Protecting PostgreSQL using pg_probackup
Introduction
pg_probackup is a utility to manage backup and recovery of PostgreSQL database clusters to a file path. It is designed to perform periodic backups of the PostgreSQL instance that enable you to restore the server in case of a failure
Spictera Unified Storage is an immutable storage target device that can be accessed by Any Device from Anywhere with access control, security right management, data reduction, replication, filtering, versioning, tiering, media management, and central management. This can help users to reduce the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) by using right media for right purpose, all according to define policies. For example, choosing a medium that does not use electricity when it is not accessed, such as Tape. It is also an agentless solution which enables flexibility for the system administrators to choose the backup tool of preference, such as pg_probackup, and can reduce the educational costs for the business.
Spictera Unified Storage is an immutable storage target device that can be accessed by Any Device from Anywhere with access control, security right management, data reduction, replication, filtering, versioning, tiering, media management, and central management. This can help users to reduce the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) by using right media for right purpose, all according to define policies. For example, choosing a medium that does not use electricity when it is not accessed, such as Tape. It is also an agentless solution which enables flexibility for the system administrators to choose the backup tool of preference, such as pg_probackup, and can reduce the educational costs for the business.
IBM Storage Protect is a backup and archive software that can be used to protect data, scheduling data protections, administrative tasks, and central management.
Spictera Unified Storage will be configured in this blueprint to be accessed using file based access method, also called SPFS. This translates all file based operations to IBM Storage Protect Client API calls, this securing the data from being altered and lost in case of incidents and shortens the time it takes to store and retrieve data.
As the backup data is being sent and received by pg_probackup via the mounted path of SPFS using the IBM Storage Protect server storage, it helps shorten the time it take to both backup as well as the time to restore the PostgreSQL data.
It also helps protecting the WAL (Write Ahead Logging) transactional data continuously as soon it is being created on the PostgreSQL database instance, which reduces the data loss in case of an incident, and improves the RPO (Recovery Point Objectives).
Besides of that the Spictera Unified Storage is immutable and secured from Ransomware attacks etc, it can also be designed to be a space efficient storage device, or being encrypted preventing unauthorized access to backup content.
Purpose
- This document is made for IT architects, technicians, system administrators, backup administrators and database administrators.
- The document will explain how easy it is to design and configure good data protection, including retention settings, to protect PostgreSQL database data using the pg_probackup utility tool.
- It will show different use cases using different retention, encryption, data reduction, replication and media usage.
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Requirements Analysis
pg_probackup is a tool designed for managing the backup and restoration of PostgreSQL database clusters via a file path. It is built to perform regular backups of the PostgreSQL instance, ensuring that you can restore the server if a failure occurs.
Data Modeling
A backup refers to the most recent copy of a file or object that is in an ACTIVE state, meaning it will never expire. The state changes only if a new file or object with the same name, including, is stored. In this case, the new object will be set to ACTIVE.
Storage Architecture
Spictera Unified Storage uses storage hierarchies, where the primary storage pool is the initial location for the data. This data can later be transferred to a secondary storage pool depending on usage (Tiered Storage) or other factors. Spictera Unified Storage can access the data no matter its location.
Data Access Patterns
pg_probackup can be configured to run multiple simultaneous copy operations, with each operation being a sequential copy process, which makes it ideal for a wide range of devices connected to the IBM Storage Protect server, ensuring efficient backup management.
Scalability and Performance
Spictera Unified Storage scales both horizontally, by enabling more simultaneous access to the same node with direct access to the storage devices or allowing connections to multiple IBM Storage Protect servers simultaneously, and vertically, by tiering multiple IBM Storage Protect servers.
Data Security
Encryption in transit is enabled by default, and it allows either a negotiated encryption key or a custom key. Encryption at rest can be configured for the targeted storage pool used by IBM Storage Protect or by utilizing hardware that supports such operations, like Tape.
Backup and Recovery
IBM Storage Protect can be configured to create duplicate copies (COPY STORAGEPOOL) or enable replication (REPLICATE NODE/PROTECT STORAGEPOOL). This setup provides protection against media failures and physical damage, especially when the secondary copy is stored.
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