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IBM i Backup Software Evaluation Checklist
A procurement checklist for evaluating IBM i backup software, covering coverage scope, recovery targets, media support, and restore testing.
Coverage and recovery target checklist
Start the evaluation by confirming what the software actually backs up and what recovery targets it can realistically support.
- Confirms coverage for production libraries, IFS paths, and security data
- Confirms coverage for system configuration and scheduler settings
- Supports the business's defined recovery point objective per workload
- Supports the business's defined recovery time objective per workload
Media, retention, and isolation checklist
Backup software should be transparent about where copies live and how well they are protected from tampering or compromise.
- Supports every backup destination the environment needs, local, tape, or cloud
- Confirms offsite copies are created automatically, not manually
- Supports at least one isolated or immutable recovery path
- Provides visibility into retention, encryption, and media health
Restore testing and reporting checklist
The most telling part of any evaluation is how the software handles restore testing and proof of recoverability, not how clean its backup job reports look.
- Supports scheduled restore testing without disrupting production
- Documents restore test results automatically for audit evidence
- Alerts on backup failures and exceptions in real time
- Integrates with the business's documented DR runbook
Related Categories
Use this IBM i Backup and Recovery article inside the larger software map.
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