Symantec introduced deduplication into NetBackup in version 6.5, integrating its PureDisk technology to deduplicate at the NetBackup media server. In 6.5.4 Symantec’s NetBackup OpenStorage (OST) API enabled optimized integration of third-party deduplication solutions with NetBackup. In version 7, Symantec completes its deduplication vision, introducing client-side deduplication in NetBackup agents, and enhancements to deduplication at the media server–no longer requiring separate PureDisk storage (use any disk) and allowing load balancing for deduplication workloads across media servers in the environment.
Version 7 allows deduplication to occur at the source via the client agent technology. In this case, client software running on an application server identifies and transfers unique data to the backup media server and target storage device, providing greater network efficiency and often reducing the time it takes to back up data. Alternatively, deduplicating the backup stream at the backup server removes any performance burden from production application servers.
NetBackup OST gives NetBackup a common interface for third-party disk targets. NetBackup sees OST-enabled appliances as disk, enabling features such as intelligent capacity management, media server load balancing, reporting, and lifecycle policies. It also delivers optimized duplication, bypassing the NetBackup media server. Many OST partners also report another winning proposition: performance improvements of 50% to 100%.
Symantec applied this same vision to Backup Exec 2010, supporting multiple deduplication implementations. Deduplication can occur at the: client/source system(s), at the Backup Exec media server(s), or a device purpose-built for the process at the end of the backup data path with or without an OST interface.
Symantec’s “adaptive” deduplication allows end-users to configure it where (in the backup data path) it’s most effective and optimized on a job-by-job basis. This is in line with what respondents to ESG research stated when asked how they implement deduplication in backup today. In order of preference, respondents leverage backup software only, both software and hardware, and hardware only.
Symantec’s comprehensive deduplication strategy is unrivaled. For existing customers contemplating deduplication, cost and performance benefits will be compelling (Symantec claims its native deduplication in NetBackup costs up to 70% less than that of an appliance-based solution and shortens virtual machine backup time by 50-90%). In addition, its lower-cost positioning versus appliance-based deduplication should prove troublesome to the OST partners the company embraces.
Read Lauren’s other blog entries at Data Protection Perspectives.
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