D-PDD-DY-23: Dell PowerProtect DD Deploy 2023

BoostFS (Boost File System) is a specialized Dell EMC technology that integrates with backup applications to enable optimized data transfers to Dell EMC Data Domain systems. BoostFS works effectively with Dell's Avamar backup software, leveraging the Data Domain Boost technology to provide deduplication and improve backup efficiency. The BoostFS integration enables Avamar to utilize features like client-side deduplication, reducing data that needs to be transferred and stored on Data Domain systems, and enhancing performance and storage efficiency.

By using BoostFS with Dell Avamar, users benefit from enhanced backup speeds, optimized network bandwidth, and reduced load on the Data Domain system. The BoostFS integration also supports streamlined management and more effective use of storage resources, which aligns well with Dell EMC's strategy for comprehensive data protection.

Cloud tier migration from DDVE instances to physical PowerProtect DD systems like DD6900 is not supported, meaning data in the cloud tier cannot be directly transferred, necessitating alternative migration methods or data retrieval strategies.

The maximum backup speed of the PowerProtect DD Virtual Edition (DDVE) when utilizing DD Boost is 4.2TB per hour. DD Boost is a feature that enhances the speed and efficiency of data transfers between the backup application and the Data Domain appliance by performing deduplication operations closer to the source, thus reducing network traffic and improving throughput. DDVE's performance capabilities are optimized for virtualized environments, and the 4.2TB/h rate represents the upper limit under ideal conditions, maximizing data protection performance in virtual setups.

PowerProtect DD supports up to 60,000 open CIFS files, ensuring high scalability and performance in file-based data storage. This capability is essential for environments with high file access requirements.

To create a DD Boost storage unit for Veritas NetBackup and give access to a user, follow these steps:

Enable DD Boost (if not already enabled):

Navigate to Protocols in the left sidebar.

Select DD Boost and enable it if it's currently disabled.

Create a New DD Boost User:

Go to Administration or Users section (location may vary depending on the DD OS version).

Add a new user with the username netbackup_user.

Set a password and assign the necessary permissions, such as Read/Write access.

Create a Storage Unit:

Return to the DD Boost section.

Look for an option labeled Storage Units or Add Storage Unit.

Name the storage unit netbackup_su.

During the setup, ensure that netbackup_user has access to this storage unit by assigning appropriate permissions.

Save and Confirm Settings:

Save the configuration changes.

Verify that netbackup_su is listed as a storage unit and that netbackup_user has access.

After completing these steps, you should have a storage unit named netbackup_su accessible by netbackup_user, configured specifically for use with Veritas NetBackup on your PowerProtect DD system. Let me know if further clarification is needed!

PowerProtect DD appliances allow direct data writing from backup clients, which improves efficiency and data transfer rates, leveraging DD Boost and other protocols for optimized backup performance without intermediate processing. In a PowerProtect DD backup infrastructure, backup clients are designed to write data directly to the appliance. This direct write capability is supported by protocols like DD Boost, which enhances the backup performance by offloading deduplication to the client side, reducing network bandwidth usage and speeding up backups. PowerProtect DD systems are optimized to handle direct data ingestion from backup clients, streamlining the data protection process without requiring intermediate storage or decompression steps. This feature simplifies the backup architecture and improves data protection efficiency.

Enabling the security-officer authorization policy activates the dual authorization process, adding a layer of security by requiring approvals for certain actions. This feature is critical for environments with strict compliance and data governance requirements.