days, while every bit and byte was meticulously recorded onto half-inch tape. This cryogenic approach to preserving the system was considered sacrosanct, and woe to the system operator who didn't get every last byte captured for posterity.
But how can you squeeze a complete backup of your system into a few short hours? Are those backup and recovery blues keeping you awake at night? Well, you're not alone.
Today, developing a cohesive and flexible policy that balances system availability with the need for system protection is one of the greater challenges facing MIS shops. Without a policy-driven strategy, backups will be needlessly time consuming, haphazard, and expensive. Your AS/400 is not a monolith of information; it's a dynamic facility that changes organically with the work patterns of your users. It doesn't make sense to archive everything at the end of each day; files, programs, data areas, and other objects on your system change at varying rates.
With this in mind, software vendors have tailored their backup and recovery products to address management policies that balance system availability with system protection. These products increase the availability of your system to the users while providing a secure level of backup. Many have added features that automate the restoration process, so instead of laboriously searching through reels or cartridges of tape, you can quickly locate the files you need and automatically restore them to the system.
What are these features? How can they be integrated into your backup and recovery policy? Let's take a quick tour of the industry and check out the benefits these features can provide.
At the heart of every backup and recovery product is a save and restore database. This is a database that controls and implements the policies you configure in the particular backup and recovery system.
The save and restore management technique used by most products is to group the various AS/400 objects according to their volatility. For example, program objects change at a much slower rate than database objects, and different database objects may have higher levels of activity-such as order files or inventory files. By grouping objects according to their changeability, you can develop a save management policy that dictates the frequency with which these objects are archived. The less volatile objects-such as programs-might be saved on a weekly basis, while historical files might be archived monthly. Meanwhile, the most volatile objects, like our order or inventory files, would be saved nightly.
The benefit of a save management policy is simple: it cuts down the time it takes to back up the system each night and spreads the load over an entire cycle of business activity. This translates to saves that take less time to complete, making the system more available to the users. Coupled with OS/400's Save While Active feature, backup and recovery packages can, in essence, extend system availability around the clock and still guarantee system protection for a complete business cycle.
The obvious downside, however, is that it's absolutely imperative to use a corresponding restore management policy. This is because the archive is no longer simply a group of tapes; it has been artificially extended to a cycle defined by management. Restoring this cycle after a failure requires the same discipline that created the archive. That is, when large groups of objects need to be restored after some sort of data failure, each piece of the AS/400 puzzle that was archived must be restored in exactly the right order. For instance, if the inventory file is restored, the corresponding files that affect inventory should also be restored.
Automatically tracking these processes through a save and restore database is what makes the backup and recovery products so powerful. As DB2/400 data becomes more intricately entwined, it is almost impossible to manually map the effects of the loss of a single file. A single field in one file may relate to hundreds of other pieces of information across an entire network of AS/400s and down into client databases. If the management policy directs the system operator to save the inventory file nightly, but forgets to instruct the archiving of the product master, there will be a potential for serious synchronization problems.
This is where backup and recovery software products really shine. They keep accurate tabs on which files were archived and when they were saved. They direct the system operator to the appropriate archive and its location and then guide him through the restoration process. When the restoration is complete, the requirements of a policy-driven backup and recovery system have been met, and the possibilities for error or oversight have been greatly reduced.
The second feature of backup and recovery products is their implementation of media management techniques. If the AS/400 was archived in its entirety every night, media management would be simple: you'd have one set of media comprising a complete backup of each day's activity. But as soon as save and restore management stretches the archive to a complete business cycle, the number of tapes or cartridges increases and the sequence numbering of that media becomes critical.
Media management handles this by controlling the sequencing of tapes or cartridges and managing the catalogue of archives in a configurable manner. For instance, if your backup and recovery policies dictate that you should have several levels of archives for specified objects-nightly, weekly, monthly, and quarterly-some media management software handles the process automatically. It prompts the system operator for the tapes that need initializing and labeling and then informs the system operator when it's time to rotate through the next set of media.
It's surprising how frequently media management saves a system operator work in a busy machine room. How often have you heard someone call out, "Does anybody have a blank tape?" Without media management, there's a significant chance that the wrong tape will get initialized and some carefully saved archive will be inadvertently corrupted. With media management, the physical media itself becomes an orderly extension of DB2/400, sitting patiently in the racks awaiting its turn at archiving.
An important extension of media management for many backup and recovery products is offsite storage management. Everyone knows that offsite storage of some level of backup is a requirement. Too often in small shops, however, offsite storage degenerates to a cardboard box in the warehouse or the bookshelf next to the system operator's desk. Obviously, this is a manager's nightmare.
The purpose of offsite storage management is to implement check-in and check-out processes for all media at the offsite location. It controls the flow of archives so, in the event of a catastrophic failure, all components of the backup are accounted for. Without such accounting, the tape that was used last week by a programmer to restore an object might never make it back into the offsite library.
Good offsite storage management modules are integrated directly into the save/restore and media management systems of the automated backup and recovery software. They track when media is expected to return back onsite and have the ability to track the shipping containers used to transport the media.
Of course, the Achilles' heel of all save and restore management databases is their vulnerability to the same massive catastrophic disasters they're trying to control. How do you restore an information system when the directions-the detailed tape-by-tape instructions-are part of the larger information system that has failed? This vulnerability is magnified by OS/400's ability to have PTFs dynamically and temporarily applied, while other activities on the system continue. Finally, if all parts of the system are not restored in the appropriate order, there's no guarantee that the system will come back together in a reasonable amount of time. And, while most shops do practice offsite storage strategies for the volatile components of the system, the detailed information about their critical saves-for the operating system itself-are often left exposed onsite.
Some developers of backup and recovery systems remedy this chicken-and-egg dilemma by including a feature for disaster recovery management. The feature identifies the critical saves of the operating system and allows day-to-day monitoring of the status and location of those archives. Simultaneously, a complete representation of the save and restore management database is offloaded to another form of archive that can be stored offsite with the normal backups. Some products provide a printout of critical restoration steps, and others update separate PC databases that can be loaded onto laptops. When the time comes to resurrect the AS/400 after a disaster, these databases provide the precise directions for restoration, identifying the location and labels of tapes required from the offsite vault of archives.
This feature can be a real boon to those organizations that have not yet developed a true disaster recovery plan. Some packages automatically capture the configuration of the AS/400 and its various hardware and software components, creating a kernel of information in a PC database that can be used to develop hot-site requirements. Coupled with the information within the save and restore management database, it's possible to map out and maintain the overall hardware and software requirements for a complete disaster recovery plan.
Beyond these basic and advanced elements, many backup and recovery software products are feature-rich with modules to make any system operator's job a lot easier (or just plain manageable in some cases). Here's a list of these added features:
o Spool File Management-Backing up spool files may seem nitpicky, but if it takes 12 hours to generate a specific, critical report for a user, the importance of backing up this AS/400 resource suddenly takes on new meaning. This is especially true when, at the end of a business cycle, critical information in report form can't be easily reproduced.
o Report Distribution-What happens when a sequence of reports fails to complete and the failure goes unnoticed? Some backup and recovery products have a solution with their report distribution feature. These products can re-create and regenerate a report and send it to multiple output queues with all spool file attributes intact.
o Multiple AS/400s-At some sites, the management problems of backup and recovery extend to a network of AS/400s. Some backup and recovery products recognize this problem and integrate support for multiple systems.
o Non-AS/400 media-As the AS/400 moves into the client/server arena, the importance of managing non-AS/400 backup media becomes more crucial. This includes tapes that contain the backups of PCs on the LAN and the various other servers in the network. The AS/400 is merely one more resource in these environments, and many companies need to
orchestrate the backup for all the data services. Some products provide support to integrate this non-AS/400 media into an overall backup and recovery strategy of the company.
o Audit Reporting and Online Inquires-Having a good backup is one thing; knowing the details is another. The ability to audit the precise status of the backup and recovery system is a key feature that can help fine-tune the policies your management is implementing. This includes not only the objects that were backed up, but also those that were not saved.
o Unattended Operation-Beyond a doubt, unattended operation is one of the primary features that every system operator is seeking. This feature is often coupled with specific hardware requirements or system configurations to hold save files before they are offloaded onto tape. The best part of an unattended backup is that it automates the process of backup, increases availability, and reduces the complexity. The downside is that it requires closer auditing on a rigorous basis to ensure that the system is being adequately protected.
Every day, management entrusts MIS with its most critical task: protecting the information infrastructure of the organization. Simultaneously, management creates a dilemma by requiring MIS to keep that same information system open and to allow user traffic to flow freely. How can MIS meet these two conflicting demands?
Automated backup and recovery software systems approach this dilemma with the tools of DB2/400 itself. They develop a real strategy toward backup and recovery that not only protects the precious resources of the AS/400 but increases its availability to users. These systems implement a policy-driven approach to the age-old process of archiving and extend the power and intelligence of the DB2/400 database into the actual day-to-day backup process.
Finally, when a single file or the complete system needs to be resurrected, these tools are there to help. They lead you to the archive, direct you to the tape, and guide you through the steps of recovery, guaranteeing the fastest, safest, and most complete recovery possible.
So where do you go when the basic support of OS/400 isn't quite enough for backup and recovery? You expand your tools and choose the best in the market. With so much to choose from, you're certain to find exactly what you need.
Thomas M. Stockwell is a senior technical editor for Midrange Computing. He can be reached by E-mail at
Although mirroring is not a backup solution per se, it can play an important part in an AS/400 availability strategy. The following vendors provide AS/400 solutions that create duplicate images of DASD.
DataMirror Corporation
7030 Woodbine Ave., Suite 100
Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R 6G2
905-415-0310
fax: 905-415-0340
DataMirror/400 is a transformational replication utility that propagates your AS/400 database to wherever it's needed-an intrasystem destination on the same AS/400, another AS/400, or virtually any UNIX/Windows NT database.
Lakeview Technology, Inc.
2301 W. 22nd St.
Oak Brook, IL 60521
708-573-0440
fax: 708-573-0015
MIMIX is availability management software designed to push data and objects out from one AS/400 to one or more companion AS/400s so a viable duplicate system is always available when a planned maintenance operation or an unplanned disaster brings down a primary system. MIMIX/Switch transparently switches users within seconds to the alternate system. MIMIX offers features to maximize functionality and to minimize CPU overhead.
Midrange Information Systems, Inc.
1698 Greenbriar Ln., Suite 210
Brea, CA 92621
800-683-4667; 714-257-0595
fax: 714-257-0954
Object Mirroring System (OMS/400) automates duplicate databases across two or more AS/400s to provide real-time data distribution and collection, workload balancing, and rightsizing. Object Distribution System (ODS/400), together with OMS/400, completes full-system redundancy by providing real-time distribution of application software, authority changes, folders/documents, user profile changes, system values, subsystem descriptions, job descriptions, logical files, and OutQ and JobQ descriptions. System Availability Monitor (SAM/400) adds automated switching from a failed primary system to a designated secondary system without operator intervention.
Advanced Solutions Integration Corp.
2320 Carson Dr.
Waxhaw, NC 28173
704-843-6844
fax: 704-843-6843
Advanced Solutions Integration Corp.'s ASIST/SYSTEM AUTOMATOR includes backup strategy compliance monitoring, an integrated procedure editor, an integrated job scheduler, and a full audit trail. Support for backups to disk, tape, and remote sites through network and integrated tape management is included. Other features are central management of backups at low-skill remote sites and the ability to detect and report on damaged objects.
Baber Information
2311 Texas Dr., Suite 108
Irving, TX 75062
214-257-1878
fax: 214-252-2699
B3-Backup & Media Manager saves and restores simultaneously to and from up to four tape drives, reducing backup and restore times. It restarts from where it last aborted, displays the safety level achieved, and catalogs backup details at library, member, and object level. B3-Backup & Media Manager supports both cycles and datasets and tells you exactly what file is on what tape and the location of the specific tape. It also downloads critical save data to PCs for safety.
Concept Systems, Ltd.
Enterprise Mall
34 Maple St.
Summit, NJ 07901
908-277-4702
fax: 908-522-9322
GOMAS/400 Backup and Restore instantly shows how recently libraries have been backed up and offers comprehensive media management facilities. Review how, what, when, and why media is saved. The system can determine when an object or library should be deleted or archived. The program provides library and object-level information for each defined group, the number of libraries in each group, and the total size of each group. The program also provides a graphical representation of disk space usage and a prediction based on seasonal and linear algorithms.
The Crossway Group, Inc.
10134 N. Port Washington Rd.
Mequon, WI 53092
800-472-2899; 414-241-7008
fax: 414-241-7026
E-mail:
Backup Verify Restore (BVR) provides a Verification process that reports save status and builds a database of every library, object, and file member. Inventory and Catalog, byproducts of Verification, are an extension of the system management toolset. All backup and restore activity are reported in the Activity Log, a single inquiry view of preparation, execution, and problem resolution.
Databasics, Inc.
720 Thousand Oaks
Hurst, TX 76054
800-800-4794
E-mail:
DATABASICS Tape Librarian manages multiple media on multiple AS/400s. The Librarian lets you select what you want from rack slot, container, vault, and offsite management. You can schedule complex save strategies with save files, journals, and Save While Active. The Librarian aids disaster recovery with simultaneous restores on the available tape drives.
FullDeck Technologies
1860 Lefthand Circle, Suite E
Longmont, CO 80501
800-411-7807
fax: 303-684-6674
FullDeck Technologies' Automatic Backup Software (ABS) offers menus and commands that interface with peripheral storage units (i.e., tape or optical) attached to any AS/400. ABS includes unattended backup, Media Tracking Librarian and volume tracking for system recovery, spool file manager, and IBM look-alike menus.
Help/Systems, Inc.
6101 Baker Rd., Suite 210
Minnetonka, MN 55345
612-933-0609
fax: 612-933-8153
Robot/SAVE is a comprehensive disaster protection and recovery system for the AS/400. It automates the functions of disk drive backup, system restoration, and tape management. Robot/SAVE backs up PCs in a client/server environment using the same procedures as AS/400 backups. If your system crashes, Robot/SAVE guides you through the restoration-whether you restore the entire system or just a single object. Volume management procedures can help eliminate tape handling errors.
IBM
800-426-2255, or see your IBM representative.
ADSTAR Distributed Storage Manager for AS/400 (ADSM/400) provides automatic, centralized, policy-managed backup/archive and disaster recovery for PCs, workstations, and LAN file servers to an AS/400. ADSM/400 provides tape exits that can be customized to support any tape management system. It supports 24 different client platforms.
Infinite Options, Inc.
2019 Lovell Rd.
Knoxville, TN 37932
423-539-9977
fax: 423-539-9970
Optical Data Management (ODM) for the AS/400 was the first optical storage solution written specifically to archive coded data. ODM archives data/source/print files (including forms overlay, AFP, and IPDS), plus PC folders and OfficeVision. It also offers library support. ODM's indexing function allows record/member/page-level access for fast data retrieval and unlimited views (without using disk space). Other features include adding views to previously archived files, security, automated job control, command/API interfaces, allocation, platter continuation, and library optimization.
Integral Consulting, Inc.
505 Consumers Rd., Suite 310
North York, Ontario, Canada M2J 4V8
416-490-9702
fax: 416-490-1103
MLS/400 is a media library management system whose command interface or menus perform all functions associated with backup, recovery, and media management. Features include maintenance of AS/400 tapes, cartridges, and other media; spool file management; online inquiries for media and backups; offsite control system; automated or on-demand scheduling of backups; and automatic label printing for processed media.
Kisco Information Systems
40 W. Main St. 6B
Mt. Kisco, NY 10549
914-241-7233
fax: 914-241-9140
DSK MANAGER is a disk backup and disk space management package for the AS/400. Its approach to save/restore includes master/incremental backups; application file groups saved synchronously; disk management analysis reports; an automated restore procedure; and the ability to save files while in use, back up data and program objects separately, and identify and remove old, unused objects.
LXI Corporation
222 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Suite 1455
Irving, TX 75039
214-444-2323
fax: 214-444-2350
LXI's Media Management System (MMS) is a fully automated tape management product for the AS/400, supporting all backup and recovery functions. LXI's interface for MMS to ADSTAR Distributed Storage Manager/400 allows data centers to centralize enterprise backups and storage management on the AS/400 as a single point of control. MMS interfaces with most AS/400 ATLs, including the AS/400's 8mm tape library.
MBA, Inc.
810 S. Cincinnati, Suite 105
Tulsa, OK 74119
918-587-1500
fax: 918-587-1526
BRMS/400 provides full support for backup, archive, recovery, and management of all IBM media devices, including the latest features of IBM's 3494 tape library device and spool file support. In addition to providing full backup processing, BRMS/400 offers templates for preparing online disaster recovery plans and the means for implementing these plans. Full media management includes centralized capture and tracking of all media used across multiple AS/400 systems. The archive facilities provide for offloading of aged libraries, objects, or folders for offline storage and free up associated disk space.
Midrange Performance Group
2595 Canyon Blvd., Suite 425
Boulder, CO 80302
303-939-9648
fax: 303-939-9159
Millennium Systems Products, Inc.
869-A4 97th Ave. N
Naples, FL 33963
941-566-3033
fax: 941-566-3312
SAFE-Backup/Restore provides complete backups, protecting against disaster situations. Components include Tape Libraries Management to administer all tape libraries, including scratch and offsite libraries; Backup Management to perform all backups, scheduled and ad hoc; Restore Management to restore all or part of selected backup generations; and Historical Backups Management, allowing management of historical data libraries.
NewGeneration Software, Inc.
3835 N. Freeway Blvd., Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95834
800-824-1220
fax: 916-920-1380
Media Master complements unattended backup systems. You can back up libraries to save files or media, dynamically identify all system objects at save time, and analyze backup history during recovery to apply saves in the correct sequence.
PAE, Inc.
7 River Way
Salem, MA 01970
508-744-8612
fax: 508-745-7945
Librarian and Crash Aid are full-function tape management and disaster recovery products. Librarian takes control of what has been saved. Crash Aid dynamically rebuilds the system after a crash.
Ricomm Systems, Inc.
108E Centre Blvd.
Marlton, NJ 08053
609-596-9027
fax: 609-596-1383
RTAPE/400 is a powerful group of AS/400 system management tools designed to protect your tape library and automate your AS/400 backup, restore, and disaster recovery operations. Additionally, RTAPE/400 offers tape management, job scheduling, DASD management (archiving), spool file management, console management, paging, and LAN backup. RTAPE/400 leverages your investment in high-speed tape devices, particularly in a multiple CPU environment, and automates tape movement and retention control.
Rockport Information Services, Inc.
38 Granite St.
Rockport, MA 01966
800-238-7625
fax: 508-546-2917
Tape Assistant software uses a Windows-based interface that streamlines the process of saving and restoring data for the AS/400. Tape Assistant can structure complex tape backup regimens without the requirement for programming. The program executes backups with or without an attendant and verifies that each operation executes correctly. Tape Assistant maintains a complete history of tape operations, enabling you to prepare a variety of administrative reports. The system also allows users to organize and catalog tape media and supports several media numbering options.
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