Using disk to speed up backup and restores is being implemented at a rapid rate these days. There are 2 main methodologies to get this done: Virtual Tape Library (VTL) and Disk Backup Target.
With VTL, the disk array(s) use software to mimic a tape drive or library of your choice. You tell it how many virtual drives, tape slots etc and the array presents itself to your backup software as such. The obvious benefit of this method is that you can configure an array to exactly mirror the tape system you already have, ths requiring no special tweaking of your backup procedures; your backup software backs up to what it thinks is the same old “2 x LTO2, 100-slot” library it always has, complete w/ virtual barcode labels etc…things just happen much faster.
Using a disk array(s) as a simple disk cache and allowing the backup software to utilize its own “backup to disk” functionality is another way. In this scenario, the backup software controls the entire process and streams the data out to disk without the use of any tape emulation trickery.
Choosing one over the other will depend on your unique needs. Some will like the ease of use of just sliding a VTL in and not having to make adjustments to their current backup operations or add additional licenses. Others however, may not want the added expense of a VTL appliance if their current backup software has a good ‘backup to disk’ feature.
The choice is yours…Please give us shout if you’d like to see which method is right for your needs.
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