Remote replication doesn't help get rid of stuff (GRS) per se. However, depending on RPO and other business considerations, users should employ common sense approaches to array-based remote replication to improve utilization. Specifically, the use of installed equipment such as older arrays and slower cpu's often makes sense at the B site (although users should be aware this will not improve the carbon footprint of a data center). As well, more economical approaches to backup disk groups include using slower spin speed devices, lower cost protection approaches (e.g. RAID 5 versus mirroring) or the use of single instance databases versus Real Application Clusters at the backup site, for example.
Action Item: Organizations should start array-based replication projects by understanding the business and technical requirements and ensuring RPO is clearly understood with strategies to achieve objectives. This approach will immediately define the amount of wiggle room IT professionals have in keeping costs in line. Leveraging installed assets and lower-cost implementation approaches at the B site (e.g. less expensive disks) are common approaches to keeping costs in line while still meeting business needs.
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