Provides a multi-node, scalable, appliance for enterprise backup and recovery with fast backups and restores integrating seamlessly into current environments with improved performance and reliability.
1-800-786-7967 - US only
1-800-474-6836 - Canada only
What is the storage array? Can I use my own array with the HP StorageWorks 9000 Virtual Library System?
A1.
The HP StorageWorks 9000 Virtual Library System utilizes a nearline optimized array for its storage. Each array holds forty-eight 750 GB or 1 TB SATA HDDs. No, you can't use your own array. The HP StorageWorks 9000 Virtual Library System has been specifically tuned for the sequential reads and writes that are the backbone of backup and recovery. Additionally, the virtualization is tied to the LUN configuration to ensure that there are no “hot spots” in the array.
Q2.
What is Accelerated Deduplication?
A2.
Accelerated deduplication is an object-level differencing data deduplication technology that has the following characteristics. It is a “content aware” technology where an understanding of the backup application is required. It can then recognize the tape cartridge format, remove the tape headers and actually compare at an object-level the same files and objects from different backups. It identifies the files and objects that have changed and then does a byte-level comparison between the old and new file and only stores the unique data that has changed. Accelerated deduplication is a post-process application so the deduplication process does not start until the backup has completed writing to disk. This provides the fastest possible backups. Accelerated deduplication uses pointer chains pointing backwards so that the most recent backup is always kept in tact. This provides the fastest possible restores for the most recent backups (which typically are around 60% of customer restores).
Q3.
Does compression affect the performance of my VLS9000?
A3.
No, compression on the VLS9000 is provided via a hardware compression card that does not affect the performance and in fact allows the system to provide up to 4800 MB/s in aggregate performance with 2:1 compression.
Q4.
How does my backup software vendor license the VLS9000?
A4.
Each backup software package is licensed differently. Some vendors have chosen to license on a “per TB” basis while others license as if the virtual devices were real. For details, contact your backup software vendor.
Q5.
Does the HP StorageWorks 9000 Virtual Library System emulate non-HP devices?
A5.
The VLS9000 emulates HP StorageWorks ESL and MSL series tape libraries with either HP StorageWorks Ultrium tape drives or Quantum DLT/SDLT tape drives. These libraries and drives are supported by all major backup software packages.
Q6.
Is there additional support required for the Accelerated deduplication feature?
A6.
Yes, an optional service care pack is available and recommended to provide additional support for the Accelerated deduplication feature.
Q7.
How do I know what backup ISV’s are supported with Accelerated deduplication?
A7.
Since Accelerated deduplication is an object-level differencing solution it must be tested and support the backup application in order to deduplicate data. Check the EBS website for the latest Accelerated deduplication supported backup ISVs and data types http://www.hp.com/go/ebs.
Q8.
What is Automigration?
A8.
Automigration is a separate tab in the VLS GUI that allows you to copy cartridge data (under the control of VLS policy management) from VLS to another VLS or tape library.
There are two types of automigration – “echo copy” and “smart copy” Echo copy is a mirror copy between VLS and another VLS or tape drive. In this case the cartridge bar codes are the same – the copy is made under the control of the VLS, not the backup copy. It is made in native tape format so that a restore can be done from tape on any tape drive that the backup application has visibility to. Since the control of the copy is done through VLS – there is no licensing of the target device required by the backup application. However, if the copy process fails, the backup application has no visibility to it and therefore action must be taken through the VLS GUI. Smart copy is the same as echo copy with one key difference. Echo copy takes advantage of the SMI-S 1.3 industry standard and therefore the backup application can manage the copy process (even though VLS implements the actual copy). Unique bar codes are created for the duplicate copy and therefore the backup application is able to track the move. Automigration will be further enhanced to support low bandwidth replication when it becomes available in late 2008.
