Overview of the integrated backup and recovery process

Using the backup_modes utility to place Teamcenter in an appropriate operation mode, an administrator can allow Teamcenter to operate continually during online backup of metadata and files by third-party backup systems. Teamcenter can operate in three volume backup modes: read-only, blobby volume, and normal. Mode Description Read-only mode Teamcenter pauses writing files to the volume during backup. Blobby volume mode Teamcenter writes to a temporary volume while third-party backup software takes a snapshot of the normal volume data, thus allowing continuous availability. Normal mode Teamcenter writes to the normal volume. The following steps describe the process flow of a third-party integrated backup. Note that before running the integrated backup, the administrator should terminate Teamcenter sessions as described in Back up new installations (Linux) or Back up new installations (Windows). The third-party backup software requests that Teamcenter freeze all operations on its file system volumes. Note The method of the request depends on how the third-party backup software is integrated with Teamcenter. In a loosely coupled integration, the request can be a reminder or email to the system administrator to begin the backup process. A tightly integrated system can trigger the read-only mode using the backup_modes command line utility. To set the backup mode, use the -m (mode) argument in the backup_modes utility with the following options: rdonly, normal, and blobby. Use the current option to show the current mode in effect. Teamcenter starts database and file system volume synchronization by ensuring there are no open writes to volumes. (The system pauses until all open writes are completed, and suspends future writes by putting file system volumes in read-only mode.) Teamcenter returns an OK message after a successful math and metadata synchronization. The third-party backup software puts the database in hot backup mode and creates a snapshot of the file system. Third-party storage management systems start the backup of database and file system volumes. Optionally, during the backup, the third-party software can request that Teamcenter operate in blobby volume mode. The blobby volume (a temporary file system area) serves as an alternate volume location for file writes during the hot backup, allowing for continuous availability. The blobby mode can be triggered using the backup_modes command line utility. The third-party backup software completes the backup operation of database and file system volumes. The third-party backup software requests that Teamcenter resume normal mode. The contents under blobby volumes are moved back to the original volume location. Normal mode can be triggered using the backup_modes command line utility. Teamcenter resumes normal mode.