NDMP is an open network protocol that allows direct data transfers between storage and backup devices. The protocol allows backup administrators to back up critical data using any combination of compliant file servers, backup devices, and data management applications (DMA). NDMP separates the data path and control path and enables centralized control of enterprise-wide network data management while minimizing network traffic. NDMP simplifies the management and protection of business-critical data.

Dell PowerScale OneFS supports both NDMP versions 3 and 4 and facilitates the backup and restore functionality using NDMP. OneFS NDMP supports both two-way (referred to as local or direct NDMP backup) and three-way (referred to as remote NDMP) backup topologies.

The OneFS NDMP module includes the following functionality or features:

• Full (level 0) and incremental backups
• Token-based backups
• Snapshot-based incremental backups
• Multi-stream Backup (MSB)
• Backup Restartable Extension (BRE) and Multi-stream Backup Restartable Extension (MSBRE)
• Backup of file attributes
• Backup of Access Control Lists (ACLs)
• Backup of Alternate Data Streams (ADSs)
• NDMP tar and dump backup types
• Direct Access Restore (DAR) and Directory Direct Access Restore (DDAR)
• NDMP environment variables
• Including and excluding specific files and directories from backup
• NDMP Redirector
• NDMP Throttler
• Integration with OneFS features