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.
Library Types
Commvault provide two levels of integrations with Dell EMC® Data Domain® and PowerProtect DD®:
Data Domain Boost Access Library
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 library type is intended to give customers that are already using a Dell EMC® Data Domain® device as a library 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. It can also be used by customers that would like to keep data in the native Commvault format for specific use cases and provide efficient use of storage and cost savings across all storage types.
Note
This feature is available with Commvault Platform Release 2023 (Feature Release 30) and later.
Features:
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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 with deduplication and compression supported
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Supports WORM mode (DD Retention Lock) for immutable storage
Data Domain Boost Client Library
The Commvault Data Domain Boost Client library will allow MediaAgents and servers running workloads to be a full featured client of the Dell EMC® Data Domain®, leveraging the native APIs of the DD Boost SDK with direct data movement to and from the storage device. This will leverage client-side native Data Domain deduplication, and API based file copy and synthesis for optimized auxiliary copies and synthetic full backups.
This library type is intended for new deployments of Data Domain Boost Storage Libraries as the data will be written in a new format optimized for this use case.
Features:
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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 a format optimized for the Data Domain
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Dell client-side deduplication is performed by the DD Boost SDK
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Auxiliary Copies will leverage the native DD Boost APIs for optimized data movement
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Synthetic Full backups will leverage native DD Boost APIs to synthesize and roll up backups without having to read data through the Commvault Media Agent.
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Client-Direct mode can be used for clients to backup and restore directly to the Data Domain
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Supports WORM mode (DD Retention Lock) for immutable storage