17.2 System-Wide Services

OES offers both Novell Storage Management Services and services that are available as part of the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server distribution.

17.2.1 Links to Backup Partners

17.2.2 Novell Storage Management Services (SMS)

Understanding SMS

Novell Storage Management Services (SMS) is not a backup application. Rather, it provides a standard framework and the necessary interfaces that can be used in developing a complete backup/restore solution. SMS helps back up file systems (such as NSS) on OES servers to removable tape media or other media for offsite storage.

SMS is implemented as two independent components that provide functional abstractions:

  • Storage Management Data Requestor (SMDR) defines the API framework, provides remote connectivity, and abstracts the details of communication between servers.

  • Target Service Agent (TSA) provides an implementation of SMS APIs for a particular target. The TSA provides transparency by abstracting details of the specific service being backed up.

    For example, various applications use the file system TSA to back up and restore NSS file system data and metadata (trustee assignments, file attributes, and name spaces).

SMS Coexistence and Migration Issues

In OES 11, the SMS API framework is available on SLES 11 so that there is a single consistent interface to back up file systems on NetWare, file systems on Linux, and Novell applications such as GroupWise and Novell iFolder. The API set has been enhanced to include new functionality for OES.

Most of the SMS coexistence and migration issues are of concern only to backup application developers. However, administrators should be aware that SMS-based applications must be used to back up and restore NSS file system data on OES servers. Although NSS is exposed as a Virtual File System-compliant file system, the Linux interfaces are inadequate to back up NSS file system attributes, rich ACLs, trustees, and multiple data streams.

For additional information, see Coexistence and Migration Issues in the OES 11 SP3: Storage Management Services Administration Guide for Linux.

17.2.3 SLES 11 Backup Services

Two SLES 11 services might be of interest.