The Alternate Read Server attribute applies to NetBackup Enterprise Server only.

An alternate read server is a server allowed to read a backup image originally written by a different media server.

The path to the disk or directory must be identical for each media server that is to access the disk.

If the backup image is on tape, the media servers must share the same tape library or the operator must find the media.

If the backup image is on a robot that is not shared or a stand-alone drive, the media must be moved to the new location. An administrator must move the media, inventory the media in the new robot, and execute bpmedia -oldserver -newserver or assign a failover media server.

To avoid sending data over the network during duplication, specify an alternate read server that meets the following conditions:

If the final destination storage unit is not connected to the alternate read server, data is sent over the network.