VAST Data Platform Introduction

The VAST Data Platform, based on the revolutionary DASE (Disaggregated Shared Everything) architecture, is a scalable, all-flash storage system. Along with built-in data compression and deduplication mechanisms, similarity-based data reduction can save storage space when a lot of data is similar yet not identical. VAST Data’s multiprotocol S3 and NFS protocol support allows for pluggable integration as a primary copy of data or a replication target.

This platform has been validated to be used as a disk library (using NFS) or as a cloud library utilizing the S3 API. You can enable WORM storage mode when using VAST as a cloud library to provide immutable backup copies adding an extra layer of protection when needed. VAST’s deduplication and similarity can reduce storage utilization across Commvault backup cycles when using WORM mode for increased efficiency.

In addition to data recovery at all-flash speeds, data reduction capabilities of VAST Data and Commvault are complementary, with VAST systems further reducing Commvault’s post deduplicated and post-compressed data minimizing overall storage utilization. Restoring data back to the same VAST cluster that holds the backup copy may also provide data reduction between the native application format and the backup copy format, enabling additional use cases such as disaster recovery and highly available copies.

The combination of Commvault software and the VAST all-flash platform creates a secure, scalable, cyber-resilient data protection solution that harnesses the technology of both vendors synergistically.

Summary of Recommendations and Best Practices

Here is a quick summary of the important takeaways:

Commvault Encryption

To maximize data reduction rates, allow VAST to handle encryption with encryption over the wire (S3 TLS) and at rest.

Commvault Compression and Deduplication

  • Enable Commvault client side deduplication to maximize data reduction and minimize network traffic.
  • To maximize Commvault’s deduplication efficiency, a 128KB block size is recommended, especially if there are secondary copies on other storage devices.

    Note

    When configuring VAST as a cloud library, Commvault defaults to using a 512KB block size for deduplication. This can be used if VAST is the only copy or if there are secondary copies to public cloud (such as Commvault Air Gap Protect).

  • VAST recommends the Commvault default LZO compression scheme where possible.

  • VAST deduplication and similarity are complementary to Commvault deduplication and may further reduce storage utilization.

    This is especially true across Commvault backup cycles, when new full baseline jobs are run in the event that a DDB is sealed, or WORM mode is used.

MediaAgents

VAST recommends using nConnect with Linux MediaAgents to maximize throughput to/from the VAST cluster if the NFS protocol is leveraged.

Library Configuration

Using VAST as a cloud library is preferred to get the advantages of network TLS encryption, WORM mode for immutability, and client-direct backup and restores via the Storage Accelerator.

  • WORM mode is supported (on cloud libraries) to enable immutable copies of backup data.

  • The Storage Accelerator can be used on clients when VAST is configured as a cloud library. This will allow clients to directly back up and restore from VAST without having to move data through a MediaAgent distributing data movement across the environment and providing better solution scalability.

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