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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].

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