First steps with Commvault
Please Note
This page briefly introduces the new backup software and refers to the accompanying material provided by Commvault.
Here you can find the documentation provided by Commvault: Essential View
Requirements for using Commvault:
- The role Backup Admin (DaSi_Local_Admin) within an ORGID
- You receive the role Administration Backup Admin or Dasi_Local_Admin from the role management of your institution. It is a decentralized role. (see also role management)
- You will find your ORGIDs in the Selfservice.
- Access to the Web Console is only possible via the RWTH network (VPN if necessary)
Further information for a first successful backup with Commvault:
Introduction to Commvault
The Welcome to Commvault introduction video provides an initial overview of the features and capabilities of Commvault software.
What is Commvault? What is the concept of the software?
Commvault software is deployed in a cell-like structure called a CommCell environment. One or more cells can be deployed to manage small to global enterprise environments. The central component of a CommCell environment is the CommServe server, which coordinates, manages and monitors all CommCell activities. Production data is protected by installing agents that communicate directly with the operating system or application being protected. Each production server on which an agent is installed is called a client. Data is protected by transferring it via MediaAgents to storage, which can be a hard drive, cloud, or tape.
For illustration purposes, it is recommended to watch the video Overview of Commvault Physical Architecture, which introduces the main components of the CommCell environment.
CommServe:
The Comm Serve refers to the software module that communicates with all clients and MediaAgents and coordinates operations (backup, restore and management operations, job management, event management, etc.) within a CommCell environment.
Media Agents:
The MediaAgent's job is to move data from production systems to protected storage (disk, cloud, or tape) and, in the case of recovery operations, to return that data to the production system. Basically, all data must pass through a MediaAgent to reach its destination, with all tasks coordinated by the CommServe servers. For more information on Media Agents, click here: Media Agents for Backup
Client-Server und Agents:
Any production system protected by Commvault software is defined as a client-server. Client servers use agents to protect production data by installing the agent directly on the server or by using an access node to protect the data. When an agent is installed on a server, the client server appears in the Server section of the Commvault Command Center. Agents can be deployed in several ways:
- On physical clients, agents can be installed directly.
- On virtual clients, agents can be installed directly or protected by the Virtual Server Agent (VSA), which is installed on a physical or virtual access node.
- Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices, where software cannot be installed directly, are managed and protected by installing NAS agents through access nodes.
Command Center:
The Command Center is a web-based user interface for administrative tasks. Command Center is installed by default with the CommServe component. The interface is used to set up a data protection environment, identify content to be protected, and initiate and monitor backups and restores.
When using the Commvault Command Center, restoring data is done through the client or subclient view. There are several options for restoring data, depending on the MediaAgent type and operating system. Important points when restoring data:
- Data can be restored in-place, i.e. on the same system and in the same location.
- Data can be restored "out-of-place", i.e. to the same server in a different location or to a different server.
- Files can be restored to a remote location by specifying a UNC path and the user who has access to the share.
- Data can be overwritten if it already exists at the destination location.
Using Commvault Documentation
Commvault Documentation - Essential View:
Under the Documentation Overview, select the documentation currently in use (Feature Release 11.24).
What exactly do you want to back up?
- File Server/File Server
- Laptop
- Databases
- Application
The Commvault documentation is extremely extensive and may seem a bit confusing at first glance. However, if you know what type of record you would like to back up, you can either find it under one of the directory items above or use the search function in the upper right to find the appropriate documentation.
Note: At the top right there is an option to translate the page into German.
The contents of Essential View are to be integrated into the Datensicherung.nrw documentation in a timely manner. The documentation requires authentication via Shibboleth using the Single Sign-On.
Commvault Dokumentation - Expert View:
The contents of Expert View are to be integrated into the Datensicherung.nrw documentation in a timely manner. The documentation requires authentication via Shibboleth using the Single Sign-On. You do not need a Maintenance Advantage account for Expert View.
On-Demand Lernbibliothek:
The On-Demand Learning Library is a reference tool and is composed of a set of digital learning content, virtual and instructor-led events, and other learning development tools. The content of this learning library is freely accessible.
The home page provides an overview of Commvault's product offerings. For each of the Commvault services, there is an explanation divided into several sections. To get a first impression, check out the "Getting Started with..." pages. Here you will find an introduction to the Commvault software, an explanation of how to install it and an overview of the Command Center in the form of videos.
Login Commvault
Registering and creating a user account on the Education Advantage (EA) Customer Portal provides access to Commvault's training offerings.
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