Using Server 2012r2 to create an iSCSI target for backups - Which roles should I inst

[edutech4schools]

Hello, New to the World of iSCSI and I would like to use our older server for backups for a primary school, using windows backup to backup the host vm files.

 

I have followed some online instructions about setting up the iSCSI target on the 2012r2 server but I noticed within the 'Add Roles' section along with the option to install the iSCSI Target role is another role named 'iSCSI Target Storage (VDS/VSS) Provider'.

 

None of the instructions about creating an iSCSI target for backups mentions the 'iSCSI Target Storage (VDS/VSS) Provider' role but having looked what this does I wonder if I do need this also.

 

here are two providers included in the storage provider feature:· iSCSI Target VDS hardware provider: Enables you to manage iSCSI virtual disks using older applications that require a Virtual Disk Service (VDS) hardware provider, such as the Diskraid command.

· iSCSI Target VSS hardware provider: Enables applications, such as a backup application that are connected to an iSCSI target to create volume shadow copies of data on iSCSI virtual disks.

 

Although I have also found the following information

the iSCSI storage providers are typically installed on a different server from the server running iSCSI Target Server.

 

Which then makes me think I should not install this role.

 

So If I want to backup from our new 2012r2 server to our older 2012r2 server using Windows backup, do I need to install the 'iSCSI Target Storage (VDS/VSS) Provider' role along with the 'iSCSI Target role'???

 

Thanks for you help & time.