U San Diego Reduces Backup Disk Storage Demands with Data Deduplication

The University of San Diego has implemented a data deduplication appliance with backup software for virtual environments to significantly reduce its disk storage needs for backing up the school's virtual machine data.

The University of San Diego has virtualized 98 percent of its IT infrastructure. While virtualization has resulted in significant cost savings, the increased volume of data has overwhelmed the university's backup workflow to the point that it couldn't meet its backup windows. Since the university anticipates the volume of data to continue to grow with the addition of highly integrated systems and mobile applications, it needed to find a new backup solution.

After examining various data deduplication appliances and software available on the market, the University of San Diego selected a Quantum DXi-Series deduplication appliance and vmPRO VM data protection software. According to information on Quantum's site, the DXi appliance can minimize disk storage through variable-length deduplication and reduce backup and restore times through its StorNext file system. Meanwhile, the vmPRO software backs up data in native VMware format, which results in greater availability and efficiency, according to the company.

Since implementing the new backup solution, the University of San Diego has achieved a 22:1 deduplication ratio and improved restore times. The system has also enabled the university to back up all of its data within established backup windows, while saving time for its system architects to work on other projects.

With the DXi appliance and vmPRO software, the university anticipates that it will be able to protect its VMware virtual environments as the volume of data continues to expand. It is also considering making use of the DXi's cloud-ready capabilities to use the cloud for replication and archive purposes.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • illustration of a human head with a glowing neural network in the brain, connected to tech icons on a cool blue-gray background

    Meta Launches Stand-Alone AI App

    Meta Platforms has introduced a stand-alone artificial intelligence app built on its proprietary Llama 4 model, intensifying the competitive race in generative AI alongside OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and xAI.

  • robot typing on a computer

    Microsoft Announces 'Computer Use' Automation in Copilot Studio

    Microsoft has introduced a new AI-powered feature called "computer use" for its Copilot Studio platform that allows agents to directly interact with Web sites and desktop applications using simulated mouse clicks, menu selections and text inputs.

  • illustration with geometric shapes, digital circuitry, and subtle icons of an open book, graduation cap, and lightbulb

    University of Michigan Launches Agentic AI Virtual Teaching Assistant

    At the University of Michigan's Stephen M. Ross School of Business, a new Virtual Teaching Assistant pilot program is utilizing agentic AI to provide students with 24/7 access to support and self-directed learning.

  • glowing digital brain above a chessboard with data charts and flowcharts

    Why AI Strategy Matters (and Why Not Having One Is Risky)

    If your institution hasn't started developing an AI strategy, you are likely putting yourself and your stakeholders at risk, particularly when it comes to ethical use, responsible pedagogical and data practices, and innovative exploration.