This snapshot feature of VVR enables you to break off mirrors from the data volumes in an RVG thus providing snapshots of the data volumes in the RVG. Snapshots can be used to perform operations such as Decision Support Systems (DSS) and backup. Snapshots can also be used to retain a consistent copy of the Secondary data volumes during Data Change Map (DCM) resynchronization.

The vxrvg snapshot command takes a snapshot of all the volumes in the RVG at a single point in time; therefore, the operation is atomic in nature. The vxrvg snapback command reattaches the plexes of the snapshot volumes to the original data volumes in the RVG. The vxrvg snapshot command creates the same type of snapshot on the data volumes as a vxassist snapshot command would create on a volume associated or unassociated with an RVG. To snapshot and snapback a specific volume or specific plexes of one or more volumes, use the vxassist command.

If an RVG contains a volume set, the vxrvg snapshot command can be used to take snapshots of its data volumes.