---
title: FlashCopy versus Safeguarded Copy
description: FlashCopy and Safeguarded Copy both provide protection from logical data corruption. However, Safeguarded Copy enables frequent backups and is more secure
image: https://www.conversesystems.com/hubfs/Data%20Recovery.jpg
---

[![ConverseSystems](https://www.conversesystems.com/hubfs/Iseriesportal_December2020/Images/ConverseSystems%20Logo%20v1-01.svg "ConverseSystems")](https://www.conversesystems.com/)

- [Home](https://www.conversesystems.com)
- [About Us](https://www.conversesystems.com/about-us)
- [Services](https://www.conversesystems.com/services)
- [Blog](https://www.conversesystems.com/blog)
- [Contact Us](https://www.conversesystems.com/contact-us)

[Our Testimonials](https://www.conversesystems.com/hubspot-crm-implementation)

[Book a Consultation](https://www.conversesystems.com/hubspot-consulting)

# FlashCopy versus Safeguarded Copy

![Data Recovery](https://www.conversesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Data%20Recovery.jpg?width=1200&name=Data%20Recovery.jpg)

FlashCopy and Safeguarded Copy can both provide protection from logical data corruption. In contrast to FlashCopy, Safeguarded Copy can be used to create more frequent backups, is more secure, space efficient and provides better performance. Summarized below are differences between FlashCopy and Safeguarded Copy

|   | FlashCopy | Safeguarded Copy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Recovery Point | Lesser number of point-in-time copies. Maximum 12 or lesser depending upon topology | More number of point-in-time copies. Maximum up to 500 copies. |
| Security | Point-in-time copies accessible to host system making data vulnerable to accidental or malicious modification | Backup copies are protected and not accessible directly to host system. |
| Security | FlashCopy relationship between source volumes and target volumes can be deleted using DSCLI or DSGUI | With proper segregation of role safeguarded copy can only be created, removed or recovered via Copy Service Manager interface. |
| Security | FlashCopy can overwritten at any frequency | CSM interface can be used to control elapsed time before a new safeguarded Copy can be created. |
| Recovery Volume | Recovery volume is optional as Flashcopy Volume can be mounted on a system | Recovery volume is required. |
| DS8000 device numbers | FlashCopy volumes use DS8000 device numbers and therefore reduces the number of possible host volumes | Copies do not use DS8000 device number and therefore does not reduce the number of possible host volumes |

### Recent Posts

##### [IBM and Redhat in the Cloud Computing Space](https://www.conversesystems.com/blog/ibm-and-redhat-in-the-cloud-computing-space)

February 22, 2023 |

##### [10 Reasons Why Small Businesses Need A CRM](https://www.conversesystems.com/blog/10-reasons-why-small-businesses-need-a-crm)

February 1, 2023 | [Business Development](https://www.conversesystems.com/blog/tag/business-development)

##### [Using Java on IBM i](https://www.conversesystems.com/blog/using-java-on-ibm-i)

May 18, 2021 | [AS400/IBMi](https://www.conversesystems.com/blog/tag/as400-ibmi)

##### [Time to move to IBM i SMBv3](https://www.conversesystems.com/blog/time-to-move-to-ibm-i-smbv3)

April 21, 2021 |

### Search

### Categories

- [IT Infrastructure (11)](https://www.conversesystems.com/blog/tag/it-infrastructure)
- [Technology (11)](https://www.conversesystems.com/blog/tag/technology)
- [Open Source (10)](https://www.conversesystems.com/blog/tag/open-source)
- [AS400/IBMi (5)](https://www.conversesystems.com/blog/tag/as400-ibmi)
- [Cyber Security (5)](https://www.conversesystems.com/blog/tag/cyber-security)
- [Business Development (1)](https://www.conversesystems.com/blog/tag/business-development)
- [Cyber Security (1)](https://www.conversesystems.com/blog/tag/cybersecurity)

See all

## Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

### Follow Us

- [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/iseriesportalgroup)
- [twitter](https://twitter.com/iseriesportal)
- [linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/iseries-portal)
- [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq-WfDJY43wI1ygxdjuHxlw)
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/iseriesportal/)

## Talk to Us

 Get your questions answered about our services

[![Icon](https://www.conversesystems.com/hubfs/Iseriesportal_December2020/Images/call-24px.svg) +44 74606 55382](https://www.conversesystems.com/blog/+447460655382)

[![Icon](https://www.conversesystems.com/hubfs/Iseriesportal_December2020/Images/alternate_email-24px.svg) info@conversesystems.com](mailto:info@conversesystems.com)

![Icon](https://www.conversesystems.com/hubfs/Iseriesportal_December2020/Images/location_on-24px.svg) UK & India

### Company

- [About Us](https://www.conversesystems.com/about-us)
- [Blogs](https://www.conversesystems.com/blog)
- [Partners](https://www.conversesystems.com/partners)
- [Clients](https://www.conversesystems.com/clients)
- Careers
- [Contact](https://www.conversesystems.com/contact-us)

### Services

- IT Infrastructure Management
- Brand Building and Management
- [Talent Sourcing](https://www.conversesystems.com/talent)

## Follow Us

- [![Facebook](https://www.conversesystems.com/hubfs/Iseriesportal_December2020/Images/facebook%20(1).svg)](https://www.facebook.com/conversesystems)
- [![twitter](https://www.conversesystems.com/hubfs/Iseriesportal_December2020/Images/twitter%20(1).svg)](https://twitter.com/conversesystems)
- [![Linkedin](https://www.conversesystems.com/hubfs/Iseriesportal_December2020/Images/linkedin%20(1).svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/converse-systems)

 Copyright © 2026 Converse Systems. All rights reserved.