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Data Copy Services Solution using Lower Cost Storage

Data Center Challenges

Data copies are a standard practice in most data centers - this process is more commonly known as creating a "Snapshot" or "Clone" of data. These methods are useful tools in creating consistant copies of data for:

  • Data protection and recovery purposes
  • Read only for discovery purposes
  • Read/Write for cloning and testing purposes

A number of significant challenges are associated with creating and managing data copies. Most storage systems only have copy capability within the storage system. This means data copies of expensive tier-1 storage is written to that same expensive class of storage even though the copy does not need that level of performance. If it is desirable for that copy to reside on a lower cost storage tier, that data copy must be migrated to that lower Tier where all of the associated data migration issues come into play. In addition, there is a software license fee for every single storage system that requires copy capability. Multiple vendors employ different procedures and steps which increases training costs and management time. Moreover, many storage system copy software require that the storage capacity for the data copy be reserved well in advance of the actual copy. Therefore large amounts of underutilized storage must be purchased at the highest price.

Incipient Software - Solution

By using Incipient software to provide a centralized online data copy service, data copies can be automatically stored on the most cost effective storage tier based on policy. Software licensing is greatly reduced because the license is per storage virtualization node versus per storage system. Each storage virtualization node encompasses many storage systems. Additionally, there is only one copy service methodology, which reduces the storage administrator's time demands and training. Finally, data copies can reside on different storage systems regardless of the vendor, to reduce total system costs.

Incipient Software - Payback (ROI)

Incipient software's copy services savings come from the reduced cost of the storage systems used for copies (CapEx); the elimination of storage system based local copy software license costs (CapEx); and a marked increase in IT admin storage productivity (OpEx).

  • Leverage low-cost storage arrays: Enable tier-1 data copies (used for testing, backup staging, reporting, etc.) to be application transparent on much lower cost storage. The leveraging of lower cost storage for clones of tier-1 production data measurably reduces CapEx.
  • Eliminate storage system based copy software: Reduce license CapEx costs as well as maintenance OpEx costs.
  • Increase IT storage admin productivity: Orchestrate management from a single touch point for all storage system data copies greatly reducing administrative time spent and OpEx costs.
  • Improve ability to perform fast restores (OP-EX savings)
  • Automate process for selecting and preparing storage resources for target, based on deep discovery of arrays, user-defined policies and industry best practices (OP-EX savings)