NetBackup catalogs are the internal databases that contain information about NetBackup backups and configuration. Backup information includes records of the files that have been backed up and the media on which the files are stored. The catalogs also contain information about the media and the storage devices.

Since NetBackup needs the catalog information so that it can restore client backups, configure a catalog backup before using NetBackup for regular client backups. Schedule the catalog backups to occur on a regular basis. Without regular catalog backups, you risk losing regular backups if there is a problem with the disk that contains the catalogs.

For information on how to configure catalog backups in cluster environments, see the NetBackup High Availability Guide.