Indicates the type of VSS snapshot provider that creates the snapshot.

• 0-auto (the default)

  If the policy is not configured for Instant Recovery, you can select this option. The auto option attempts to select the available provider in this order: Hardware, Software, System.

  For an Instant Recovery backup, you must select the appropriate provider type (not 0-auto) and snapshot attribute; otherwise, the backup fails.

  For example: To use a hardware provider to back up a CLARiiON array using the EMC_CLARiiON_SnapView_Clone method, you must select the following: 3-hardware as the provider type and 2-plex as the snapshot attribute.

• 1-system

  Use the Microsoft system provider, for a block-level copy on write snapshot.

  • Unlike options 2 and 3, the Microsoft system provider does not require any additional software or hardware.

  • The Microsoft system provider does not support off-host backup, such as alternate client backup. For off-host backup, select option 2 or 3, depending on your environment.

• 2-software

  For instance, use the Veritas Storage Foundations provider, for VxVM volumes. The software provider intercepts I/O requests at the software level between the file system and the volume manager.

• 3-hardware

  Use the hardware provider for your disk array. A hardware provider manages the VSS snapshot at the hardware level by working with a hardware storage adapter or controller. For example, if you want to back up an EMC CLARiiON or HP EVA array by means of the array's snapshot provider, select 3-hardware.

  • Depending on your array and on the snapshot attribute you select, certain preconfiguration of the array may be required.

    See the appropriate topic for your disk array and snapshot method.