Home > Storage > PowerMax and VMAX > Storage Admin > Dell PowerMax and VMware vSphere Configuration Guide > Copying virtual machines with TimeFinder
TimeFinder/Clone allows users to quickly replicate an application for immediate use by creating read/write copies directly from the source devices. Creating replicas that are not attached to snapshots (for example, SnapVX) reduces steps and resource usage.
However, a snapshot does not protect clones. After clone data is modified, there is no snapshot image that can be used to return the clone to its original state. Therefore, generally clones should not be used for application protection. They are useful where a quick copy to test a patch and then restore the updated, modified target data directly back to the source, is required.
When using Solutions Enabler with TimeFinder/Clone, the target storage group and volumes, or individual volumes, must be created ahead of time. If the clone is taken at the storage group level, Unisphere for PowerMax can create the storage group and volumes for the user. Individual volume clones are accomplished through Solutions Enabler.