Statistical backups allow you to generate statistical data on backup usage and trends before you perform actual backups. This allows you to estimate the initial backup size and the amount of data changes between backups to determine the duration of the initial backup of baseline data and subsequent backup sessions.

To perform a statistical backup, you do not need a customer account with a service provider because no backup data is transmitted. Only statistical data is gathered and stored in the DS-Client database during a Statistical backup session.

For best results, allow the backup to run on schedule or on demand to generate the statistical data. As a guideline, run the Statistical backup in your data environment for at least two weeks. The longer the period for which you run a Statistical backup, the more accurately the trend will be represented. You can use the DS-Client Load Summary, Storage Summary, and Report features to view the statistics generated.