Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Performance increase

This integration enables NetWorker to shift some of the deduplication process from the Data Domain storage device onto the Storage Node. Essentially, the Storage Node takes data from the client and runs the initial data segmentation and comparison functions, using the DD Boost libraries that are now part of the NetWorker software. It determines locally (at the Storage Node) which data is redundant and runs the ‘fingerprinting’ and compression processes on these segments before sending them to the Data Domain host appliance. The result is a reduced volume of data traversing the network (and consuming bandwidth), and a reduced resource load on the Storage Node and the Data Domain host. The net of this ‘addition by subtraction’ process is a roughly 2x increase in backup performance over that of the previous NetWorker-Data Domain configuration.

Simplified Replication

Since NetWorker now treats ‘deduplicated disk as deduplicated disk’ and understands how Data Domain replication functions, it can become a ‘requestor’ in the replication process between two Data Domain systems, not the controller of the internal steps involved yet still have knowledge that the replication occurred. The result is a much simpler process where NetWorker controls the scheduling of replication through the Networker Management Console as part of the overall data protection process, but leaves the details of source-to-target replication to the Data Domain systems. When the process is complete, the Data Domain system reports back to NetWorker which updates its catalogs and as a result, has full knowledge of both copies of data as well as the ability to maintain separate retention polices if necessary.

Consolidated Management

With the integrated DD Boost software, backup administrators can configure and manage the Data Domain system from within the NetWorker Management Console. Wizards step you through the process of configuring a Data Domain system as a NetWorker resource. Additionally NetWorker can display information on capacity status, deduplication performance ratios, operational alerts, etc.

NetWorker’s integration with the Data Domain replication process gives backup admins the ability to create and manage all copies of backup data sets locally and at the DR site and control recovery of these data from the NetWorker. This also means centralized retention management for local and remote data and the option to eliminate tape from the DR site.

Integrating DD Boost into NetWorker not only integrates new software into the NetWorker product. At a higher level it really embeds optimization and off-site data movement into the data protection process and makes the mechanics of these processes transparent. NetWorker assumes part of the dedupe process which increases performance but does these new functions in the background. Data Domain has a long and stable track record in off-site replication of deduplicated data. NetWorker leverages this capability fully, by essentially ‘outsourcing’ the replication process to the Data Domain source and target appliances. It doesn’t complicate the process by taking a more active role than necessary, only requiring notification of completion and updates to maintain backup catalog currency.

Through consolidation of management functions into the NetWorker Management Console it simplifies the entire process and allows backup admins to reduce time spent on data protection. It also simplifies product support, as all components, hardware and software, can come from the same source. Adding the DD Boost benefits doesn’t involve a complex project for IT to undertake; it’s just a conventional application upgrade. The embedded code is essentially ‘plug and play’ and provides an end-to-end solution for the backup infrastructure, all from the same source.

Storage Switzerland’s Take

We’ve all heard companies, after acquiring a significant product or technology, tout their
“integrated solution” and “common management” - often, after barely enough time had passed for the ink to dry on the merger papers. In reality, these integrations often result in the new acquisition software being essentially bolted onto the core product. This one is different.

When you buy or upgrade NetWorker, DD Boost software is included in the NetWorker product. There are no plug-ins to install or upgrade, as this Data Domain technology becomes part of the NetWorker package. This is the way software product integration is typically promised, but seldom delivered.

Data protection is an overhead function, not one that generates revenue. Consequently,  it’s something to be made as efficient and transparent as possible - something to be minimized. NetWorker has taken a solid step in that direction with its integration of Data Domain’s deduplication and replication functionality. This makes them relatively transparent parts of the data protection process and simplifies the job for backup admins while improving operational efficiency.

Eric Slack, Senior Analyst