Understanding Veeam Backup Catalog

Veeam Backup Catalog is a Windows service responsible for guest OS file indexing. Guest file indexing allows you to search for VM guest OS files inside VM backups.

Veeam Backup Catalog runs on two servers in the backup infrastructure: Veeam backup server and Veeam Backup Enterprise Manager.

• Veeam Backup Catalog on the Veeam backup server works as a local catalog service. It collects indexing data for backup jobs on this specific Veeam backup server and stores this data locally in the Veeam Backup Catalog folder.
• Veeam Backup Catalog on Veeam Backup Enterprise Manager works as a global, federal catalog service. It communicates with Veeam Backup Catalog services on Veeam backup servers connected to Veeam Backup Enterprise Manager and performs the following tasks:

• Replicates indexing data from Veeam backup servers to create a federal catalog
• Maintains indexing data retention
• Lets you search for VM guest OS files in current and archived backup file

Related Topics

• How Indexing Works
• Indexing Data
• Indexing Data Retention