NetBackup Storage Lifecycle Policy (SLP) is a powerful feature used not only for image duplication but also for disaster recovery purpose. In this post you can find answers for questions related to SLP that I received under some posts that I already wrote:
Q: If I change some settings on SLP, will those changes immediately affect old backup jobs (which are not yet duplicated) or they will apply only on new backup jobs?
A: Those settings will be applied to new backup jobs only. Even you do not change a name of SLP and modify the SLP using GUI, you will create a new version of SLP. If you need to apply settings to older jobs, you have to inactivate and modify the SLP using command nbstl. e.g.
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List of SLP versions.
nbstl -L -all_versions
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Inactivate a SLP you want to modify.
nbstlutil inactive -lifecycle name_of_SLP
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Modify the correct version of SLP. Example changing source and destination unit (STUA and STUB).
nbstlutil name_of_SLP -modify_version -version nr -residence STUA,STUB
Q: During duplication, for what job Media server is responsible?
A: E.g. sending data (MSDP, tapes) or controlling OST storage via 3rd plugins.
Q: Is there any way to check duplication job progress and time to finish?
A: Yes, it is necessary to use NetBackup OpsCenter or command line nbstlutil with (repllist or pendimplist or stlilist) option.