OneFS provides an option to replicate a specific point-in-time dataset with SyncIQ. By default, SyncIQ creates a snapshot automatically at the start of a job. An example use case for this is when a specific dataset is required to replicate to multiple target clusters. A separate policy must be configured for each target cluster, resulting in each policy taking a separate snapshot and the snapshot could be composed of a different dataset. Unless the policies start at the same time and depending on how quickly the source is modified, each target cluster could have a different dataset. Therefore, complicating administrator management of multiple clusters and policies, as each cluster has a different dataset.
As stated in Whenever a snapshot of the source directory is taken, SyncIQ policies provide an option for triggering a replication policy when a snapshot of the source directory is completed. Additionally, at the onset of a new policy configuration, when the “Whenever a Snapshot of the Source Directory is Taken” option is selected, a checkbox appears to sync any existing snapshots in the source directory.
Depending on the IT administrative workflows, triggering replication automatically after a snapshot may simplify tasks. However, if snapshots are scheduled to run on a schedule, this could trigger SyncIQ to run at a higher frequency than required consuming cluster resources. Limiting automatic replication based on a snapshot may be a better option.
SyncIQ offers many options to utilize snapshots. After reviewing this section, also reference Target snapshots and Snapshots and SyncIQ policies.