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Chapter 31. IBM TotalStorage Productivity Center for Replication 469
31.2 Where we are coming from
Since the advent of copy services functions with IBM storage servers, a framework is
required to handle and manage disk storage environments and the various combination of
software, firmware, and hardware used for replication.
To ensure and guarantee data consistency at the remote or backup site, it is even more
important to provide a framework around copy services functions that helps achieve that data
consistency and ease of management.
Other aspects are automation and scalability. Early solution attempts turned out to have
weaknesses that often would surface during actual implementation in real production
environments. Tools offered on an “as-is” basis are not suitable for managing production
environments. Other solutions are perfectly suited for certain host server platforms but cannot
manage other server platforms.
This led to the design and implementation of a framework that is platform independent and
provides the required production attributes such as scalability, stability, security and, as a
standard product offering, the guarantee to be serviced and maintained. The concept
furthermore has the potential for enhancements and can evolve over time and according to
user requirements.
TPC for Replication does build on all previous experiences with storage management tools
and framework proposals to organize all aspects of copy services for disaster recovery
solutions. TPC for Replication also addresses the need for other solutions that involve copy
services functions available with the DS6000 and DS8000, such as data or volume migration,
data center movements, or other projects that require the copying or moving of data between
like devices such as the DS6000, DS8000, and ESS 800.
31.3 What TPC for Replication provides
TPC for Replication is designed to help administrators manage copy services. This applies
not only to the copy services provided by DS6000 and DS8000, but also to copy services
provided by the ESS 800 and SAN Volume Controller (SVC).
In more detail, the functions provided by TPC for replication are:
Manage Copy Services for the IBM System Storage DS6000 and DS8000.
Extend support for ESS 800 to manage Copy Services.
Provide disaster recovery support with Failover/Failback capability for the
– ESS 800
–DS6000
–DS8000
Monitor Copy Services performance.
The optional high availability feature enables continuation of replication management
even when one TPC for Replication server goes down.
The basic functions of TPC for Replication provide management of:
FlashCopy
Metro Mirror
Global Mirror