The following items are the key features:
- Dynamic discovery of databases: AppSync can dynamically add or remove databases from a protection plan as they are added or removed from the instance on the SQL Server. It uses create copy with plan for the User Databases folder of a SQL Server instance in the Microsoft SQL Server copies page. It prevents you from adding any new databases to the existing service plan individually.
- Dynamic discovery of database components: AppSync dynamically discovers database components and creates copies accordingly. For example, a user may add or delete some file groups to a SQL Server database in the production environment. AppSync accommodates such changes and creates a copy that is up to date with the production database.
- Operations for deleted databases: Databases that are removed from a production SQL Server instance but still have a copy in AppSync, are marked with a database could not be found flag in the AppSync console. Choose to mount or restore such database copies is supported. These databases, however, are no longer considered during subsequent protection cycles. The “database could not be found” flag does not apply to database components like log files and filegroups. If intending to add or remove individual database components, select the copy for restore carefully. Optionally, mount a copy to check whether all the wanted data is available in that backup before performing a restore.
- Precopy script: To perform preparatory steps before creating a copy, specify a precopy script and parameters in the service plan Scripts step. The precopy script runs as per the schedule set in the Plan Startup phase. Valid script formats are .bat, .exe, and .ps1 (PowerShell scripts). Optionally enter credentials to run the script as a specific user. The script runs as Local System by default. The default location of the script is %ProgramData%\EMC\AppSync\scripts\ on the application host. Exact parameters depend upon the specific script. Parameters with spaces must be enclosed in double-quotes. This phase can be enabled or disabled (default). This operation requires the Service Plan Administrator role in AppSync.
- Postcopy script: To perform cleanup or other postcopy steps after creating a copy, specify a postcopy script and parameters in the service plan Scripts step. The script runs on successful completion of the Create copy phase. Valid script formats are .bat, .exe, and .ps1 (PowerShell scripts). Optionally enter credentials to run the script as a specific user. The script runs as Local System by default. The default location of the script is %ProgramData%\EMC\AppSync\scripts\ on the application host. Exact parameters depend upon the specific script. Parameters with spaces must be enclosed in double-quotes. This phase can be enabled or disabled (default). This operation requires the Service Plan Administrator role in AppSync.