Application-consistent snapshots represent perhaps the most time-efficient way to create a virtual backup of applications, application data, and files. Deduplication algorithms applied to the snapshots can substantially reduce storage requirements and make the electronic transmission of data to an off-site disaster recovery facility economically feasible. Automated migration of data to lower-performance, lower-cost storage based upon access frequency can further reduce storage costs.
Equally important, application-consistent snapshots provide rapid restoration of data. In the very dynamic world of virtualization, where virtual machines are added, moved, deleted, and sometimes corrupted on the fly, the ability to quickly hit the “undo” button can be critical. For many operating in the world of big data, there simply is no time to use traditional backup or restore processes, and therefore snapshots represent the only real option.
Many storage systems suppliers offer snapshot technology and some combine snapshots with deduplication and automated data migration for added efficiency. In this manner, they can lower the cost of transmitting data changes to the remote site. But most storage suppliers require that each location have the same type of storage in both the production and recovery sites.
Actifio, whose technology was discussed on the May 15, 2012 Peer Incite, is in use at Boston University School of Medicine, where the technology provides backup functions for HP 3PAR storage, VM images, and EMC Isilon storage, for big data and file shares. With this approach, the school can apply deduplication algorithms to a much larger set of data and achieve greater reductions than might be achieved in more-siloed approaches. BU School of Medicine goes one step further by combining backup and archive functions into a single storage-vendor-independent repository. The savings are significant, as the school reports achieving as much as 85% reduction in storage requirements for backup and archive, when compared to the primary storage that is being protected.
Action Item: Backup and archive preservation are critical functions to an organization. Combining the two magnifies the importance of supplier due diligence by the customer. CIOs should, of course, pay close attention to the robustness of the technology but also the track record and financials of the company and the experience of its founders. Organizations can control risk by taking a more-measured approach, applying the technology first to less-risky applications and data. Many startups actively seek IT professionals to serve on customer or technology advisory boards, which may provide deeper insight into company strengths and potential risks and more opportunity for input on company priorities. Regardless, organizations need to know the supplier at a deep level if they are going to invest deeply in the technology.
Footnotes: Dr. John Meyers, who was a guest speaker on the May 15, 2012 Peer Incite, serves as an advisor to Actifio and has a financial interest in the company.
A replay of the May 15, 2012 Peer Incite is available here.