Snapshot Framework

The Snapshot Framework allows you to write custom host- or application-aware plug-ins (also known as “agents”) to customize the pre-snapshot and post-snapshot tasks. By default, the array provides application-consistent snapshots and replication of vSphere datastores, MS-Exchange, MS-SQL, and NTFS on the following platforms:

• VMware (through vCenter synchronization)
• Microsoft SQL Server (through Microsoft VSS sync)
• Microsoft Exchange Server (through Microsoft VSS sync)

However, for applications that are not VSS-aware, a custom plug-in created with the Snapshot Framework can be used.

The Snapshot Framework dramatically expands the set of applications that can be integrated with HPE Storage Snapshots, including Linux Oracle and SAP applications, and even Windows applications that are not VSS-aware.

The Snapshot Framework does not replace VSS Integration. Any third-party backup applications that are VSS-aware can integrate with the OS normally via the Storage VSS provider; non-VSS backup applications can use REST APIs.

For information on how to develop your own agent, refer to the Snapshot Framework Reference.

To use the array OS CLI with your custom agent, refer to the CLI Administration Guide.