A recent, verified Veeam Backup
Before we patch a system, we always want to make sure we have a backup that matches our organization’s Recovery Point Objective (RPO), and that the backup was successful. Luckily, Veeam Backup & Replication makes this easy to schedule, or even run on demand as needed.
Beyond the backup itself succeeding, we also want to verify the backup works correctly. Veeam’s SureBackup technology allows for this by booting the VM in an isolated environment, then tests the VM to make sure it is functioning properly. Veeam SureBackup gives organizations additional piece of mind that their backups have not only succeeded, but will be useable.
Rapid patch testing with Veeam DataLabs
Veeam DataLabs enable us to test patches rapidly, without impacting production. In fact, we can use that most recent backup we just took of our environment to perform the patch testing. Remember the isolated environment we just talked about with Veeam SureBackup technology? You guessed it, it is powered by Veeam DataLabs.
Veeam DataLabs allows us to spin up complete applications in an isolated environment. This means that we can test patches across a variety of servers with different functions, all without even touching our production environment. Perfect for patch testing, right?
Now, let’s take a look at how the Veeam DataLab technology works.
Veeam DataLabs are configured in Veeam Backup & Replication. Once they are configured, a virtual appliance is created in VMware vSphere to house the virtual machines to be tested. Beyond the virtual machines you plan on testing, you can also include key infrastructure services such as Active Directory, or anything else the virtual machines you plan on testing require to work correctly. This group of supporting VMs is called an Application Group.
Patch testing to improve confidence
The hesitance to apply patches is understandable in organizations, however, that does not mean there can be significant risk if patches are not applied in a timely manner. By leveraging Veeam Backups along with Veeam DataLabs, organizations can quickly test as many servers and environments as they would like before installing patches on production systems. The ability to rapidly test patches ensures any potential issue is discovered long before any data loss or negative impact to production occurs.
