Configuration stage - The configuration stage of central Application Direct backup consists of the following steps.

1. The user creates a protection policy from Data Manager UI.

2. Data Manager creates a boost user and storage-unit on DD series appliance.
3. Data Manager adds a protection schedule to its own scheduler.
4. The application agent configures a lockbox with credentials on the SQL host.

Centralized Application Direct backup workflow (FULL)

Protect stage – The following figure provides details about the centralized Application Direct backup flow.

1. Request to the App agent to execute a backup.

2. The app agent uses SQL VDI (stripe 4) to back up SQL.
3. The app agent moves data to DD series appliance using DD Boost.
4. The Microsoft app agent catalogs the backup.

(Repeat steps 2 through 4 for each database.)

5. Return backup results to PowerProtect (using ADM).
6. Return backup discovery details to PowerProtect (using ADM).
7. PowerProtect creates SQL PCS (Protection Copy Set) based on the backup results.

Centralized Application Direct backup workflow (LOG)

Protect stage – The following figure provides details about the centralized Application Direct log backup flow.

1. Request to the App agent to execute a backup.

2. The app agent uses SQL VDI (stripe 1) to back up SQL.
3. The app agent moves data to DD series appliance using DD Boost.
4. The Microsoft app agent catalogs the backup.
5. The SQL Server truncates the log.

(Repeat steps 2 through 5 for each database.)

6. Return backup results to PowerProtect (using ADM).
7. Return backup discovery details to PowerProtect (ADM).
8. PowerProtect creates SQL PCS (Protection Copy Set) based on the backup results.