Overview of Instant Snapshots

When processing an Instant Snapshot, XBM uses the appropriate intelligent storage interface to create (or snap ) a copy of physical data on a storage device to a different location on the same device (or on another device within the same control unit or frame). A copy of the data remains on the storage device after the utility has finished processing the job. XBM can also snap, or reapply, this copied data back to the original location for recovery.

XBM works with supported BMC utilities to create this physical data copy and recover by using the copy. Instant Snapshots derive their name from the speed at which the copy and recovery occur—Instant Snapshots require no host I/O to copy the data set.