Using HP StoreOnce as target for Windows Server Backup (WSB)

Some days ago, I blogged about the new HP StoreOnce software release 3.13.0. This release included several fixes. One fix wasn’t mentioned by me, although it’s interesting.

• Fixed issue where Windows 2012 R2 built-in native backup was not supported with 3.12.x software (BZ 61232)

Windows Server Backup (WSB) is part of Windows Server since Windows Server 2008. WSB can create bare metal backups and recover those backups. The same applies to system state backups, file level backups, Hyper-V VMs, Exchange etc. Very handy for small environmens. Backup can be stored on disk or on a file share. With Server 2012, the file share must be SMB3 capable. So if it’s not a Windows file server, the NAS that offers the file share has to be SMB3 capable. This doesn’t apply to Windows Server 2008 (R2).

With StoreOnce 3.13.0, HP has fixed this. Starting with 3.13.0, you can use a CIFS share on a StoreOnce appliance as a target for Windows Server Backup. This allows you to take advantage of the benefits of StoreOnce, like industry-leading deduplication and replication technology.

I was able to test this new feature with StoreOnce VSA appliances in my lab, as well as with a customers StoreOnce 4700 appliance.

Download you free copy of the HP StoreOnce Free 1 TB VSA today and give it a try!