Cloud snapshots are snapshots that are stored on line using CTERA’s Cloud Backup service. They are generated automatically with each cloud backup operation. For details, see Cloud Backup and Restore.

Cloud snapshots can be accessed via the CTERA Portal. When Windows File Sharing is enabled, they also can be accessed locally.

The gateway can take snapshots of volumes. A volume snapshot is a read-only copy of a volume as it was at a particular point-in-time.

NEXT3 snapshots are taken on a given volume if the volume is configured to support snapshots. It is recommended that you combine NEXT3 snapshots for fast recovery from non-disaster situations, such as an important file being accidentally overwritten, with cloud snapshots for recovery from major disasters.

NEXT3 volume snapshots are stored locally on a NEXT3-snapshot-enabled volume and can be accessed at local speeds. NEXT3 was developed by CTERA to add flexible snapshots to EXT3, along with easy transition from and to EXT3.

NEXT3 snapshots are faster to access locally than cloud snapshots, regardless of the number of stored snapshots. Furthermore, you can configure gateway to automatically take NEXT3 snapshots and retain them according to a specified retention policy. On the downside, NEXT3 snapshots are stored on site, and so are vulnerable to disasters.

The gateway automatically takes snapshots before performing a cloud backup or running an outgoing synchronization rule for a NEXT3 volume in order to ensure that a consistent image of all files is transmitted. In addition, you can schedule automatic daily snapshots and take snapshots manually.