Auto

Attempts to select the available provider in this order: hardware, software, system.

System

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

Unlike the Hardware type, the System provider does not require any specific hardware.

Software

Not certified in this release.

Hardware

Uses the hardware provider for a disk array. A hardware provider manages the VSS snapshot at the hardware level by working with a hardware storage adapter or controller.

For example, to back up data that resides on an EMC CLARiiON or HP EVA array by means of the array's snapshot provider, select Hardware. Depending on your array and on the snapshot attribute you select, certain preconfiguration of the array may be required. See the chapter titled "Configuration of snapshot methods for disk arrays" in the NetBackup Snapshot Client Administrator's Guide.