Virtualization - eWeek

Virtualization: 10 Things You Need to Know Now About Data Deduplication


The value of data deduplication storage technology that is good for everything inside-and even outside-an IT system cannot be overstated. As it eliminates redundant data from disk storage devices, it lowers storage space requirements, which in turn lowers data center power and cooling costs and lessens the amount of carbon dioxide produced to generate power to run the hardware. There is nothing bad about dedupe; no wonder it is the most asked-for feature in new storage system purchases.

Several companies have been providing this for several years, and FalconStor-mostly known as an OEM "dedupe" partner for EMC, Sun, IBM, Acer, Pillar Data Systems, 3PAR, Isilion, and several others—has been been a busy producer. FalconStor's brand of dedupe works cross-platform, and users say it is fast and efficient. Still, there is much to be learned by potential buyers about how it works and what benefits it brings. To this end, FalconStor Director of Marketing Fadi Albatal offers a list of key facts about dedupe that an IT manager should know before the buy is made.
 
  • Scalability
    Avoid managing multiple deduplication repositories by deploying a deduplication solution that will scale a single repository as needed.
  • Data availability
    Make sure your deduplicated data is available: look for disk mirroring and appliance clustering to guarantee immediate availability for fast recovery from a failure.
  • Integration with backup
    Deduplication should be tightly integrated with backup/archiving processes; ideally you should be able to install the deduplication system on the same appliance as your backup application.
  • Open architecture
    The deduplication system should be open and able to run on the server/appliance of your choice; deduplication can be deployed as a storage appliance, gateway appliance or even a software appliance. Choose what fits into your environment and answers your needs.
  • Ease of implementation
    The solution should be easy to implement and non-disruptive to your existing infrastructure.
  • Evaluate time to recovery
    A good deduplication system will not degrade the restore time required for restructuring data.
  • Total cost of ownership
    Remember that the cost of a deduplication system is both material (hardware and software) and management cost; factor in both when evaluating your ROI.
  • Virtual deployment
    Don't forget that deduplication can be deployed on a virtual appliance, saving you hardware cost and allowing you to take full advantage of your virtual infrastructure.
  • Dedupe ratio
    Don't focus on the theoretical dedupe ratio that vendors publish; the ratio is contingent on many factors unique to each deployment.
  • Inline or post-process?
    Choose the solution that gives you the best performance to support your backup window.
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