Vaisala viewLinc Backup
How to Secure the Monitoring System's Server Software
Like all critical business applications, the viewLinc continuous monitoring system's software should be regularly backed up to ensure business continuity in the event of an unexpected failure.
Server backups should be tested regularly to ensure that the backup can be used to restore the system to a functional state.
There are three approaches to backing up viewLinc, each with different requirements and benefits. Decisions regarding backup methods, frequency, and testing intervals should be made based on a risk assessment.
3 Possible viewLinc Backup Methods:
Snapshot of the Virtual Server
If you are running viewLinc on a virtual server (recommended), backups based on snapshots are the preferred method. Use a "Running" or "Active Status" snapshot for viewLinc as it captures the complete system state while the application is running, including the application, operating system, installed drivers, etc.
Advantages of a Snapshot of the Virtual Server
- It does not disrupt the system's operation. Data continues to be recorded, and alarm notifications are sent.
- It captures both the application and the entire environment in which it runs, providing the simplest and fastest way to restore.
Backup of a Running Application
If you are running viewLinc on a physical server, the preferred backup method is to use a backup application that can back up open files. Many such applications are available in the market. The backup application should be configured to back up the following directories*:
- C:UsersPublicDocumentsVaisalaVaisala viewLincdb
- C:UsersPublicDocumentsVaisalaVaisala viewLinclog
* NOTE: These directories specify default storage locations. If you selected alternative locations during system installation, you must use those.
Like snapshots of the virtual server, backups of a running application benefit from not disrupting system operations.
Backup of an Offline Application
If you are running viewLinc on a physical server but do not have a backup application available that can back up open files, you must temporarily stop the viewLinc application to back up the data. Since viewLinc is a continuous monitoring system, data is constantly being written to its databases. If the application is still running while a simple backup tool copies database files, all new data written to the database will fail and can lead to database corruption. Therefore, it is essential to stop viewLinc services before performing a backup with such a tool. The following viewLinc services must be stopped in the specified order:
- viewLinc Watchdog
- viewLinc Web Server
- viewLinc Enterprise Server
- viewLinc DB Service
The remaining services can be stopped in any order. Wait for a few minutes and refresh the service list to ensure that the services have been terminated.
After completing the backup, the viewLinc services should be started in the following order:
- viewLinc DB Service
- viewLinc Enterprise Server
- viewLinc Web Server
- The remaining services can be started in any order
Since the offline backup method requires stopping the monitoring system (which may delay the capture of new measurements and notification of alarm conditions) and may require manual effort, Vaisala recommends using one of the other methods if available (snapshot of the virtual server or backup of a running application).
* NOTE: These directories specify default storage locations. If you selected alternative locations during system installation, you must use those.
Testing the Recoverability of Backups!
Regardless of the chosen backup method for your viewLinc system, it is important to regularly test the backups to ensure that the system can be restored in the event of a failure.
Backups can be restored on an instance of viewLinc running on a separate virtual machine or server to avoid operational disruptions.
If you have any questions about backing up viewLinc Enterprise Server or need assistance, contact us.