Data stored in the directory server is important to the successful operation of Windchill. All data, including directory server data, is susceptible to loss from disk failure, accidental deletion or modification, security failures, software failures, or other causes. PTC recommends that directory data be backed up on a regular basis and after significant events such as a new installation or upgrade.

Windchill updates LDAP during normal operation as the result of users actions. Creating new projects, organizations, users or installing additional Windchill products all may update LDAP. Each site may be different, but at a minimum, a weekly export is recommended and a daily Windchill Directory Server database backup is recommended. For more information on other areas of the Windchill solution that should be backed up, see Ensuring Proper Backup and Recovery.

The recommended daily backups can be performed using the backup command or using the Windchill Directory Server control panel and selecting Backup... under Directory Data in the left pane. Backup makes a copy of the current LDAP internal database files. These files can be used to restore the LDAP data to the state at the time of backup.

The recommended weekly exports can be performed using the export-ldif command or using the Windchill Directory Server control panel and selecting Export LDIF... under Directory Data in the left pane. The export-ldif command generates an LDIF-formatted text file from the current content of the LDAP data. This file can later be imported using the import-ldif command or using the Windchill Directory Server control panel and selecting Import LDIF... under Directory Data in the left pane.

The export-ldif operation may take longer than the backup operation; however, the generated LDIF file is better than a Windchill Directory Server database backup in the following ways: