Technical white paper

Using HP StoreOnce D2D systems for Microsoft

System Center Data Protection Manager 2010
Backups

Table of contents
Executive summary

Introduction

Technology overview
Key features and benefits of
HP StoreOnce D2D systems

HP StoreOnce D2D systems in small-tolarge data centers

Why D2D with DPM backup?
DPM backup structure
Single- and multiple-stream DPM
backups
Recommendations

2
3
3
4
5
5

Conclusion

For more information

Keep pace with your growing data
Discover the HP B-Series storage
network

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6
6

Executive summary
In todays business environment, Microsoft DPM 2010 customers rely on the most efficient, high-performing, and
reliable backup systems. Customers need to protect increasing levels of data while keeping costs under control. In
particular, businesses today are concerned about the costs of backing up and archiving important data from missioncritical software business applications. HP StoreOnce Disk-to-Disk (D2D) systems provide a disk-based data protection
platform while addressing data growth by applying HP StoreOnce deduplication software for efficient, long-term data
retention.
The benefits of using HP StoreOnce D2D systems to back up Data Protection Manager (DPM) data are:

DPM and D2D systems support iSCSI and Fibre Channel (SAN) storage devices which make D2D a good fit into diskbased storage environments.

D2D virtual tape library (VTL) devices are good backup targets for DPM archives, which benefit from StoreOnce data
deduplication.

The D2D is an excellent target for Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) based backups with quickly rising deduplication
ratios that are maintained over time.

Introduction
HP StoreOnce D2D systems are disk-based backup systems that deliver leading price-performance and deduplicate
backup data. The D2D can be used to automate and consolidate the backup of multiple DPM clients onto a single, rackmountable device while improving reliability by reducing errors caused by media handling.
For business environments with remote offices or a disaster-recovery site, the D2D can be used to replicate DPM archive
or copy data to a central data center or remote facility.
HP StoreOnce D2D systems are ideal for mission-critical application backup data for small-to-large data centers running
key business applications. Proper configuration with DPM to the D2D provides the best backup throughput performance
and data deduplication ratios. The D2D is best used as a DPM copy-to-tape or archive target and integrates seamlessly
into current IT environments, offering the flexibility of VTL targets for DPM backups. Although D2D systems support NAS
storage devices, DPM does not support NAS.
DPM 2010 supports use of any of the following sources for server storage:

Direct attached storage (DAS)

Fibre Channel storage area network (SAN)
Internet SCSI (iSCSI) storage device or SAN, providing that the iSCSI storage device has received Windows Hardware

Certification
This technical brief provides an overview of HP StoreOnce D2D systems, the advantages of using DPM to back up to the
D2D, and recommendations for DPM backups to the D2D.

Technology overview
Key features and benefits of HP StoreOnce D2D systems
HP StoreOnce deduplication: store more data on disk

HP StoreOnce deduplication reduces the disk space required to store backup data sets without impacting backup
performance. Retaining more backup data on disk for longer periods of time enables greater data accessibility for
rapid restore of lost or corrupt filesand reduces downtime.
Deduplication ratios are determined by two factorsdata change rate and retention periods of the data on the
deduplication appliance. Low data change rates and data retained for longer periods of time yield higher
deduplication ratios.

Deduplication-enabled replication

HP StoreOnce deduplication is the technology enabler for HP D2D deduplication-enabled replication, which allows
fully automated replication over low bandwidth links to a disaster recovery (DR) site, giving remote office/branch
office (ROBO) and small data centers a cost-effective DR solution for the first time.

 Rapid restore of data for dependable, worry-free data protection

HP StoreOnce D2D systems offer immediate access to backups for rapid restores. StoreOnce deduplication allows
more data to be stored closer to the data center for longer periods of time, which offers immediate access for rapid
restores.

More affordable disk-based data protection

With up to twice the price-performance of comparable products with deduplication and replication, HP StoreOnce D2D
systems deliver more affordable data protection.
HP StoreOnce D2D systems offer scalability to 72 TB of usable capacity as your data storage requirements grow, with
simple and cost-effective capacity upgrades that allow you to increase storage capacity without purchasing additional
systems.

Automate, simplify, and improve the backup process

HP StoreOnce D2D systems automate your backup processes allowing you to reduce the time spent managing your
data protection. Implementing hands-free, unattended daily backup is especially valuable for environments with
limited IT resources such as remote or branch offices.
D2D systems can back up multiple servers via a standard Ethernet or Fibre Channel network simultaneously to a diskbased solution at peak speeds of up to 2.4 TB per hour instead of sequentially to a tape drive or autoloader, meaning
that you can substantially reduce your backup window.
D2D systems can be intuitively managed and configured by using the built-in Web browsers administrative interface.
And for large deployments of replicating StoreOnce appliances, the StoreOnce Replication Manager can monitor
multiple backup systems throughout the data center. D2D systems are self-managing backup appliances that require
little, if any, routine maintenance. Unlike other disk-based storage devices, D2D systems do not require virus
protection or logical unit number (LUN) provisioning.

HP StoreOnce D2D systems in small-to-large data centers

Why D2D with DPM backup?
With many businesses utilizing Microsoft applications (Exchange, SQL, SharePoint, and others) in their environments,
many administrators are leaning to using Microsoft DPM backup solution due to the integration this backup application
brings to the solutions platforms.
Customers may use existing processes and policies in their new environment to migrate seamlessly from traditional
physical tape devices to the D2D. Also, customers with complex backup schedules and major databases will find the D2D
is a platform that provides an opportunity to migrate to a disk-to-disk backup environment, maintaining existing
processes in combination with physical tape using VTL.
Customers who use DPM with DAS, SAN, and iSCSI file devices on general purpose shares as backup targets may migrate
to a D2D to mitigate contention and performance issues found in I/O-intensive backups, business, and other applications
sharing the same storage array.
DPM agents use VSS to help ensure that data is protected and restored using only methods that were designed by and
supported from the application workloads themselves, such as the Exchange VSS writer or transactional SQL log-based
backups. D2D Backup Systems feature HP StoreOnce deduplication software for efficient, longer-term data retention on
disk and enabling network-efficient replication for a cost-effective way of transmitting data offsite for disaster recovery
purposes.
DPM provides tape-based and disk-based protection for your data, which can be deployed as follows:

Disk-to-Disk (D2D)

A method of backup in which data from one computer is stored on the hard disk of another computer. You can use this
method to back up your DPM server using your existing alternative disk product.

Disk-to-Tape (D2T)

A traditional method of backing up data from one computer to a type of storage media, such as tape.

Disk-to-Disk-to-Tape (D2D2T)

This method combines D2D and D2T for extra protection. D2D2T provides the rapid recovery benefits of disk-based
storage in the short term and archive storage for critical data using tape-based storage in the long term.

Figure 1: Where DPM servers and HP StoreOnce D2D systems fit into typical configurations

An important part of DPM backups is maintaining consistency with recovery points. When data is lost due to user error,
system failure, or site catastrophe, the HP StoreOnce D2D systemsintegrated with a well-planned data protection
strategy using DPM backups and valid, consistent recovery pointswill help assure a seamless recovery.

DPM backup structure

VSS is used on both the DPM server and the protected servers. Protected servers use VSS to list available data sources
and to snapshot protected data. DPM server uses VSS for disk-based protection to snapshot the replica volume and to
create recovery points used for restoring data. In addition, DPM utilizes a unified protection approach using disk-, tape-,
and cloud-based repositories (which deliver a seamless, easy-to-use backup) and recovery solution for Windows
environments.
DPM helps diminish loss of data by providing search and browse features that help you find the data that you need to
recover. After you discover the data, you can recover the necessary versions or you can display a list of all available
versions so that you can select a specific version to recover. This data can be files, applications, or data from computers
running SQL Server, Windows SharePoint Services, or Exchange Server. In addition, DPM supports protection and
recovery of desktop computers and virtual servers. A DPM backup administrator may desire to have a months worth of
backups stored on the D2D for quick recovery access. HP StoreOnce deduplication reduces the disk space required to
store backup data sets by typically 20:1 without impacting backup performance. Retaining more backup data on disk for
longer periods of time enables greater data accessibility for rapid restore of lost or corrupt files and reduces downtime.
Figure 2 shows the data rate-of-change effect on deduplication ratios when backing up data to a D2D VTL using DPM. In
this scenario, DPM writes backup data to its dedicated storage pool (local disk) first, then performs a copy-to-tape
function to the D2D VTL (secondary target). The storage pool is a set of local disks on which the DPM server stores
replicas and recovery points. Before you can start protecting data, at least one disk must be added to the storage pool.
In performing these tests, HP used data with realistic structure and content representative of a customer environment.

Figure 2: DPM data rate of change effect on D2D deduplication ratios

Single- and multiple-stream DPM backups

DPM utilizes VSS snapshot functionality with block-level synchronization to backup data to the storage device. Backing
up single-stream or multi-stream data to a VTL allows the D2D deduplication rate to rise quickly and to be maintained
over time.
Figure 3 illustrates how D2D deduplication ratios rise quickly and are maintained over time when backing up either
single-stream or multi-stream data within DPM. The data generated in figure 3 was obtained by running a copy-to-tape
function using the D2D VTL with a single tape drive, as well as running a copy-to-tape function using the D2D VTL
simultaneously with four tape drives.
Figure 3: DPM backup deduplication ratio trends over time

Recommendations
The D2D is an excellent solution for regular and daily DPM backups utilizing HP StoreOnce deduplication allowing
more data to be retained on disk and enabling low-bandwidth replication to deliver a cost-effective offsite DR
solution.

HP recommends periodic copy of the data to tape using a standard backup application like DPM to copy from the D2D
to physical tape, or by making a backup to tape in parallel to the D2D. Using tape in this way helps deliver the most
cost-effective, energy-efficient, and robust solution for:

Long-term archive of data to meet regulatory requirements

Offsite storage for DR where low-bandwidth replication is not an option

 Using a combination of both disk and tape can deliver all the benefits of each: disk for fast data backup and restore,

and tape for additional levels of data protection (particularly over a period of multiple years). DPM has the capability
of handling this combination efficiently and easily.

Conclusion
Data Protection Manager 2010 provides fully integrated data protection for client computers, SQL Servers, Windows
SharePoint Services, and Exchange Servers. By using HP StoreOnce D2D systems with DPM, you can have confidence
that:

HP StoreOnce deduplication reduces the disk space required to store backup data sets without impacting backup
performance.

HP StoreOnce D2D systems offer immediate access to backups for rapid restores.
HP StoreOnce D2D systems automate your backup processes, allowing you to reduce the time spent managing your

data protection.
Microsoft customers demand an efficient, reliable data growth management backup system environment while keeping
costs under control. HP provides a variety of reliable data protection storage solutions that address such requirements.
HP StoreOnce D2D systems are one such solution. D2D systems offer high performance and reliability while addressing
data growth through HP StoreOnce data deduplication technology for small-to-large customers. D2D systems integrate
easily with leading data protection products to protect important data for mission-critical applications. Combining
HP StoreOnce D2D systems with Data Protection Manager 2010 provides a comprehensive data protection solution.

For more information

HP StoreOnce D2D systems
hp.com/go/storeonce
HP StoreOnce Backup System user guide
http://bizsupport1.austin.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c02295179/c02295179.pdf
HP StoreOnce D2D systems best-practices guide
http://bizsupport2.austin.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c02511912/c02511912.pdf
Microsoft Data Protection Manager 2010
www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/system-center/data-protection-manager.aspx

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HP B6200 StoreOnce Backup System.

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Visit http://h30507.www3.hp.com/t5/Around-the-Storage-Block-Blog/bg-p/139 to learn more about highavailability backup solutions.

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Copyright 20112012 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The
only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing
herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained
herein.
Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

4AA3-8753ENW, Created December 2011; Updated June 2012, Rev. 1