Solaris 11.2 is generally available (GA) and we will be talking about many great new features for months to come.
In this blog, I highlight our new root pool cloning and recovery tool called Unified Archives.
Previously, you had to create ZFS root pool snapshots manually and store them for root pool recovery. Performing all the steps is rather ponderous, particularly when your #1 goal is to get the system back up and running quickly.
Now, we have a tool to create a deployable root pool image automatically and it is integrated with both the Automated Installer and our virtualization features.
A Unified Archive is more than a system recovery tool because it can be used to clone and deploy OpenStack images on a system that runs Solaris 11.2. You can also use a Unified Archive image to transform between a zone, a kernel zone, and bare metal.
Make sure you check it out by reviewing Jesse Butler's blog.
At a minimum, use it to keep your root pool image for recovery purposes. Or, see how you can use it to maximally transform between virtual to bare metal environments.
Rolling out a new Solaris release is a good time to talk about new features, particularly one that allows you to more easily recover a root pool.
Creating a root pool recovery image is a great best practice in Solaris 11.2 and this is an excellent time to review other ZFS best practices that are available here.