vxdump backup to different tapes at same time

[Rick Garland]

Hi all:

Need to get a vxdump backup of HPUX 11.00 - the various apps outside of vg00.

Per customer request they want a vxdump to 2 tapes at the same time. Each tape to contain the same info. (A simultaneous backup to multiple tapes and devices using vxdump)

Is this possible? I can get 2 tapes and 2 tapes drives but will vxdump be OK with the process?

[Rick Garland]

With all the duplicate posts I wanted to make sure that my post doesn't get lost.

Yes I am guilty too of the multiple posts - sorry bout that.

[S.K. Chan · Accepted solution]

I don't think it would work. I tested these scenarios (just a simple vxdump, no options specify) ..
# cd /tmp
# vxdump -f fileA -f fileB /mydir
vxdump: Date of this level 0 dump: Thu May 1 13:07:38 2003
vxdump: Date of last level 0 dump: the epoch
vxdump: Dumping /dev/vg05/rlvol3 to fileB
vxdump: mapping (Pass I) [regular files]
vxdump: mapping (Pass II) [directories]
...
vxdump: Closing fileB
vxdump: vxdump is done
With multiple "-f" in the command line it only takes the last one (ie fileB). I would imagine the same applies for tape drives.

[S.K. Chan]

I don't think it would work. I tested these scenarios (just a simple vxdump, no options specify) ..
# cd /tmp
# vxdump -f fileA -f fileB /mydir
vxdump: Date of this level 0 dump: Thu May 1 13:07:38 2003
vxdump: Date of last level 0 dump: the epoch
vxdump: Dumping /dev/vg05/rlvol3 to fileB
vxdump: mapping (Pass I) [regular files]
vxdump: mapping (Pass II) [directories]
...
vxdump: Closing fileB
vxdump: vxdump is done
With multiple "-f" in the command line it only takes the last one (ie fileB). I would imagine the same applies for tape drives.

[S.K. Chan]

Darn it .. !! Sorry, I'm very sure I clicked once !

[Bill Hassell]

There is nothing in vxdump (or any other included backup tools in HP-UX) that can duplicate a data stream. This is a *LOT* more complicated than it would appear. There are major issues with keeping the tapes running at the same speed, handling errors on one tape and not the other, etc.

You might look at taking the stdout output from vxdump and running it through tee in order to split the stream and cross your fingers. Another technique might be to duplicate the tape and ideally, compare the two tapes when done.

You'll need a commercial-quality backup tool such as HiBack or OmniBack to handle multiple tape drives properly.