In a Dell EMC RecoverPoint environment, Snap-based replication is supported by the Unity array. This feature leverages the intelligent array-based snapshot capability available in Dell EMC Unity platforms. It enhances asynchronous replication by allowing a user-defined interval for replication, which is particularly useful for environments where minimizing the replication window is critical1.

The Snap and Replicate feature is enabled by leveraging the intelligent array-based snapshot capability available in Dell EMC VNX, XtremIO, and VMAX3/AF platforms as well1. However, for the specific context of the question, which focuses on the EMC array that supports Snap-based replication in a RecoverPoint environment, the correct answer is Unity2.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is always best to consult the latest official Dell RecoverPoint documentation or contact Dell EMC support directly3.

To meet the requirement of keeping a local copy of the production data in a RecoverPoint environment with VNX(SE) clusters, the administrator can add a local copy into the existing Consistency Group. This action does not require deleting and reconfiguring the existing Consistency Group or upgrading the license. Here are the steps:

Access Unisphere for RecoverPoint: Log into the Unisphere interface for RecoverPoint management.

Navigate to the Consistency Group: Find the Consistency Group that needs the local copy.

Add a Local Copy: Use the option to add a copy into the selected Consistency Group.

Configure the Local Copy: Specify the settings for the local copy, such as the Journal volume and RPO settings.

Apply Changes: Save the changes to implement the local replication.

This process allows the administrator to enhance the data protection strategy by adding a local copy for operational recovery or other business needs without disrupting the existing remote replication setup1.

The setting to change the primary RecoverPoint Appliance (RPA) for specific Consistency Groups is configured under the Group Policy tab for the Consistency Groups. This tab allows administrators to manage and adjust policies that affect the entire Consistency Group, including the assignment of the primary RPA, which is responsible for managing the replication for the group1.

The process for changing the primary RPA typically involves:

Accessing the Unisphere for RecoverPoint interface.

Navigating to the Consistency Groups section.

Selecting the specific Consistency Group to be modified.

Going to the Group Policy tab.

Adjusting the settings to designate a new primary RPA for the group.

This change can help balance the workload across the RPAs in the RecoverPoint system, ensuring that no single RPA becomes a performance bottleneck and that the replication process remains efficient and effective1.

When the database team's write activity is expected to exceed the space allocated for Image Access mode in RecoverPoint, additional Journal volumes need to be added to accommodate the increased write activity. This can be done through the Unisphere for RecoverPoint interface:

Navigate to Protection: Access the Protection menu in the Unisphere for RecoverPoint.

Manage Protection: Go to the Manage Protection section.

Select the Consistency Group (CG): Choose the appropriate CG from the list.

Select the Copy: Click on the copy that is being used for the Point-in-Time (PIT) testing.

Edit Journal: Click on the Edit Journal option.

Add Journal Volumes: Add one or more additional Journal volumes to ensure there is enough space for the write activity during the testing periD.

By adding additional Journal volumes, the database team can continue their testing without disruption due to space limitations in the Image Access mode1.

The Journal lag in a Dell RecoverPoint system refers to the amount of data that has been written to the production volumes but has not yet been replicated to the remote site or copy volumes. The maximum Journal lag setting affects the RPO because it determines the maximum allowable time or data volume that can pass before the data must be replicated to the remote site to meet the recovery objectives.

Here's how the Journal lag impacts the RPO:

Journal Lag Definition: Journal lag is the measure of the difference between the most recent write to the production volume and what has been replicated to the copy volume.

RPO Impact: The RPO is the maximum targeted period in which data might be lost from an IT service due to a major incident. If the Journal lag exceeds the maximum setting, it means that the RPO could be breached, as there would be more data at risk of being lost than what is acceptable per the RPO policy.

Management Actions: Administrators can monitor and manage the Journal lag to ensure that the RPO is maintained. If the lag approaches the maximum setting, actions may be taken to increase replication throughput or address any issues causing replication delays.

In summary, the maximum Journal lag setting is crucial for ensuring that the RPO is met, as it directly influences the amount of data that could be lost in the event of a failure or disaster1.