Image-Level Backup is an image-level backup that captures a machine or VM at disk/volume level rather than only selected files.
Simple definition
Image-Level Backup is an image-level backup that captures a machine or VM at disk/volume level rather than only selected files. It belongs to the Backup / PRA vocabulary and is useful when reading architecture diagrams, product documentation, logs, or administration procedures.
What is it used for?
Its main purpose is to restore a complete machine, volumes, or sometimes individual files from the same restore point. The practical value depends on the surrounding architecture, security model, and operational requirements.
How does it work?
The product captures disks through a consistent snapshot and preserves structure, partitions, and blocks required for full recovery.
Key points
- Scope: An image-level backup that captures a machine or VM at disk/volume level rather than only selected files.
- Operational goal: Restore a complete machine, volumes, or sometimes individual files from the same restore point.
- Implementation: The product captures disks through a consistent snapshot and preserves structure, partitions, and blocks required for full recovery.
Points to watch
A backup is reliable only if restore is tested; document RPO/RTO, retention, immutability, and chain dependencies.
In short
Image-Level Backup = an image-level backup that captures a machine or VM at disk/volume level rather than only selected files. Use it when you need to restore a complete machine, volumes, or sometimes individual files from the same restore point.