Storage solutions for the small business
With steady data growth and the increased importance of data protection, businesses are turning to new, disk-based systems for fast, efficient backup solutions. Tape-based storage, long the standard method, is commonly perceived as nearing obsolescence.
But the business world offers many examples to refute this notion. In fact, as part of an organization's archival strategy, tape backup methods still bring several advantages over newer, disk-based systems, such as tape's easy storability, substantially lower costs and manageability.
Furthermore, automated tape libraries, which can hold up to 50 tapes and operate unattended, present small businesses — with limited human resources — an appropriate, affordable and easy-to-use data storage system. Before you make the decision to implement a disk-based system, be sure to consider whether your current tape system can be upgraded or combined with disk storage for effective data protection.
Types of tape storage
Tape storage devices incorporate a remarkable range of speed and size. For very small businesses that don't have massive amounts of data, for instance, digital audio tape (DAT) is an affordable option — the oldest, most popular tape technology. But with a data capacity of 36GB and a 3MBps transfer rate, DAT may not be suited to organizations with extensive data.
One of the main arguments for disk-based storage is its speed advantage. But certain tape options can also deliver the necessary efficiency. Linear Tape Open (LTO) and Digital Linear Tape (DLT, a proprietary technology of Quantum) technologies are two such solutions. LTO-3 is one of the most recent versions of LTO, holding 400GB and transferring data at transfer speeds of 80MBps. DLT-S4, the latest DLT, offers 800GB and transfer speeds of 60MBps. Combined with tape autoloaders, these technologies can back up significant amounts of data in under a few hours.
To further increase efficiency, small companies can automate backup and restore processes using backup management software. IT managers can also schedule partial backups, in addition to complete backups, so that the most important data is protected at the most critical periods (e.g., over weekends).
Tape backup eases disaster recovery planning
Does your company have a disaster recovery plan? In many cases, tape backup may be the most appropriate safeguard for data protection in a disaster recovery scenario. For one thing, disk drives are heavy, and transporting them on a daily basis simply lacks efficiency.
Tapes, on the other hand, are small — Sony's 120GB Advanced Intelligent Tape (AIT), for instance, offers a 2.5" size. The extreme portability of cassettes makes the offsite storage of daily backups a practical undertaking.
D2D2T — a tale of two solutions
For businesses looking for more speed and capacity than tape alone can provide, a combination of disk and tape may be the key. As an archival backup method, tape can be combined with real-time disk mirroring in a 3-tier architecture known as disk-to-disk-to-tape, or D2D2T. A D2D2T backup system initially captures data on an operational storage disk, which is mirrored to a second "data recovery" disk and periodically backed up to tape. The tape can then be stored offsite.
D2D2T combines the speed of disk-based backup with the low cost, reliability and familiarity of tape. Managing the three-stage D2D2T backup processes is automatic and touch-free, saving smaller businesses significant time and expense compared with frequent tape backups. And for actual data recovery, businesses can take advantage of the precision and speed of disk storage.
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Tips for tape or disk
Tape-based systems are budget friendly, easily managed and scalable. But disk storage also provides unique benefits. Consider the following factors to help you identify your storage needs and choose the appropriate solution.
Business need — A typical tape backup can take up to several hours. Is that downtime your business can afford? If so, a tape-based system may be ideal.
Performance — Experts caution businesses against implementing high-performance tape drives that can outperform the system bandwidth and downgrade drive performance.
Extra costs — Tape systems must be replenished with tapes and tape cleaners.
Backwards compatibility — If the latest tape backup system cannot read your archived tapes, it could cause business or legal issues. Make sure your storage solution is compatible with your archives, going back at least 2 generations.
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CDW Leasing
CDW offers four different leasing terms with three end-of-lease options. Leasing specialists are available to assist with quotes, account information or any questions that you have. To learn more, contact your CDW account manager today. |
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