1 Volume Shadow Copy Service
Overview
The Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) provides a backup function that generates consistent
point-in-time copies of data known as snapshots.
VSS lets you conduct a hot backup of data without stopping online applications by linking
applications, backup software, and disk array systems that are supported by VSS.
VSS consists of the following components:
• Provider — The provider actually creates snapshots. The provider consists of a software
component that comes with the OS and a hardware component which may be acquired from
some source such as a disk array vender. The VSS provider described in this manual is the
hardware component.
• Writers — The writer quiesces the OS or an application and will flush data as needed in
order to create a consistent state. Only operating systems and applications that include a
VSS writer can work with VSS.
• Requester — This component requests creation, operation, or deletion of snapshots. Usually
backup and recovery software like Microsoft’s Data Protection Manager, or HPE Data
Protection Suite can operate as a VSS requester.
• VSS — This service in the Windows operating system operates as a coordinator for the
provider, the writers, and the requester.
Figure 1 Concept of VSS.png
Overview of the VSS Provider
The VSS Provider is a program that controls a data backup function and works with the Microsoft
Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS). It uses Business Copy, Snapshot or Fast Snap in Hewlett
10 Volume Shadow Copy Service
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