# Understanding FlashCopy backup

The FlashCopy function creates a quick backup copy of data. It sets up a link between the source and target logical drives; then, it creates a backup of the source data on the target drive. Any changes made to the source drive after you create a FlashCopy backup are not reflected on the target drive. You can use the backup copy of data for tape backup, drive cloning, and multi-server rollout.

There are two primary FlashCopy functions: backup and nobackup. The FlashCopy backup function copies the entire contents of the source drive to the target drive so that entire logical drives can be moved from one server to another. The FlashCopy nobackup function creates a temporary copy of a drive for tape drive backup and reference purposes. The FlashCopy nobackup function is less I/O-intensive than the FlashCopy backup function.

Before using FlashCopy, consider the following requirements:

- You can perform a FlashCopy backup operation on only one controller at a time.
- The source and target logical drives can have the same or different RAID level (they do not have to match).
- The source and target logical drives must be on the same controller.
- You can create a maximum of four independent FlashCopy backups per controller.
- There is no limit on the size of the source and target logical drive. However, for both FlashCopy backup and nobackup operations, the size of the target drive must be greater than or equal to the source drive.
- You cannot perform any action on a FlashCopy source or target logical drive (such as synchronizing the drive). You can only delete a FlashCopy backup.

## More information

- Creating a FlashCopy backup
- Removing a FlashCopy backup

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