Allocate disk space properly for Microsoft Data Protection Manager

Data Protection Manager (DPM), Microsoft's software for fast recovery of deleted or damaged files, needs storage space. Actually it needs two different kinds of storage space for the data entities it creates and uses. If the disk space is not properly allocated, DPM won't work properly.

When you set up a new protection group under DPM, the software will recommend the amount of space to be allocated for storage. You should generally accept the recommendation, keeping in mind that you may have to increase the allocation later.

However, if you are only protecting part of the data on the protected volume, you can use the DPM guidelines to calculate how much space you will need for the different functions.

DPM needs storage in two different areas. One is the data storage pool, which is the space DPM allocates for itself in the protected storage pool. The second piece of storage DPM needs is space for the synchronization logs.

The pool is used for the replicas of the data DPM creates, as well as the transfer logs it uses to help manage those replicas.

Most of the data storage pool is given over to the replicas. The replicas themselves need a minimum of 1.5 times the storage space of the data being protected. Note: This is a minimum. Based on your enterprise's patterns of use, you may need to add more space.

The next largest element in the data storage pool is the space allocated for the shadow copies. They should be allocated at least 20% of the space given

    Requires Free Membership to View

    Login

to the replicas. Microsoft's recommended allocation for the shadow copies provides enough space for about two weeks worth of shadow copies. You can conserve disk space on the protected volume by setting aside less space for the shadow copies, but that means you will have fewer shadow copies, which can cause problems if data that is corrupt or deleted is not discovered for several days.

The data storage pool also stores the transfer logs DPM uses to keep up with the synchronization logs. The transfer logs need a minimum of 1.4 times the size of the synchronization logs. Again, usage patterns may indicate that you should increase this allocation.

The final piece of storage DPM needs is space for the synchronization logs. Unlike the other three components, this is not in the DPM storage pool; it is in the protected volume on the file server. It needs to be at least 10% of the size of the protected volume.

For the past 20 years, Rick Cook has written about issues related to storage and storage management.

More information from SearchWinComputing.com:


This was first published in March 2006

Join the conversationComment

Share
Comments

    Results

    Contribute to the conversation

    All fields are required. Comments will appear at the bottom of the article.

    Disclaimer: Our Tips Exchange is a forum for you to share technical advice and expertise with your peers and to learn from other enterprise IT professionals. TechTarget provides the infrastructure to facilitate this sharing of information. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the material submitted. You agree that your use of the Ask The Expert services and your reliance on any questions, answers, information or other materials received through this Web site is at your own risk.

    Back to top