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More Than Just Backup
- Feb 2008
Data protection is changing rapidly, with point-in-time recoveries, fast legal discovery response and near real-time disaster recoveries becoming new requirements. To address these needs, enterprise backup applications are adding support for continuous data protection, deduplication, ediscovery, single-instance storage and the VMware Consolidated Backup framework. These backup suites promise not only integrated data protection, but overall enterprise data management. |
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Taming storage virtualization
- Jan 2008
Where storage virtualization should reside and how it should be applied depends on the size of the storage infrastructure, the type of applications running in it, and the levels of control and visibility required by administrators. We look at the leading storage virtualization products and help you decide which technology may be best for your storage shop. |
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VTL data management issues
- Dec 2007
As disk libraries become the primary backup target for near-term data recoveries, storage managers are exploring new ways to exploit tape's high capacity, low cost and mobility. Disk is the best medium for fast backups and recoveries, and many companies have turned to virtual tape libraries as a way to put disk in their backup process. On the surface, it may seem easy to implement a VTL, but there are many subtle operational issues that must be dealt with to ensure that your data can be recovered quickly when needed. |
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New connections: SAS and iSCSI HBAs
- Apr 2007
Serial-attached SCSI and iSCSI host bus adapters (HBAs) represent the latest in server-to-storage connectivity technologies. Tailored to specifically address the needs of two emerging storage protocols, these new HBAs can ensure that performance isn't sacrificed when one of these alternatives to Fibre Channel storage is deployed. |
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Rein in NAS with file virtualization
- Mar 2007
NAS filers have sprung up largely unchecked in many companies, creating major management headaches and forcing companies to reevaluate how they handle this critical piece of storage infrastructure. File virtualization appliances can address multiple filer pain points by pooling disparate storage, providing a global namespace and making short shrift of data migrations. |
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Swap tape for removable disks
- Mar 2007
New removable disk drives combine the speed and reliability of disk with tape's portability. But widespread enterprise adoption may be inhibited until problems, such as costly disk drives and incompatibility with some major backup software products and automated tape libraries, are solved. |
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Host-based replication
- Dec 2006
There are three distinct architectures of host-level replication software: Windows-only file system, multi-OS file system and multi-OS blocklevel products. Each alternative offers specific features that make it a better fit for some types of data protection. |
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Automate data migration
- Nov 2006
Moving seldom-accessed data from primary storage to less-costly storage not only saves money, but can also improve the performance of applications. Hierarchical storage management (HSM) software can help automate the migration of files, but HSM products vary in the way they approach the task. So it's important to identify the requirements of an HSM product before making a choice. |
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HBAs go virtual
- Nov 2006
The newest host bus adapters (HBAs) offer many new features, but the most important might be N_Port ID Virtualization, which lets you assign different worldwide names to each virtual server and determine which apps run on specific hardware. |
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Database archiving software
- Sep 2006
There are two good reasons to archive database data: to improve the performance of production systems and to reclaim expensive primary storage space. Archiving apps are now compelling alternatives to application-based archiving and manual procedures. |
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Choosing the right VTL
- Aug 2006
Disk is increasingly a key part of the backup process, and many companies are taking the virtual tape library (VTL) route to disk-based backup. But all VTLs aren't the same. Find out the key differences among VTL products, and how they might work in your shop. |
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Data migration: Proceed with caution
- Aug 2006
This first of a three-part series on data migration products focuses on host-level data migration products. Data migration apps can automate, centralize and simplify data migrations while ensuring data integrity. |
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Backup apps: More choices beyond the big three
- Jul 2006
With numerous applications and a variety of hardware and software platforms, a single enterprise backup software product may not suffice for many companies. A bevy of backup applications that aren't as well-known as "the big three" may be better architected to handle new requirements. |
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Lock up data with fixed-content storage
- Jun 2006
For most companies, fixed-content storage requirements are simple: Store the data securely, do it cheaply and provide fast access. With more data subject to external and internal audits, content-addressed storage products are becoming the preferred storage medium for long-term protection of fixed content. |
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Big three apps adjust to disk-based backup
- Apr 2006
EMC's NetWorker, IBM's Tivoli Storage Manager and Symantec's Veritas NetBackup are still the leaders for enterprise backup. But as more and more shops back up to disk, the big three have had to adapt to the new requirements of disk-based backup. |
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New role for tape libraries
- Mar 2006
Midrange tape libraries have added sophisticated features such as partitioning to fend off the challenge of disk-based backup systems. With these new capabilities, tape libraries are finally assuming the role they were originally designed for: the long-term protection and preservation of data. |
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Not just a big switch
- Feb 2006
Fibre Channel directors don't just provide lots of ports, they also offer ways to connect disparate SANs, isolate data and devices within a fabric, and configure throughput for specific applications. We look at how the big three directors match up. |
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SRM gets smarter
- Jan 2006
Storage resource management (SRM) software is becoming more than a tool to manage storage devices or report on file system or database utilization. SRM vendors are reshaping their products to become the eyes and ears of the enterprise to obtain critical, real-time information. |
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Get ready for virtualization
- Dec 2005
The benefits of virtualization are apparent, but getting there is another matter. Many products can deliver some form of virtualization, but behind the promises of storage utopia looms vendor lock-in. But even if the rewards are greater than the risks, you still need to assess which virtualization options are mature enough to deploy. |
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The lowdown on replication appliances
- Nov 2005
Operating system- and storage array-agnostic, replication appliances give companies increased flexibility to address one-time and continuous data replication needs, while allowing applications to continue processing without data loss or to recover with minimal downtime. |
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Keep remote offices in sync
- Oct 2005
With regulatory compliance, data protection requirements and the need to share data, remote office data can no longer be ignored. Wide-area file system products can rein in and protect remote data. |
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Database archiving software
- Sep 2005
There are two good reasons to archive database data: to improve the performance of production systems and to reclaim expensive primary storage space. Archiving apps are now compelling alternatives to application-based archiving and manual procedures. |
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Archiving unstructured data
- Aug 2005
It may no longer be enough to archive your files and e-mail to meet compliance regulations. You also need to provide a way to search archives and find related information based on specific criteria. |
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Object-based backup
- Jul 2005
Object-based backup products back up only the data that has changed, reducing storage and bandwidth issues. |
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The best way to move data
- May 2004
Don't get mired in sluggish data. There are best practices for migrating data from point A to point B. Here's how to pick the right method that fits with your company's needs and budget. |
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Bridging SAN islands
- May 2004
To help ensure that a change made to one part of the SAN doesn't interfere with the entire storage network, some new products claim to have developed a new switch-based intelligence that segregates the SAN and protects SAN data. |
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Get control of capacity
- Apr 2004
Although storage resource management tools can be complicated to implement, they're a better alternative to breaking the bank and rushing out to purchase more storage. Get precise with your vendors on what you need and you'll wind up with better results. |
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Tape type matters
- Mar 2004
High-performance tape formats may all seem similar in capacity and throughput, but most formats lend themselves better to some applications then others. Find out how to decide which one is best for you. |
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Rein in e-mail storage
- Feb 2004
With new government regulations and users' gigantic e-mail attachments, new approaches for storing e-mail are called for. |
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The pitfalls of smart switches
- Dec 2003
Do you want to centralize storage management, cut costs and make your life a whole lot easier? There are a number of storage vendors promising these very things by creating products that move intelligence into the fabric, but smart fabrics will have their own issue. |
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Starting the ILM process
- Dec 2003
Information life cycle management (ILM) is the buzz right now. But too much emphasis is being put on products and not enough on understanding that ILM is really a process. Before you buy in, here's how to analyze what it means for you. |
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New directions for switches
- Nov 2003
With all of the recent acquisitions and new partnerships forming this year, finding the right Fibre Channel switch for you is even more confusing. This article will help you chose the right one. |
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The trouble with measuring SAN performance
- Oct 2003
A common system administrator's nightmare involves the telephone call at 4:oo in the morning from your boss. He's calling to tell you there's a problem with the SAN. Here's how to survive and prevent this from happening again. |
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The case for high-end arrays
- Sep 2003
The gap between midrange and high-end storage arrays has narrowed, enough so that the decision of which storage array to buy is less of a technical decision and more of a business one. |
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Can tools streamline provisioning?
- Aug 2003
Virtualization was last year's buzz word, and it looks like provisioning may be this year's. We dissect what these tools actually do and how to choose which ones that are likely to actually be useful in your environment. |
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Taming HBAs
- Jul 2003
New HBA cards promise to ease your HBA administration burden and are loaded with new features. But is this the truth? |
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Management suites come up short
- Jun 2003
With long feature checklists, astonishing ROIs and seamless integration, storage management suites can seem like storage paradise. But look closely, and you may find that what you get isn't what you wanted to see. |
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Tape: Alive and full of options
- Apr 2003
Sure, disk is going down in price, but don't underestimate the value of tape technology. We look at what's available in tape libraries for large-scale backup. |
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Ease backup pain
- Mar 2003
OK, maybe there's no cure, but a variety of bandages and pills can help. We look at the major backup packages and analyze what each does best. |
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| Tools, Trends & Analysis |
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NAS heads: Gatekeepers for enterprise storage
- Mar 2005
A NAS head can aggregate disk capacity on storage systems, making it easier to share files and usedisk space efficiently. NAS head capabilities vary, so understanding product features and your requirements is crucial. |
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E-mail archivers keep companies legit
- Feb 2005
Storage managers must deal with stricter government regulations and rapidly escalating e-mail stores. There are many e-mail archiving programs available, but finding the one that best meets your company's needs is the key. |
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Back up desktop data
- Jan 2005
The job of protecting desktop data is much easier today with applications specifically designed for the job, continuous data protection applications and third-party services. |
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How to select an SRM suite
- Dec 2004
Storage resource management products provide similar core functionality, but many offer modules for ancillary functions. Setting priorities helps to narrow the search. |
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Accommodating arrays
- Nov 2004
Storage arrays offer different disk types to choose from and mixed RAID configurations. Here's what you need to know to assemble the right mix of disks and RAID levels. |
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Nonstop Data Protection
- Oct 2004
Here's a look at the latest continuous data protection products that offer the ability to recover data from minutes, days, weeks or months ago. |
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SAN switch smarts
- Aug 2004
Switches can now handle storage management, performance management and security. Here's a comprehensive look at the pros and cons of intelligent switches. |
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Technology Report: WORM Tape
- Jul 2004
WORM tape is increasingly being used for long-term archival purposes. Why? Because it's cheap, portable and satisfies today's demanding regulations. |
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Down-to-earth HBAs
- Jun 2004
Finally, there's an HBA for everyone. Vendors are creating HBAs that are functional and affordable, even for smaller shops. |
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