Setup & Deployment of Backup using MSP Backup
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      3. Setup & Deployment of Backup using MSP Backup

      How To: Deploy Servers Or Workstation Protection

      This guide details setting up MSP Backup for initial and additional workload protection, emphasizing automated deployment and easy customization.

      Video Guide: Deploying Protection for Servers and Workstations

      Step-by-Step Written Guide: Deploying Protection for Servers and Workstations

      Selecting Protection Options

      1. Accessing Protection Options:

        • Log into your MSP Backup account and navigate to the dashboard of the new customer account you wish to set up.
        • Look for the section or menu item labeled ‘Protect Servers and Workstations’. This is your starting point for deploying protection.

      2. Choosing the Right Protection Tool:

        • You will encounter two primary options for initiating protection: ‘Install Scout for Veeam Backup & Replication’ and ‘Install Scout for Veeam Agent for Windows.’
        • For the purpose of this guide, select ‘Install Scout for Veeam Agent for Windows.’ This option is suited for a broad range of environments, including workstations, physical servers, and virtual servers hosted in public clouds.

      Backup Data Location

      1. Deciding on Backup Data Storage:
        • Before proceeding with the installation, consider where you want your backup data stored. This could be on a local storage device, in a cloud storage solution, or a combination of both, depending on your or your customer’s data protection strategy.

      Configuring Probax Scout Automation Agent

      1. Installing the Scout Installer:

        • Within the MSP Backup platform, navigate to the section where you can download the Scout Installer. Click on the download link or button provided.
        • Once the download is complete, locate the installer file on your system. It should be named something similar to ‘ScoutInstaller.exe’.

      2. Running the Installer:

        • Double-click on the installer file to begin the installation process. If prompted by a security warning asking if you trust the source of the application, confirm that you do.
        • Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. This will typically involve agreeing to terms, selecting an installation directory, and possibly configuring some initial settings.

      Device Hostname Configuration

      1. Copying the Device's Hostname:

        • Upon completing the installation, a popup will appear on your screen with the option to copy the hostname of the device you are setting up. Click ‘Copy’ to capture the hostname to your clipboard.
        • Return to the MSP Backup platform. Navigate to the area where you can add or update device hostnames, often found in the device’s settings or configuration page.

      2. Updating the Hostname:

        • Find the field labeled ‘Enter Hostname’ or similar and paste the hostname you copied earlier into this field.
        • Click ‘Update Hostname’ or the equivalent button to save your changes. The platform will then attempt to establish a connection with the Scout software on your device, which should only take a few moments.

      Customizing Backup Settings

      1. Adjusting Backup Preferences:
        • While waiting for the connection to establish, you can take this opportunity to customize backup settings for the device. Look for an option called ‘View Scout Details’ or similar within the device’s configuration page.
        • Here, you can adjust the number of restore points to be retained and set the backup start time. By default, MSP Backup is configured to retain 90 restore points and start backups at 6 PM local time, but these settings can be tailored to meet specific needs.

      By following these detailed steps, you should be able to successfully initiate the protection of servers and workstations within a customer's environment using MSP Backup and the Veeam Agent for Windows. If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, don't hesitate to consult the MSP Backup documentation or contact their support team.

       

      Expanding Protection to Additional Workloads

      1. Identifying Unprotected Resources:

        • After successfully setting up protection for the first device, navigate back to the MSP Backup platform dashboard.
        • Look for a section or list that displays 'Unprotected Resources' or a similar term. This list shows all the workloads detected in the customer's environment that are not currently protected.

      2. Selecting Workloads for Protection:

        • Browse through the list of unprotected resources. These can include additional servers, workstations, or virtual machines that require backup.
        • Find the specific resource you wish to protect next. Each entry should have an associated action menu, often represented by three dots or a gear icon.

      3. Initiating Protection for New Workloads:

        • Click on the three dots or gear icon next to the resource you're targeting for backup.
        • Select 'Add to Backup' or a similarly labeled option from the dropdown menu. This action signals the MSP Backup platform to begin the process of deploying protection to the selected workload.

      4. Automation Takes Over:

        • Once you've added a resource to the backup queue, the platform's automation technology will commence the deployment process. This involves downloading and installing the necessary backup agent, just like with the initial setup.
        • The automation will then proceed to apply your predefined backup settings to the new workload, including the backup schedule, retention policy, and storage destination.

      5. Monitoring Deployment Progress:

        • You don't need to remain on the platform while the automation completes the protection deployment. You can safely navigate away and attend to other tasks.
        • However, you can check back periodically to monitor the progress. Newly added resources will initially show a status such as 'Deploying' or 'Waiting for Data.'

      6. Finalizing the Backup Configuration:

        • After the automation has finished setting up the new workload, its status will update. Before the backup commencement time, it might display as 'Waiting for Data.'
        • If the backup schedule has already kicked in and the first backup has been successfully completed, the status will reflect '100% Success' or a similar confirmation message.

      7. Troubleshooting:

        • If a new device or workload does not appear as expected, or if the deployment status indicates an issue, review the possible causes. Common issues include insufficient permissions, firewall or antivirus interference, or network configuration problems.
        • Adjust the Probax Scout Windows service to run with appropriate permissions, check firewall and antivirus settings, or consult with the MSP Backup support team for further assistance.

      By following these steps, you can efficiently extend protection to all critical workloads within your customer's environment, ensuring comprehensive data security and peace of mind. Remember, each step of the way, MSP Backup's automation simplifies the process, allowing you to focus on other important tasks while your data protection needs are met.