Commvault Data Domain Boost Storage Library feature is an integration between the Commvault data protection software and the Dell EMC® Data Domain® and PowerProtect DD® deduplication storage systems. Commvault is a Dell DD Boost ecosystem partner and has incorporated the DD Boost SDK into the Commvault platform, which now allows advanced levels of integration and feature support with no additional software or plug-ins required.
When using the Commvault Data Domain Boost Storage Library feature, the software makes a direct connection to the Dell EMC® Data Domain® device through the SDK to move data directly and securely without the need to expose mount points or use network shares. This allows more control over the data operations leading to enhanced resiliency and more efficient data transfer during backups and restores. SDK integration also provides access to the full set of Dell DD Boost APIs and features.
The Commvault Data Domain Boost Access library type provides a direct connection to the device through the SDK and writes data in the native Commvault format. Data can be written in Commvault deduplicated format (recommended) or non-deduplicated format and will be further deduplicated by the Dell EMC® Data Domain® device. Keeping the data format the same gives customers, using Dell EMC® Data Domain® today with network shares or Boost FS, an upgrade path to take advantage of the integration without having to worry about data expansion on the storage due to any data format changes. This method is also recommended if there are secondary copies to a different storage type, such as cloud as Commvault can move and manage the data in our native deduplicated and compressed format, thus providing efficient use of storage and cost savings across all storage types.
The Commvault Data Domain Boost Access library type also offers “client direct to device” accelerated backups and restores. Clients can backup and restore directly to and from the Dell EMC® Data Domain® without having to send the data through a remote MediaAgent eliminating additional network transmission. This can improve performance and reduce the load on the MediaAgent as the data movement will be distributed across the clients (Deduplication and Index Cache operation would continue to be processed by the MediaAgent). The accelerated backup and restore operations only require the Commvault MediaAgent or Storage Accelerator package installed on the clients to take advantage of this feature.
WORM storage mode is also supported which leverages both Commvault compliance lock and the DD Retention Lock feature of the Dell EMC® Data Domain® to create immutable backups when this extra layer of security is needed.
Key Benefits
The Commvault Data Domain Boost Access library provides the following benefits:
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Direct communication with Dell EMC® Data Domain® device using the integrated Dell Boost SDK
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Data is written in native Commvault format (deduplication and compression supported)
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Supports WORM mode (DD Retention Lock) for immutable storage
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Compatible with SE Linux MediaAgents
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Commvault Storage Accelerator supported (Clients can access DD directly)