What is Converged Data Protection?
Converged data protection refers to the consolidation of data protection and data management operations onto a single platform. This convergence aims to simplify data protection by bringing together backup, disaster recovery, archiving, compliance, search and analytics under one roof.
Key aspects of converged data protection include:
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Unified data management – All data protection and management tasks are handled through a single interface instead of multiple siloed products. This provides centralized visibility and control.
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Policy-based automation – Policies and schedules can be set to automate backup, replication, retention and other data operations. This reduces management overhead.
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Broad compatibility – Support for diverse data sources such as virtual machines, databases, SaaS applications, file shares and more. This eliminates the need for multiple point solutions.
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Scalability – Software-defined architecture allows easy scaling as data volumes grow.Hardware and software can be added non-disruptively.
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Cloud integration – Integration with public cloud storage for low-cost capacity expansion and offsite data protection. Data can also be tiered to the cloud.
Benefits of Converged Data Protection
Adopting a converged data protection strategy offers several key benefits:
Reduced Complexity
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Consolidating disparate data protection tools into a single platform with unified management reduces overhead and complexity. I no longer need to juggle multiple consoles and interfaces.
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Common data services like backup, recovery, replication, archiving and analytics are delivered through the same system. This streamlines operations and administration.
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Policies, credentials, configurations and schedules are centralized instead of fragmented across isolated products. Converged simplifies management for me.
Improved Data Insights
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I gain integrated visibility into all my data protection operations and infrastructure from a single dashboard.
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Powerful analytics provide insights into usage, gaps and opportunities – helping me optimize my environment.
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Unified indexing and metadata collection across silos enables sophisticated data search, eDiscovery and compliance reporting.
Increased Efficiency
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Automated, policy-driven processes reduce my manual workload and minimize human error.
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Leveraging common data services across workloads instead of separate products boosts operational efficiency.
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Scaling capacity, performance and supported workloads is seamless. I can easily support growth and new initiatives.
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Integration with public cloud allows low-cost capacity expansion and offsite protection. No more complex multi-cloud connectors.
Lower TCO
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Converged solutions are software-defined, allowing me to start small and scale linearly. No fork-lift upgrades needed.
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I avoid costs and overhead of managing multiple point solutions. Less infrastructure, software, and vendor relationships to maintain.
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Policy-based optimization of backups, replication and retention improves storage and network efficiency, lowering costs.
Is Converged Data Protection Right for My Business?
Deciding if converged data protection makes sense for your organization depends on several factors:
Your Existing Environment
- Do you currently use multiple standalone products from different vendors for backup, recovery, archiving etc?
- Is your current data protection strategy complex and fragmented across silos?
- Are you facing rising costs, overhead and lack of visibility from isolated tools and repositories?
If you answered yes, a converged approach can dramatically simplify operations and reduce costs.
Your Business Needs
- Are you looking to protect diverse workloads like VMs, databases, SaaS apps and file shares?
- Do you need broad data services like backup, disaster recovery, archiving, encryption, search?
- Are you looking to scale data protection as you grow while minimizing complexity?
A converged platform provides extensive data support and services under one roof.
Your IT Maturity
- Does your IT team have limited bandwidth to integrate and maintain multiple point solutions?
- Do you lack specialized skills and resources to manage siloed data protection products?
- Are you looking for turnkey data protection with minimal hands-on management?
Converged data protection is designed for IT generalists and resource-constrained teams.
If your organization can relate to the scenarios above, converged data protection can provide substantial benefits over a fragmented best-of-breed strategy. Companies with mature IT practices may still prefer the specialization of multiple point products. Assess your environment, skills and needs to determine if convergence is the right path.
Key Considerations for Implementation
Migrating to converged data protection is a strategic project requiring planning and care. Here are some best practices:
- Involve stakeholders early to get buy-in and determine needs.
- Assess workloads, recovery requirements and growth projections. Size your system accordingly.
- Pilot with non-critical workloads first to test functionality.
- Develop automated policies and procedures to maximize benefits.
- Budget for potential integration, licensing and process changes.
- Validate backed up data, train staff and transition processes methodically.
With careful execution, converged data protection can deliver simpler, more agile and cost-efficient data management. Aligning this strategic shift with your organization’s IT objectives is key to a successful outcome.
