Abstract: In one embodiment, a virtual machine replication system may test a replica data set while continuing to replicate a primary data set. A data storage 250 may store a replica data set for a replica virtual machine 302 to back up a primary data set for a primary virtual machine 304. The data storage 250 may preserve a test point in time 322 in the replica data set using a test differencing disk 344. A processor 220 may execute a test virtual machine 342 that performs a test operation on the test point in time 322 while the replica data set continues to replicate the primary data set.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a virtual machine replication system may test a replica data set while continuing to replicate a primary data set. A data storage 250 may store a replica data set for a replica virtual machine 302 to back up a primary data set for a primary virtual machine 304. The data storage 250 may preserve a test point in time 322 in the replica data set using a test differencing disk 344. A processor 220 may execute a test virtual machine 342 that performs a test operation on the test point in time 322 while the replica data set continues to replicate the primary data set.

Abstract: Techniques for validating business continuity preparedness of a virtual machine are described herein. The techniques may include executing a workload on a virtual machine and replicating the workload to another virtual machine. The replication may include generating one or more logs indicating changes that have occurred on the virtual machine and sending the one or more logs to the other virtual machine. Upon initiation of a failover, the workload may stop execution on the virtual machine and a log may be sent to the other virtual machine. The log may indicate changes occurring on the virtual machine to a point in time when execution of the workload stopped. The log may be stored to the other virtual machine. The workload may continue execution on the other virtual machine and may be replicated to the virtual machine.