When the Multiple copies attribute is enabled, NetBackup can create up to four copies of a backup simultaneously. The storage units must be on the same media server with sufficient resources available for each copy. For example, to create four copies simultaneously in a Media Manager storage unit, the unit needs four tape drives. (This option is sometimes referred to as Inline Copy.)

The Maximum backup copies property specifies the total number of backup copies that may exist in the NetBackup catalog (2 through 10). NetBackup creates the number of copies that is specified under Multiple copies, or the number that the Maximum backup copies property specifies, whichever is fewer.

See Maximum backup copies.

To create more than four copies, additional copies can be created at a later time using duplication.

If multiple original images are created simultaneously, the backup time that is required may be longer than for one copy. Also, if both Media Manager and disk storage units are specified, the duration of disk write operations match that of slower removable media write operations.