By using the NetBackup linkage facility, you can create backup files on a medium that is managed by the NetBackup server. Figure 7-8 shows a system configuration example of the NetBackup linkage facility.

Figure 7-8 System configuration example of the NetBackup linkage facility

For details about the NetBackup linkage facility, and about the products required to use the NetBackup linkage facility, see JP1/VERITAS NetBackup v4.5 Agent for HiRDB License Description and User's Guide.

The following describes the advantages of using the NetBackup linkage facility:

• Ability to manage backup files with NetBackup
  Because NetBackup manages the output destination of backup files as well as the backup date and time, you do not need to change the name of the backup file when you make a backup. In addition, when you are recovering (restoring), and simply specifying the volume name and backup date and time, NetBackup selects the correct backup file for you. Moreover, if you are using the most recent backup file, you do not even have to specify the backup date and time.
  
• Ability to create backup files on storage devices connected to server machines on which HiRDB is not installed
  You can create backup files on a storage device that is connected to a server machine on which HiRDB is not installed. If you do not use the NetBackup linkage facility, you can only create backup files on storage devices connected to server machines on which HiRDB is installed.
  
• Ability to use a wide variety of media types for backup files
  You can create backup files on any media that are supported by NetBackup. For details about the media that are supported by NetBackup, see the NetBackup documentation.
  
• Ability to use different operating systems for the HiRDB server and the NetBackup server
  You can use the NetBackup linkage facility even if the operating systems on which the HiRDB server and the NetBackup server run differ.