What is a BDR?
The backup and disaster recovery system (BDR) comprises of 5 main components
1. Windows Storage Server (BDR Appliance)
A pre configured appliance that contains all the Business Continuity Software. A single server is capable of backing up between 3 and 16 servers, with usable storage space from 900GB to 4.5TB (non compressed data). It is available in Rack or Tower format, dependent on size.
2. Virtualization Software
Each Windows Storage Server includes a virtualization environment. This software provides the ability to convert the backup snapshots into a virtual machine, taking around 20 - 40 minutes.
3. Backup Agents
During the provisioning process a software installation program is created for each server you intend to backup. This installation program installs the backup agent which communicates to the Windows Storage Server (BDR) what to back up and when. The backup agent is VSS aware and capable of doing a backup of Microsoft Exchange and SQL Server without stopping any services.
4. Exchange Recovery Tool
The Exchange Recovery Tool is pre installed on the Windows Storage Server. This tool makes it possible to take one of the backup snapshots and recover an individual email through the full exchange database.
5. Monitoring Software
The monitoring agent keeps track of all backup schedules and the synchronization to removable media, NAS or 2nd BDR appliance. The monitoring portal can be accessed over the internet. The BDR appliance can be accessed via the portal for full remote control, this feature can be disabled for high security environments.
