NDMP Netapp backup - volumes/shares and storage snapshots

Hi ​@drPhil 

When comparing NDMP backups of NetApp volumes/shares to NetApp storage snapshots, it's important to consider the roles of different users and the operational independence of these processes:

1. NDMP Backups:
- NDMP (Network Data Management Protocol) is used for backing up entire volumes at the block level. It is efficient for large datasets and minimizes the need for file-level scanning.
- NDMP backups are typically managed by users responsible for the NDMP connection, focusing on volume-level data protection.
- These backups are often used with tape libraries or other storage media for long-term retention.

2. NetApp Storage Snapshots:
- Snapshots are point-in-time copies of data on a storage volume, created quickly with minimal performance impact.
- They are managed by users responsible for array management and are used for short-term data protection and quick recovery.
- Snapshots are not a substitute for full backups as they reside on the same storage system and are vulnerable to storage failures.

3. Operational Independence:
- NDMP storage snapshot backups can function independently of NDMP NetApp share backups. This is because snapshots are managed at the storage array level and do not rely on the NDMP protocol for their creation or management.
- Even if NDMP share backups fail due to network or protocol issues, snapshots can still be created and managed independently by the array management user, ensuring data protection continuity.

Please let me know incase of any queries.

Regards,

Karthik