Home > Storage > PowerMax and VMAX > Data Protection > Dell PowerMax 2500 and 8500: TimeFinder SnapVX Snapshots and Clones > Choosing between linked targets and clones
The SnapVX snapshots required for linked targets provide advantages beyond the capabilities of Clone. Linked targets are typically the better choice if the snapshot will be used for other reasons, or where scalability, device expansion, or resetting to the original point-in-time are required.
If the SnapVX snapshots are not already in use and not needed for anything other than linking a target, creating a clone with a single operation may be best. Clones may also be a better option if the use case requires regularly copying modified target data directly back to the source Storage Group.
This following information compares SnapVX linked targets and clones to help users choose the best option for a use case. The best choice may be the user’s preference in many situations.
Clone session must be terminated before expanding clone source or target volumes.
Since clones are pointer-based, the clone pair can be quickly recreated after expansion.
The following table highlights key characteristics of each option.
| SnapVX snapshots | SnapVX |
|
Scalability | 1,024 | 1,024 | 256 |
Integrated scheduling | Yes |
|
|
Nonmodifiable | Yes |
|
|
Secure | Yes |
|
|
R/W access |
| Yes | Yes |
Device Expansion | Yes | Yes |
|
Direct restore to source | Yes |
| Yes |
Dependent write consistent | Yes | Yes | Requires -consistent |
Ship data using SRDF |
| Yes | Yes |
Reset to original point-in-time |
| Yes |
|