There are two primary types of Copy Services functions: point-in-time
copy (FlashCopy) and remote mirror and copy.
Generally, FlashCopy is used for data duplication and remote mirror and copy for
data migration and disaster recovery.
Most users use a combination of the point-in-time copy and
remote mirror and copy features to form a comprehensive enterprise solution for their data
duplication and disaster recovery. A brief description is provided for the
following Copy Services features:
- Point-in-time copy
- You can use the point-in-time copy (FlashCopy) feature to create volume
copies of data in a storage unit.
- Remote mirror and copy
- You can use the remote mirror and copy feature,
which consists of Global Copy, Global Mirror, Metro Mirror functions. Each function allows for data duplication, data migration, and
disaster recovery across one or two storage units.
Failover and failback operations: In a planned or unplanned
outage, such as a disaster, you can use failover and failback operations,
which use Copy Services features to reduce the time that is required to synchronize
remote mirror and copy volumes after switching between sites. (A failover
operation is the process of switching production to a remote site. A failback
operation is the process of returning production to its original location
after a disaster.)