User Experience: MyLiveVault Web Management Portal

LiveVault Service allows companies to back up servers in multiple locations continuously and automatically over low-cost Internet connections. Data flows over the network into a secure data center where it is available for immediate access in the event of disaster.

The MyLiveVault web management portal is a personalized management console that allows users to manage all backup and restore operations from a PC web browser. Users can create backup configurations, restore files and databases, and monitor system status in real time. Backups run automatically in the background. Restores involve a few mouse clicks on screens that have a familiar look and feel for any PC user.

Manages servers anywhere

Since MyLiveVault is Internet based, it can be accessed from anywhere, regardless of the location of the server. This makes it an ideal solution for protecting “stranded servers” (servers without dedicated IT support) in locations where backup procedures may be unreliable or non-existent, such as small/medium businesses, branch offices or locations, and retail stores.

Integrated historical view

Users can manage all protected files and databases on multiple servers from a single access point. LiveVault Online Backup Service maintains copies of files and databases in their current state as well as historic versions going back weeks, months, or years. A familiar directory structure and easy-to-use calendar controls allow easy access to the correct file, without the errors, delays, and inconvenience of handling tapes.

Principles of operation

The simplicity of the MyLiveVault web management portal masks considerable activity between the user PC, the data center, and the customer servers being protected.

New accounts

Initial prompts walk new customers through the set-up procedure. Customers are asked to specify basic information about their computer and customer contacts. This information is used to build a customer profile in the Enterprise Database server. Thereafter, when a user logs in, the web server authenticates the user by verifying their profile information before allowing access to their MyLiveVault web management interface.

LiveVault Online Backup Service staff performs a few initial set-up tasks to initiate the user’s account. When back-end configuration is complete, the user’s web page displays a message that the LiveVault Online Backup Service software Agent is ready to be installed. The user clicks on a link to download and install the Agent on the server.

Creating backups

The user specifies what to back up by creating a backup configuration – a list of properties associated with a backup job. The user can specify individual files, directories, databases, or entire systems. All backup configuration information can be readily modified as needed. When the backup configuration is saved, the backup begins. As data is created or changed on the customer server, it is replicated continuously to the designated LiveVault Online Backup Service backup server.

Performing restores

If a database or critical file is lost, MyLiveVault is specifically designed to make restores easy and intuitive – so data can be recovered promptly and accurately. By pointing and clicking to the desired files, the user can easily begin to restore the current version or a historical version within minutes.

For example, suppose that the CEO has accidentally deleted a crucial PowerPoint presentation. A copy will be available on a LiveVault Online Backup Service backup server, and can be accessed by performing a restore request in the MyLiveVault interface. The web page will display directories of files and databases that are currently being backed up, including deleted files. These directories are based on the backup configurations defined earlier.

After selecting the desired file to restore, the user can specify how LiveVault Online Backup Service should deliver the data back to their machine, either over the Internet, or via physical media such as CD-ROM or NAS. Users can also restore historic versions of the file – essential in case of data corruption.

Saving the restore request launches the restore, and in the case of Internet-delivered restore, sends the file securely from the backup server to the user’s server. The vital presentation is restored within minutes.

Monitoring status

LiveVault Service runs smoothly in the background without user intervention. However, users can utilize the MyLiveVault web management interface to monitor real-time status of all backup and restore activity, including details about restores in process, and their completion percentage. MyLiveVault allows users to monitor activity on all protected servers from a single point.

A summary screen shows the general status of each customer server, based on profile data from the Enterprise Database server. Users can then select a specific server to monitor all backup and restore activity. Users can view the number of files being backed up and the size of the backup in gigabytes, as well as which files or databases are currently being restored and their completion percentage.

Account management

MyLiveVault includes wizards to easily add and configure a new server. The process is very similar to the initial set-up described earlier. The user completes a short form describing their computer; the information is then used to build a new profile. After LiveVault Online Backup Service processes the request, the user installs the Agent software and creates new backup configurations.

Intuitive data protection

Combining ease of use with full data protection functionality, MyLiveVault provides an intuitive front end for LiveVault Service. Secure backup and restore operations can now be performed from any location using a standard web browser. Businesses struggling with risky and inefficient manual backup procedures will find that the automated LiveVault Online Backup Service with its MyLiveVault management console provides a superior alternative.