Catalogic Software

DPX feature

Block Backup

Protect large, fast-changing data sets without repeatedly copying every file. Catalogic DPX Block Data Protection captures complete point-in-time recovery images, then transfers only changed blocks after the initial backup.
Catalogic DPX block-level backup and recovery

Efficient protection at the block level

File-by-file backup can create long windows when servers and databases contain millions of files or frequently changing data. DPX Block Data Protection works below the file system, protecting data in blocks from primary NetApp storage and Windows, UNIX, or Linux systems to secondary storage. The first run creates a base backup. Each later incremental transfers only blocks that changed, while every recovery point remains a virtual image of the entire source volume at that moment.

Catalogic DPX block backup management interface

One backup image, multiple recovery paths

DPX block backups support recovery at the level the incident demands, from one file to a complete system.

Changed-block incremental backup

Changed-block incrementals

After the initial base backup, DPX transfers only changed blocks to reduce repeated data movement and keep recurring backups efficient.

Point-in-time recovery

Point-in-time recovery

Each base or incremental instance represents the entire protected volume at a specific point in time, giving teams clear recovery choices.

Granular file restore

Granular file restore

Restore individual files and directories from a block backup when rebuilding the whole volume would be unnecessary.

Instant Access to block backups

Instant Access

Map a recovery point as a writable network disk so data can be accessed, copied, verified, or put to use without changing the original backup.

Application-aware block backup

Application recovery

Use application-aware block protection and restore workflows for supported business applications including Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle Database.

Bare metal recovery from block backup

Bare metal recovery

Use block-level protection as the foundation for recovering supported Windows and Linux systems when the operating system or hardware must be rebuilt.

Protect physical systems and critical applications

DPX Block Data Protection is built for workloads where backup efficiency and recovery flexibility both matter:

  • Protect supported Windows, Linux, and UNIX systems with agent-based block-level backup.
  • Back up primary NetApp storage to supported secondary storage systems.
  • Capture System State and System Table data as part of supported block backup workflows.
  • Protect application data for supported Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, Exchange, SharePoint, and SAP HANA environments.
  • Keep multiple point-in-time recovery images without running another full backup for every scheduled job.
DPX protection for servers and applications

Verify recovery points before you need them

With vStor as the backup destination, DPX can automatically verify supported block backups after a job completes. vStor mounts the backup snapshot to confirm that its data can be accessed. Teams can also enable an automated GuardMode scan after successful verification to look for suspicious files and add ransomware awareness to recovery-point selection.

DPX backup verification and GuardMode scan results

Fast recovery without sacrificing precision

A block backup does not lock you into an all-or-nothing restore. DPX provides several recovery modes for different outage scenarios:

  • Restore one or more files or directories from an agent-based block backup.
  • Map a selected recovery point with Instant Access and browse the data directly.
  • Virtualize a supported block backup as a temporary or production virtual machine.
  • Recover supported application data with application-specific restore workflows.
  • Restore protected block data to primary NetApp storage or open systems from secondary storage.
DPX block backup recovery options

Block backup questions, answered

How does DPX block backup work?
The first backup of a selected volume is a base backup. Later backups are incremental and transfer only blocks that changed. Each recovery point is presented as a virtual image of the complete source volume at that point in time.
What systems can DPX protect with block backup?
DPX supports block-level protection from primary NetApp storage and supported Windows, UNIX, and Linux systems to secondary storage. Check the current DPX documentation and compatibility guide for version-specific platform and application requirements.
Can I restore individual files from a block backup?
Yes. DPX can restore individual files and directories from block backups. Instant Access can also map a recovery point for direct browsing and writable access while leaving the original backup unchanged.
Can DPX verify block backups automatically?
Yes, for supported block backups stored on vStor. DPX can have vStor mount the snapshot after backup to confirm the data is accessible. File-system restrictions apply, so review the backup verification documentation when planning jobs.
How is block backup different from file backup?
File backup protects selected data by file and directory. Block backup protects the underlying volume in blocks, making it a strong fit for large or frequently changing data sets and full-system recovery. DPX still lets you recover individual files from a block backup when granular restore is the right response.

Related DPX resources

Learn more about block-level data protection, recovery, and Catalogic DPX.

Make every changed block recoverable

See how Catalogic DPX can shorten recurring backup cycles and give your team fast, flexible recovery for critical systems and applications.

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