Anyone had IBM storage to mirror informix data experience?

In order to set up a DR system ,I intend to use IBM DS storage system to copy data to another storage system. there are functions like FlashCopy,VolumeCopy in IBM DS storage system. Which function is better for informix server ? I plan to make a testification to examine the data integrirty after simulating a diaster. Any way I can make this testifcation more perfect ? A lot of long running SQL command , and pull out the plug? I like to get more advice on these .

<joeclhua@gmail.com> wrote in message news:b02b22c6-7a7e-4bc1-b6f7-fa827070b9d6@s1g2000prg.googlegroups.com... > In order to set up a DR system ,I intend to use IBM DS storage system > to copy data to another storage system. > there are functions like FlashCopy,VolumeCopy in IBM > DS storage system. > Which function is better for informix server ? This is a "how long is a piece of string" question. They are quite different technologies and the pros and cons of each depend upon the use to which you want to put the coppies you make. > I plan to make a testification to examine the data integrirty after > simulating a diaster. So presumably, althoyugh this is a test, this is what you'd intend to use for DR? Otherwise you wouldn't be doing the test? Perhaps the most important thing to note then is that with Flash Copy is that availability of the copy is dependent upon availability of the source (because in effect it uses pointers just to store the modified pages relative to the original), whereas Volume Copy is a complete physical copy, uses more disk, but IS suitable for restoring the source in the vent of, say, a disk failure. I think you probably need to learn more abou the technologies before you start. rgds N

> -----Original Message----- > From: informix-list-bounces@iiug.org [mailto:informix-list- > bounces@iiug.org] On Behalf Of Neil Truby > Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 4:44 AM > To: informix-list@iiug.org > Subject: Re: Anyone had IBM storage to mirror informix data experience? > > <joeclhua@gmail.com> wrote in message > news:b02b22c6-7a7e-4bc1-b6f7- > fa827070b9d6@s1g2000prg.googlegroups.com... > > In order to set up a DR system ,I intend to use IBM DS storage system > > to copy data to another storage system. > > there are functions like FlashCopy,VolumeCopy in IBM > > DS storage system. > > Which function is better for informix server ? > > This is a "how long is a piece of string" question. They are quite > different technologies and the pros and cons of each depend upon the > use to > which you want to put the coppies you make. > > > I plan to make a testification to examine the data integrirty after > > simulating a diaster. > > So presumably, althoyugh this is a test, this is what you'd intend to > use > for DR? Otherwise you wouldn't be doing the test? Perhaps the most > important thing to note then is that with Flash Copy is that > availability of > the copy is dependent upon availability of the source (because in > effect it > uses pointers just to store the modified pages relative to the > original), > whereas Volume Copy is a complete physical copy, uses more disk, but IS > suitable for restoring the source in the vent of, say, a disk failure. > > I think you probably need to learn more abou the technologies before > you > start. > Aren't both of those technologies basically "point in time" saves? If you are looking for a disaster recovery solution, then it seems to me you ought to be looking at a more "continuous" type of solution, such as High-availability Data Replication (HDR), or Enterprise Replication (ER). If you are on IDS version 11.10 or 11.50, then there many new replication/disaster recovery solutions, grouped together under MACH 11. You really ought to check them out. HTH, Paul M.

IBM storage reseller told me that use two storage system can be separated at the distance of 5 kilometers. That is why I intend to use it for DR. I am wondering If I use Volumn Copy and then Diaster happen , all the data will be same as the before. By the way, I don't like to consider HDR or ER to make a DR system. It make the whole DB system to create more failure point and more careful management.

<joeclhua@gmail.com> wrote in message news:7ad9c6fb-f97d-41bd-9ea9-f98b92f09f89@r36g2000prf.googlegroups.com... > IBM storage reseller told me that use two storage system can be > separated at the distance of 5 kilometers. > That is why I intend to use it for DR. > I am wondering If I use Volumn Copy and then Diaster happen , all > the data will be same as the before. Well, yes. As long as you get your consistency group strategy correct. Be aware also of the enormous potential to screw up your Primary performance if you get it wrong. > By the way, I don't like to consider HDR or ER to make a DR system. > It make the whole DB system to create more failure point and more > careful management. That's a bit harsh on HDR, which is pretty robust and reliable.