Managed Data Protect Backup

Service Guide

Updated: December 12, 2017

Overview

Data Protect Backup (the Service) is a Managed Hosting usage-based service that provides data protection via file backups. The backups are stored to disk and optionally to tape for archiving within CenturyLink’s multi- tenant data centers that support the Service. As part of the standard Service, CenturyLink provides the installation, configuration, administration, monitoring, and maintenance and support for the Service components described below. The Service is available for use with the following CenturyLink services: CenturyLink Cloud Services, Dedicated Cloud Compute, Managed Hosting Services and/or Colocation Services located within a CenturyLink data center. When ordering the Service for use with CenturyLink Cloud Services, the name of the Service is Managed Backup. Customer chooses the amount of backup and pricing model that fits their business operation. The Service Level Agreement (SLA) associated with this Service is the Data Protect Backup SLA.

Service Components

Basic Backup

CenturyLink performs full and incremental backups as part of the Service. Customer backups will be retained on local disk for a period of two weeks. Backups that are older than two weeks per the creation time stamp will expire and will be purged from the system. At a minimum, a full backup is executed once per week. The amount of backup stored on disk accumulates based on the retention and any copies retained with DOV (Digital Offsite Vaulting). Backups are stored and measured as protected data which for the purposes of this Service means data that has been backed up and is in storage. The amount of stored data accumulates per the defined retention periods and DOV settings. The Service is available for most server operating systems (OS) as detailed in the matrix titled Supported Operating Systems. For the avoidance of doubt, the Service is not a Disaster Recovery Service and does not support backup of Virtual Machines/VMDKs or System State recovery.

Supported Operating Systems

The following table details the operating systems that are fully supported with the Service. For those operating systems that are not represented in the table, the deduplication feature may not be available for use and thus could result in higher data usage.

Operating System

Architecture

Master Server
Deduplication

Client
Deduplication

Windows 2008 X86 NO YES
Windows 2008 R2 X64 NO YES
Windows 2012 X64 NO YES
Windows 2012 R2 X64 NO YES
Windows 2016 X64 NO YES
RedHat 5.x X64 NO YES
RedHat 6.x X64 NO YES
RedHat 7.x X64 NO YES
Suse SLES 11 X64 NO YES
Suse SLES 12 X64 NO YES
Solaris 10 SPARC NO YES
Solaris 11 SPARC NO YES
HPUX 11.31 IA-64 YES YES
AIX 6.1 Power PC YES YES
AIX 7.1 Power PC YES YES

Deduplication

The Service utilizes deduplication to reduce the overall amount of backup being stored on disk. Deduplication will be performed on the host for most OS. The Supported Operating Systems table above provides additional information on this.

Encryption Policies

CenturyLink enables encryption as part of the standard Service.

  • Servers compatible with Symantec NetBackup 7.x or higher will perform encryption within the server and transfer encrypted data to the backup infrastructure server.
  • Servers not compatible with Symantec NetBackup 7.x or higher will perform encryption at the backup infrastructure server only.
  • Deduplication enabled server – The Blowfish encryption algorithm (key length 128) will be utilized. This encryption will occur within the server.
  • Deduplication disabled server – The Blowfish encryption algorithm will be utilized for those servers that are not utilizing the deduplication feature of the product and will occur on the backup infrastructure server.
  • AES-128 and AES-256 encryption algorithms are available. However, deduplication rates will be negatively impacted with the use of these algorithms, resulting in more backups thus higher charges.
  • Data stored on tape – For data chosen to be stored on tape, Data Protect Backup utilizes the AES-256 encryption algorithm.

Portal

Customers may set up and manage the servers that are selected for backup by accessing the respective Portal (see Definitions).

Data Restore

Restores of customer data can be performed from unexpired backups stored at the local data center, or the DOV data center, or on tape. Restores are performed from full backups and subsequent incremental backups only. For example, if the oldest unexpired backup is a Full Backup, then a Restore is possible to that date. If the oldest unexpired backup is an incremental backup, then a Restore is not possible to that date; however, a Restore up to the most recent full backup can be performed.

Digital Offsite Vaulting (DOV)

DOV is an option of the standard Service offering that includes creating a copy of the backup, transferring the copy via an existing, secure, dedicated CenturyLink provided network connection between the data centers (data transmission for this feature utilizes Secure Socket Layer or “SSL”), and retaining the backup copies on disk at the DOV site for retention periods of: (i) two weeks, five weeks, or 13 weeks for use with Managed Hosting and Colocation Services; and (ii) two weeks for use with CenturyLink Cloud Services. DOV retention periods can be managed via the Portal. In the event Managed Backup is selected for a server in the Control portal (see Definition), the DOV component will automatically activate, and such DOV component cannot be turned off until the Managed Backup Service is de-selected for that server via the Control portal.

Long-Term Offsite Archive

The Service offers secure, long-term, offsite archiving of the customer’s critical data for various business reasons. Offsite Tape Archive and Offsite Dedicated Tape Archive are available for an additional charge. Refer to Tape Archiving under Additional Services.

Infrastructure

The Service is hosted in a CenturyLink location with secured access and redundant power.

Pricing Model

Pricing for the Service is based on a subscription level and Third-Party Software Agents. A subscription level is based on a designated amount of monthly usage. Customer selects the subscription level in the Service Order, with subscriptions available from 0 to 100 TBs. A subscription of 0 means that the customer will be charged for actual usage incurred on a monthly basis. A subscription of greater than 0 means the customer commits to a defined usage amount and is charged a monthly recurring charge. Additional charges will apply if actual usage exceeds the subscription level. Usage pricing is based on a subscription tier, with the calculation as follows:

[(average amount of GB of backups per day over a calendar month) – (subscription commitment level X tiered rate) = overage charge]

Customers electing for the subscription model greater than 0 may receive a discounted rate and can apply the subscription over multiple sites. Please contact your CenturyLink sales representative for additional details.

Additional Considerations:

  • Please note that DOV does not carry an additional cost to enable the feature if chosen but will increase the amount of data consumed, resulting in additional backup consumption. For example, if the customer backs up 500GB of data and chooses the DOV option the total consumption is 1TB of storage. That is, 500GB of data would be stored locally on disk and 500GB of data would be stored on disk remotely at the DOV location.
  • Offsite Tape Archiving is an option with additional cost if chosen. Cost is calculated based on the amount of backups transferred to tape and the retention period of the aforementioned tape media. Note that backups will go to disk first, then to tape. CenturyLink does not make exceptions.
  • Hot Backup Agents carry additional charges per Agent.
  • Offsite Dedicated Tape Archive carries additional charges.

Installation, Configuration and Administration

Installation Support

CenturyLink will provide support for installation, content migration and customer validation. The CenturyLink Service Center provides 24x7 monitoring and management support.

Backup Frequency

Once backups are configured and active, the backups automatically commence on a daily basis. Backups are retained for a default of two weeks. Once backups are disabled, the backed up data will remain in storage according to the retention schedule.

Backup Options

Customers can access the Portal for setup and management of the servers that should be scheduled for backup. Options within the SavvisStation Portal (see Definition) include turn On/Off backups, day of week for full backup, DOV retention periods, and long-term archiving to tape, but only if the customer has the commercial offering for tape archiving. Options within the Control portal are limited to turning On/Off the Managed Backup Service.

Backup Instance Control

Customers with the appropriate authorizations can manage the Services within the Portal.

Change Management

CenturyLink may modify the managed applications, systems, network and facilities used to provide the Service. Such modifications are subject to CenturyLink’s change management process which includes risk assessment, completed test procedure, metrics for measuring progress, and back out procedures. The change management process will be followed prior to scheduling and implementation of such modifications.

Monitoring

Portal

Customers may monitor the Service via the Portal. The SavvisStation Portal may also be used for assistance with reporting including identification of backup servers, successful backups, and usage. The Control Portal may also be used for assistance with identification of backup servers and allows the customer direct access to the information directly on their servers.

Notification

CenturyLink will retain primary notification and resolution responsibilities for all automated environment alerts in the production environment.

Maintenance and Support

Change Management

All changes to the CenturyLink managed applications, systems, network and facilities are subject to CenturyLink’s change management process. This process is intended to confirm that work is reviewed for completeness (risk assessment, completed test procedure, metrics for measuring progress, back out procedure, etc.) and accuracy prior to scheduling and implementation.

Major and Minor Releases

Major and Minor Releases require a new installation of the Software binaries, which is not included in this Service. CenturyLink suggests that customer purchase a new managed server (via a Service Order) and migrate data (defined in a SOW) as a commercially reasonable practice.

Maintenance Windows

All times listed under Scheduled Maintenance Windows are local times and subject to change. CenturyLink will use commercially reasonable efforts to perform routine maintenance only during the Saturday or Sunday defined maintenance windows. See Maintenance Windows page for details.

Support

CenturyLink will provide support for the Service during installation, content migration, customer validation, and 24x7 monitoring and management by the CenturyLink Service Center after installation.

Customer Contact

Customer will designate and maintain a Customer Contact during the Service Term (including current contact information). “Customer Contact” means a technical point of contact available 24x7 with sufficient knowledge, authority and access to address configuration issues, event notifications, system or infrastructure modifications and authentication of applicable CenturyLink systems.

Tasks Performed on Behalf of the Customer

Installation

  • Perform set-up and implementation based on the requirements provided by the customer
  • Install and configure the CenturyLink infrastructure
  • Install licensed software agent on managed OS CenturyLink provided servers
  • Make required adjustments to management devices and declare Service fully operational

Configuration

  • Configure the standard backup templates via SavvisStation Portal interface if the customer requests CenturyLink to perform this
  • Turn On/Off backups via SavvisStation Portal if the customer requests CenturyLink to perform this for Managed Hosting Services and for Colocation Services
  • Turn On/Off backups via Control Portal interface if the ustomer requests CenturyLink to perform this. The customer must grant the appropriate permissions in Control portal
  • Populate the customer's Colocation servers into database to allow Colocation servers to display in the SavvisStation Portal for configuring backup templates
  • Answer customer’s questions regarding the Service
  • Perform full and incremental backups

Administration

  • Enable encryption
  • Data Restores, upon request of the customer. Restores are performed with the assistance of the Backup Operations Team. Although backups are retained for defined retention schedules, (i.e. 2, 5, 13 weeks) this does not guarantee a Restore can be performed to all days in that retention schedule based on the frequency of the full backup and the expiration date within the retention period.

Monitoring

  • Retain primary notification and resolution responsibilities for all automated environment alerts
  • Monitor the CenturyLink infrastructure used to provide the Service

Maintenance and Support

  • Provide 24/7 support for Service problem resolution and customer inquiries

Customer Responsibilities

Customer is responsible for the following tasks. Customer acknowledges and agrees that its failure to perform its obligations set forth below may result in CenturyLink’s inability to perform the Services and CenturyLink shall not be liable for any failure to perform in the event of customer’s failure.

Installation and Configuration

  • Provide all required information requested during the Service set-up consultation.
  • Install licensed software agent onto unmanaged-OS-CenturyLink-provided servers.
  • Configure the standard backup templates via SavvisStation Portal interface.
  • Turn On/Off backups via Portal interface.
  • Determine backup frequency timeframes.
  • Establish backup policy and determine the appropriate response procedure.

Administration, Monitoring, Maintenance and Support

  • Determine retention period for DOV via SavvisStation Portal.
  • Choose backup options and schedule frequency.
  • Utilize Portal capabilities to define user privileges, view, monitor, backup instances, DOV, backup scheduling.
  • Portal Access: Customer is solely and exclusively responsible for password and user access level administration related to the Control portal and any activity therein.
  • Request changes by contacting the CenturyLink Client Service Center at 1-888-638-6771
  • Ensure that all customer permissions of any kind needed for the delivery of the Service are in place at all times.
  • Change Notification: Customer agrees to notify CenturyLink of any changes in customer hardware, including any system configuration changes or any hardware or software upgrades, which may affect the Services provided. Any outages or failures directly caused by Customer's failure to notify CenturyLink of changes will not be subject to the SLA.

Managed Hosting and CenturyLink Cloud Customers

  • Customer agrees to allow CenturyLink to install necessary software to enable backup operations, monitoring and reporting. Customer agrees to use any third party software strictly in accordance with all applicable licensing terms and conditions. CenturyLink makes no representations or warranties whatsoever with regard to such third party software.

Colocation Services Customers

Any outages directly caused by Customer's failure to provide the following items will not be subject to the SLA.

  • Hardware Purchase: Customer is responsible for obtaining, deploying, upgrading and maintaining all required hardware, including an Ethernet card.
  • Installation: Install licensed software agent on Colocation servers.
  • Configuration: Provide list of Colocation server names to CenturyLink for populating into database to allow Colocation servers to display in the SavvisStation Portal for configuring backup templates.
  • Dedicated Switch: Customer must provide a switch dedicated and compatible VLAN to the Service. CenturyLink provides configuration guidelines for the switch, and the customer is responsible for installation and ongoing management of the switch.
  • Operating Environment: Customer is responsible for deploying and maintaining the environment.
  • Third Party Software: Customer will install the necessary software to enable backup operations, monitoring and reporting, and the customer is responsible for all required upgrades and maintenance of such software. Customer agrees to use any third party software strictly in accordance with all applicable licensing terms and conditions. CenturyLink makes no representations or warranties whatsoever with regard to such third party software.

Acknowledgements

Customer acknowledges and agrees that:

  • All tape media used in connection with the Services are subject to malfunction or degradation that increases over time and CenturyLink has no responsibility whatsoever regarding any such media malfunctions and their potential impact on the Services.
  • The Service will backup and/or vault data in the form it is received from the customer and CenturyLink has no responsibility whatsoever regarding its accuracy or integrity.

Additional Services

At customer’s option and expense, customer can choose to add additional components to the Service. Contact a CenturyLink sales representative for additional information.

Tape Archiving

Tape Archiving provides long-term shared tape-based archiving of customer data tape on a customer-chosen frequency (weekly or monthly). Customer data will be archived to tape at the CenturyLink DOV location and transferred to a long-term archive service for a customer-chosen period of twelve (12), thirty-six (36), or eighty-four (84) months. If customer requires long-term retention of data utilizing the Tape Archival, customer must also utilize DOV as the tape operations and facilities are centralized to the DOV locations. For locations without DOV, data stored on disk in the local data center may be sent to long-term tape archival from the local disk. Long-term storage may include storage utilizing qualified third party vendors who specialize in the storage of media. Price is calculated based on the amount of backups transferred to tape, the retention period of the tape media and whether Shared (standard) or Dedicated Tape is selected by the ustomer. Note that backups will go to local disk, then DOV disk and, then to tape. CenturyLink does not make exceptions. Data stored on tape is not de-duplicated or compressed. Tape Archiving not available for CenturyLink Cloud Managed Backup.

Hot Backup Agents

Hot backup Agents are available for Oracle, DB2, SQL Server, MS Exchange and SAP (UNIX & Windows). Hot Backup Agents are not available for CenturyLink Cloud Managed Backup.

Offsite Dedicated Tape Archive

Similar to the Offsite Tape Archive offering but uses tapes dedicated to a single customer. Data stored on tape is not de-duplicated or compressed Offsite Dedicated Tape Archive not available for CenturyLink Cloud Managed Backup.

Additional Ports/VLANS

Any Ports and VLANs in addition to those included in the standard CenturyLink design shall be subject to incremental charges as set forth in the relevant Service Order. Any Port or VLAN requested by the customer after the initial installation of the Service shall also be subject to additional, incremental charges.

Exclusions and Customizations to the Service

Customers who purchase the Service for use with a non-standard CenturyLink service (e.g. non-standard CenturyLink managed compute environment) or customize Service for use (e.g. modify a CenturyLink managed OS) are subject to limitations of the Service including deficiencies of:

  • Delivery and performance of a scheduled Backup or Restore
  • Provisioning automation
  • Visibility in a Portal
  • Reporting

Customizations to the Service are subject to additional terms, conditions, SLAs, and charges as further described in a Statement of Work (SOW).

For Shared tapes, if there is useful life on the tape after the vaulting period has lapsed CenturyLink returns the tape to the pool to be used again in the Shared environment. CenturyLink does not run any specific process to forcibly erase data. When a data retention period expires, the data is removed from our catalog and the storage is marked as re-usable for other backups, and finally the tapes are moved to the scratch pool. Once in the scratch pool and in a tape library, they may be allocated for re-use and overwritten. CenturyLink cannot access any prior images once a new header is overwritten to the beginning of the tape.

For Dedicated tapes, when an image expires, the image is removed from our catalog, the storage is marked as re-usable for other backups. They are returned to the shared scratch pool, not a customer specific pool. Services for Dedicated Tape destruction can be scoped via a Statement of Work.

Additional Services

Tape Archiving, Hot Backup Agents, Offsite Dedicated Tape Archive not available for CenturyLink Cloud Managed Backup.

If a customer has specific needs not covered under the standard services described in this Service Guide, they are directed contact their sales representative for other options. Anything not explicitly listed as included in this service may require a Statement of Work (SOW) where CenturyLink’s consulting services team would need to be engaged.

Definitions

See Definitions for Managed Hosting.