How virtualizations work

Topic

This article explains how virtualizations function on Datto devices, and how they relate to screenshots.

Environment

  • Datto SIRIS
  • Datto ALTO
  • Datto Endpoint Backup

Description

A virtualization is a software emulation of a complete computer system. Datto builds virtualizations from snapshots of the production system during the backup process.

You can virtualize snapshots locally on your device, or on a Datto cloud server, depending on your configuration.

Datto devices running Ubuntu 20.04 use KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) to drive virtualizations.

You can create a virtualization through the Restore tab of the GUI.

Local Virtualizations

Datto appliances go through the following process when a local virtualization created through the GUI:

  • The device creates a ZFS clone from the backup date selected.
  • Once the point is cloned, HIR (hardware independent restore) runs.
    • HIR detects and loads the drivers needed to boot the restored system in the new environment.
  • The Datto device builds a virtual machine template in KVM.
  • The system image from the cloned point attaches to the VM template, and the virtual machine starts

Cloud (Offsite) Virtualizations

Cloud virtualizations work similarly to local virtualizations, except that they are hosted on a Datto cloud server. They can either exist independent of the local device or be bridged down to the local network through the device as an endpoint (also referred to as a hybrid virtualization). You can manage these types of restores through the Recovery Launchpad.

Screenshot Verification

Datto devices perform automatic screenshot verification using the same method described in the Local Virtualizations section of this article. Screenshot VMs run with the lowest amount of RAM and CPU cores needed to boot to the Windows login screen.

By default, the verification process waits five minutes for the VM to boot, and then attempts to capture a screenshot. You can add wait time if the virtualization takes longer to boot, and force a screenshot backup verification to test the results.

When the wait time has elapsed, the Datto device takes a screenshot of the VM . Then, it runs a verification process against the screenshot to ensure a successful boot. It reports the result as a FAILED or SUCCESS flag on the Protect tab of the GUI, and a red or green symbol on the Manage Recovery Points page.

In the case of an ESXi Virtualization, the same process applies, but the Datto device runs the VMs on your hypervisor.