A backup system is comprised of the core functional components required to perform data protection operations. These include the backup server, which is the central control unit; the backup software, which manages and executes the backup and recovery processes; and the backup media, which is the physical or logical destination where backup data is stored.

A backup policy is a set of rules, schedules, and configurations that govern how the backup system operates. While indispensable for a successful backup strategy, it is a logical construct of rules and procedures, not a physical or software component of the system's architecture itself.

A. Backup software: This is an essential component that orchestrates the entire backup and recovery process, managing data movement and cataloging.

B. Backup media: This is the fundamental storage component (e.g., disk, tape, cloud) where the backup data resides.

C. Backup server: This is the core hardware or virtual machine that runs the backup software and manages the backup media.

1. Huawei HCIA-Storage V5.0 Training Material. In the chapter "Backup and Disaster Recovery Solution

" the typical backup system architecture is described as consisting of a backup server

backup media

and backup software. The backup policy is discussed as a management strategy that defines the backup process

not as a core architectural component. (Refer to sections on Backup System Architecture).

2. Patterson

D. A.

& Hennessy

J. L. (2017). Computer Organization and Design RISC-V Edition: The Hardware Software Interface. Morgan Kaufmann. In discussions on storage systems and reliability

backup architectures are consistently defined by their hardware (servers

media) and software components. Policies are treated as the operational logic applied to these components. (Refer to Chapter 6: "Parallel Processors from Client to Cloud

" section on Dependability

Reliability

and Availability).

3. Chervenak

A.

Vellanki

V.

& Kurmas

Z. (1998). Protecting File Systems: A Survey of Backup and Recovery Techniques. University of Southern California. This academic survey outlines the fundamental components of backup systems as the backup server (or client)

the storage media

and the software managing the process. Backup policies are described as the "strategy" or "scheme" governing the operation. (See Section 2: "A Taxonomy of Backup and Recovery Systems").