Viewing Destination Volume Data

Once AIM is configured and data is being replicated, the destination volume will be in a state of flux as new data is continually received and destaged to the corresponding logical locations of the volume. For this reason, we recommend using Option 1 (with Snapshot), which provides the means to access the destination data while still actively receiving updates to the destination volume, and without dismantling the AIM set.

Option 1 – Using Snapshot (Best Practices Recommendation)

DataCore Snapshot allows you to take an independent copy of the destination volume without disturbing the AIM destination volume. Using this method:

  1. Create a snapshot relationship using  the AIM destination virtual volume as the snapshot source virtual volume. Refer to Creating Snapshot Sets.

  2. Enable the snapshot. Refer to Snapshot Commands.

  3. Map the snapshot destination virtual volume to a system running the same operating system as the originator of the data. (See note below.)

  4. On a compatible system, discover the volume, and mount it to view the data.

  5. To have an independent copy of the data a Snapshot Complete Image must be done.

 

Option 2  

If you do not have Snapshot, you may view the destination data, but this is a less desirable method because it is necessary for you to break the AIM set, which would later have to be reconfigured and re-initialized.  

  1. In AIM Destination Manager, verify that there is no pending data.

  2. Delete the AIM set. Refer to Deleting AIM Set Associations.

  3. In SANmanager AIM tab, remove the AIM destination virtual volume from the Destination folder in the lower-left pane.

  4. Map the destination virtual volume to a system running the same operating system as the originator of the data. (See note below.)

  5. On a compatible system, discover the volume, and mount it to view the data.

  6. After viewing the data, remove the drive letter, if applicable.

  7. Unmap the destination virtual volume and apply the configuration.

  8. Reconfigure the AIM set in the AIM tab and re-initialize the AIM set. Refer to Creating AIM Sets and Initializing AIM Sets.

 

Note: It is possible to map the destination volume to the storage server and use the storage server to view the destination data if the originating application server has a Windows operating system. Refer to Mapping Virtual Volumes to a Storage Server, if necessary.

Viewing Destination Volume Data