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Hyper-V CSV protection with DPM 2010

October 11, 2010 4 comments

  DPM design for Hyper-V :

  •  Incremental Backups Only – full only once
  •  No More Backup Window – online backups
  • Application consistency via VSS
  • Protect Live Migration VMs in CSV clusters
  • Protect whole VM, recover individual items
  • Auto Protection of new VMs
  • Routine backups – nightly or more frequently

Strategy to Deply DPM 2010 in Hyper-V/CSV environment :

1. Plan:

  • Identify Project Requirements and scope
  • Simulate using Hyper-V Calculator
  • Review Hyper-V design guidelines & Best Practices
  • Acquire VSS Hardware Provider & check environment with SDPM SAN Testing Tool:
  • Validate a Pilot Environment
  • Ready for Deployment
    • Integration components should be updated on both VMs.
    • Ensure that Live Migration is functional

  2. Deploy : Protected CSV server

  • Install all recommended prerequisites:
General Prerequisite Install the integration components on the guests. For more information, see Install a Guest Operating System (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=165041).
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 SP2 Install Microsoft Windows Server 2008 SP2 OR Install the Microsoft Hyper-V prerequisites (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=133781).
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Install the following on the host computer:KB975354 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/975354)KB975921 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/975921)
  • Failover Cluster Validation
  • Enable Automount : Enable Auto mount on the host for successful child partition backups :  MOUNTVOL /E
  • Install Hardware Provider:Ensure that VSS hardware providers are installed : vssadmin list providers
  • Validate Hardware snapshots
  • Use DSConfig Tool to serialize backups (for software snapshots providers only) : 
    ·   Problem:With software snapshots, simultaneous triggering of VM backups (especially scale deployments) will cause backup jobs to time out and fail.
    ·   Enable Per CSV LUN Serialization:This serialization limits the number of virtual machine backups happening on a single CSV LUN.Create a DataSourceGroups.xml file by running the DSConfig.ps1 script on any one node of a cluster containing CSV.Place the file in the DPM server at %PROGRAMFILES%\Microsoft DPM\DPM\Config.Repeat step 1 for every cluster that is protected by a DPM server.The DataSourceGroups.xml file needs to be updated only when virtual machines are added, deleted, or modified in the cluster and protection is configured for them.

 3. Deploy  : DPM 2010 server

  • Enable Hyper-V Role on DPM Server :DPM supports item-level recovery (ILR), which allows you to do granular recovery of files, folders, volumes, and virtual hard disks (VHDs) from a host-level backup of Hyper-V virtual machines to a network share or a volume on a DPM protected server. You must have the Hyper-V role enabled on the DPM server to perform item-level recoveries. During item-level recovery, DPM has to mount the VHDs of the protected virtual machines
  • Install DPM server pre-requisites
  • Install DPM 2010
  • Turn off “TCP Chimney offload”For better throughput, TCP Chimney Offload should be turned off.
  • Allocate Storage Pool & Deploy Agents
  • Datasourcegroups.xml file:
    • Merge the DatasourceGroups.XML file for all CSVs protected by DPM server. This is applicable when software providers are used on the CSV cluster.
    •  Copy the <Group> tags from all the DataSourceGroup.xml files generated and add the text between the <DataSourceGroup> tags. The DataSourceGroups.xml file will now contain one <header> tag, one <DataSourceGroup> tag, and <Group> tags from all CSV clusters.

 

 

Categories: Microsoft, Virtualization Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Project Phoenix : MSDN Ultimate subscriptions to give away

October 6, 2010 1 comment

Hi Everyone,

fellow MVPs Greg Low, Darren Gosbell ,  Arnie Rowland and Rod Colledge are giving away 7 MSDN Ultimate subscriptions.

Called Project Phoenix, it awards (among other things) Microsoft Visual Studio Ultimate with MSDN subscription to unemployed or underemployed developers who commit to developing a project using Microsoft tools for an eligible non-profit organisation. More details on the program can be found here.

Project Criteria;

  • Client is an Australian or New Zealand non-profit, school or church,
  • Solves a problem or satisfies a need for the client,
  • Client desires the project and is supportive,
  • Uses any combination of .NET 4.0, Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008, or Windows Phone 7,
  • May be a new software solution, or an upgrade to an existing software solution,
  • Additional consideration given projects that will be posted on Codeplex with a GPL license

An eligible developer may submit project proposal information here.

An eligible non-profit may submit a project proposal here. Eligible developers without a project proposal may select from one of the available projects listed below;

Categories: Microsoft Tags: , , ,

Windows Small Business Server “7” (SBS7)

September 28, 2010 Leave a comment

Built on Windows Server® 2008 R2, this exciting new edition of the all-in-one solution server for small businesses will include Microsoft® Exchange Server 2010 SP1, Microsoft SharePoint® Foundation 2010, and Windows Software Update Services. Small business customers will find significant security and management enhancements over previous versions, as well as much richer features for providing file-and-print, email and Internet services.
Together with Windows SBS code name “Aurora” (available for download since 16 August), SBS7 is dedicated to providing small business customers with a highly manageable, low complexity solution to help cut costs, save time and be more efficient. SBS7 offers on premise email and collaboration suite functionalities that Aurora’s customers can add through online services.

Take advantage of advanced technologies

SBS7 also offers a great opportunity for small businesses to upgrade their servers and simultaneously take advantage of advancements in security, reliability, and connectivity technology. For this reason, SBS7 offers enhanced migration tools, extensive pre-migration checks, and prescriptive guidance included in the software.

Secure access to communications remotely

Furthermore, with SBS7, small businesses gain the freedom to securely access all of their communications from virtually any Web-browser or mobile device – getting more done wherever they are with the integrated Exchange Server 2010 and Microsoft Outlook® Web Access (OWA) capabilities.

Share and edit documents online

Customers using SBS7 will also have the opportunity to view, edit, and share Microsoft Office documents online with SharePoint Foundation 2010 and Microsoft Office Web Apps. As the online companion to Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel(R), Microsoft PowerPoint(R), and Microsoft OneNote(R), Office Web Apps gives users the freedom to access documents from virtually anywhere.

Categories: Microsoft Tags: , , ,

Dell Streak will be available 1st October in Australia

September 24, 2010 Leave a comment
 
DELL STREAK will be available on OPTUS from OCTOBER 1.

 

Dell Streak’s unique size will help people discover new ways to enjoy the web and connect with friends

The Streak has front and rear-facing cameras, 2GB of internal memory (plus an included 16GB card) and access to turn-by-turn navigation and social networking apps.

Advantages over the iPad are the MicroSD slot, front and rear-facing cameras, and mobile phone capability.

Price : Outright at $649, or $0 upfront on a $59 Plan. if you’ve been waiting for it, go for it!

 

Categories: Computers and Internet

SPRINGBOARD SERIES TOUR NEAR TO YOU!

September 21, 2010 Leave a comment
 

Microsoft Windows, Office and MDOP Deployment Workshops

www.springboardseriestour.com

 

Amsterdam – 25 Oct | Stockholm – 27 Oct | Helsinki – 29 Oct | Reading – 1 Nov | Rome – 3 Nov | Vienna – 4 Nov

 

The Microsoft Get On the Bus Tour is taking a winter hiatus to bring you a new tour – the Springboard Series Tour: Microsoft Windows, Office and MDOP Deployment Workshops!  Amsterdam marks our first stop on a 6-city European tour, en route to TechEd Europe, in Berlin, Germany. Are you looking to plan, pilot or deploy Windows and Office? Our workshops will cover the Office 2010, key deployment strategies for Windows 7, the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack, as well as show you the value of getting trained and certified in these key products.

Learn why Windows 7 has received rave reviews from IT organizations and is setting records as the fastest selling operating system in history, and find out why so many IT Pros are ready to deploy Office 2010. Give us five hours, and you will have a clear understanding of the tools, tips and tricks you need now to jumpstart the successful deployment and management of your Windows desktop environment today. Come join members of the Windows and Office US Product Teams, as well as local Microsoft Technology Evangelists for technical training, professional networking, and real world guidance. Don’t miss your chance to attend a workshop in the 2010 Springboard Series Tour, register today at www.springboardseriestour.com.

 

Get your Tour updates first! Follow us on Twitter, @MSSpringboard

Categories: Microsoft Tags: , , , , , ,

Group Policy Settings Reference for Windows and Windows Server

September 17, 2010 Leave a comment
 
For those who is looking for the most updated Group Policy Settings Reference:
 
 
 

These spreadsheets list the policy settings for computer and user configurations included in the Administrative template files delivered with the Windows operating systems specified. You can configure these policy settings when you edit Group Policy objects (GPOs).

WindowsServer2008andWindowsVistaSP1GroupPolicySettings.xlsx
512KB
WindowsServer2008R2andWindows7GroupPolicySettings.xlsx
612KB
WindowsVistaGroupPolicySettings.xls
1.9MB
Categories: Microsoft

Internet Explorer 9 Beta release

September 16, 2010 Leave a comment

Get Ready for a More Beautiful Web

Today, the Web is a communication hub. It’s how people connect with friends, colleagues, and customers. How information is shared and projects are completed. How business is done. Yet the Web experience is not as fast, rich, or accessible as it could be. The new Windows Internet Explorer 9 Beta browser changes that, by leveraging the power of your PC to deliver more vibrant, immersive Web experiences, coupled with unparalleled performance.

Now websites and Web applications can provide the same functionality you expect from the software installed on your PC. A new interface increases your viewing area, and enhanced integration with the Windows 7 operating system means you can pin websites and applications directly to the taskbar and create customized Jump Lists that put the tasks you use most often just one click away. And a robust set of built-in security, privacy, and reliability technologies makes browsing safer than ever.

Learn more about the Internet Explorer 9 Beta release and watch demos to see how it works. Join the Microsoft Partner Network to access exclusive training opportunities. Then download the beta to experience a faster, cleaner, and more beautiful Web for yourself.

Categories: Microsoft

Infrastructure Saturday – Nov 6th 2010 – Brisbane : free event

September 10, 2010 Leave a comment

Join System Administrators, System Engineers, Architects and other IT Pro’s that work with Microsoft Server products for our ‘Infrastructure Saturday’ event. Infrastructure Saturday is an educational, informative & lively day filled with sessions from respected IT Pros, MVPs and other Community Members covering a wide variety of Microsoft server orientated topics. Infrastructure Saturday is FREE, open to the public and is your local chance to immerse yourself in Microsoft Infrastructure!

Infrastructure Saturday will be on November 6th from the Microsoft Brisbane offices in the Brisbane CBD.  To register now for this event please visit the registration link, places are limited and will go fast. FREE Event

Where : Microsoft Brisbane
When : November 6th, 2010
Register : http://infrasat.eventbrite.com

Categories: Microsoft

PowerShell script to create AD Subnets and Sites

September 1, 2010 1 comment
 
Powershell scripts are really usefull. So, here is on to create automate the AD Sites creation :
 
How to use :
 
Save the script below to the notepad and save as Create-ADSubnet.ps1
To execute
Open the Administrator command prompt and type
 
powershell .create-adsubnet.ps1 192.168.1.0/24 SITENAME  ""site location""
 
You can create a .bat file with all subnets/sites.
Note: use "" if the site location or site name has spaces in between.
 
#Script to create Subnets and Sites
#*****************************
param ($Subnet, $SiteName, [String] $Location, [String] $Description, [switch]$Help)
function Help
{
""
Write-Host "Usage: .Create-ADSubnet.ps1 -Help"
Write-Host "Usage: .Create-ADSubnet.ps1 <Subnet> <SiteName> <Location> <Description>"
Write-Host "Ex: .Create-ADSubnet.ps1 10.150.0.0/16 Default-First-Site-Name Sydney FrenchsForest"
""
Break
}
if ($Help) {Help}
if ($Subnet -eq $Null) {Write-Host "Provide a Subnet!" -fore Red; Help}
if ($Location -eq $Null) {Write-Host "Provide a Location!" -fore Red; Help}
if ($Description -eq $Null) {Write-Host "Provide a Description!" -fore Red; Help}
if ($SiteName -eq $Null) {Write-Host "Provide a Site Name!" -fore Red; Help}
if ($SiteName -like "CN=*")
{
 $SiteNameRDN = $SiteName
}
else
{
 $SiteNameRDN = "CN=$($SiteName)"
}
#$Description = $Subnet
$RootDSE = [ADSI]"LDAP://RootDSE"
$ConfigurationNC = $RootDSE.configurationNamingContext
$SubnetRDN = "CN=$($Subnet)"
#$Description = $Subnet
$SiteDN = "$($SiteNameRDN),CN=Sites,$($ConfigurationNC)"
$SubnetsContainer = [ADSI]"LDAP://CN=Subnets,CN=Sites,$($ConfigurationNC)"
$NewSubnet = $SubnetsContainer.Create("subnet",$SubnetRDN)
$NewSubnet.Put("siteObject", $SiteDN)
$NewSubnet.Put("description", $Description)
$NewSubnet.Put("location", $Location)
trap {Continue}
$NewSubnet.SetInfo()
if (!$?)
{
""
Write-Host "Error! Please check your input."
Write-Host "Error Message:"
$Error[0].Exception
""
}
else
{
""
Write-Host "Subnet Created Successfully."
""
}
 
Categories: Microsoft

Teched Australia 2010. What happens here

August 24, 2010 2 comments
 
The Teched Australia, occurring in Gold Coast, already started yesterday, August 23 and will be running until August, 27.
 
This year, as last year I will be in the TLG and also on August 26, presenting the MGT30-ILL : Technical Introduction to Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager 2010 ( from 1:45pm til 3pm ) : if you are here, I invite you to come.
 
There are some really good sessions, to nominate a few : SVR302-Hyper-V and Dynamic Memory, UNC302 : Exchange High Availability, DAT318 : Sql Server Hyper Cloud, SVR307:RemoteFX drilldown, and much more.
 
Don’t lose the sessions!
 
 
 
Categories: Microsoft