Avamar comes with a desktop and laptop option (DTLT) which essentially gives end users the ability to restore their data from the Avamar server, and also gies some limited ability to determine what data gets backed up. There is a limit of 5000 clients per Avamar server, and users are normally LDAP-authenticated using Active Directory. NIS, Avamar local or a combination of these methods can also be used, however adding to the complexity of the system. The DTLT option can be enabled during client installation.
A group must be created when using the DTLT option, and it will consist of a dataset to determine the data that can be backed up, a schedule that will often be during the day, and a retention schedule. Users can be give the option to add to the dataset or modify the schedule to suit their specific needs if enabled by the administrator, but retention can not be overridden by users.
Some settings include the wildcard #USERDOCS# to select the user directory differences between Windows XP and Windows 7. The client can also be configured with "allow addition to source data" and "allow override group daily schedule" to accommodate the above mentioned configuration by users.
Both the client and server run the "dtlt" process for the DTLT backup, and it can be controlled using dpnctl utility to gather status, stop or start the dtlt service.
Backup can not be performed during the blackout window, so some adjusting of schedule may be required. In the event that DTLT backup needs to happen during conflicting widows with the server backup jobs, multiple Avamar servers can be installed with different windows of time for backup, maintenance and blackout.
Users browse to the file or folder they would like restored from within the dtlt client which can be accessed both through the start menu and also through the tray icon.
It is recommended to bring clients on in small groups to minimize impact on overall environment during initialization period.
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