In choosing a disaster recovery solution, customers have long had to balance how much they are willing to spend to avoid data loss. There is no shortage of solutions from the vendor ecosystem for DR. However, there is little innovation in this space; most solutions use straightforward “brute force” methods of creating multiple sites to store data and utilizing deduplication and WAN optimization to reduce the cost of bandwidth between sites.
To create a zero data loss environment over long (asynchronous) distance, the options available are 3-node DR or Axxana’s “black box” technology. Since there is inherently risk and cost in getting data offsite, the innovative idea of Axxana’s solution is that it creates an environment that guarantees the protection of data locally, ensuring recoverability even if some data doesn't make it to the DR site. The inherent utility of a three-site DR solution is low, and it also requires high-cost bandwidth between all of the locations, which only the largest of organizations can cost justify. Going asynchronous can enable a 10X reduction in network expense. Software and hardware price adjustments only address a portion of the affordability issue.
As data is not becoming any less valuable, the vendor community needs to find creative solutions that meet the zero-data loss requirement and the price and utility needs of more companies. This can include partnering with Axxana to deliver platform support beyond EMC. Using an object-based solution as discussed in the Cloud Archiving Forever without Losing a Bit Peer Incite is another alternative.
Action Item: The traditional disaster recovery solution market is ripe for change. Vendors will need a zero-data-loss offering to meet the competitive threat from Axxana/EMC, since data loss will become increasingly unacceptable. Vendors should look at Axxana as a creative example of how to find new ways to solve old challenges.
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