In the ever-evolving landscape of data management, striking a balance between performance and efficiency is crucial. During a recent conversation with James Hawthorne, a senior IT architect with over a decade of experience in the field, I gained invaluable insights into the practical application of Veeam and NetApp best practices for Advanced Storage Arrays (ASA). His firsthand experience sheds light on the intricacies of using ReFS/XFS with the fast cloning option—a method touted for its promising results in data handling and storage optimisation.
Hawthorne began by reflecting on the overarching significance of data reduction in modern IT environments. “In the grand scheme of things, the difference might not seem monumental,” he remarked. “However, when you’re dealing with vast volumes of data daily, every optimisation counts.”
Fast Cloning with ReFS/XFS: A Double-Edged Sword
The conversation quickly turned to the use of ReFS/XFS with fast cloning options. Hawthorne explained, “This approach is particularly beneficial when you’re aiming for swift performance. By writing directly to the storage block volume, you essentially eliminate the redundancy of data handling, thanks to ReFS/XFS’s ability to fast clone.” The process, as Hawthorne described, involves Veeam’s compression capabilities—default settings that ensure data is compressed before it hits the storage. This pre-emptive data reduction significantly boosts storage performance, often doubling it.
While the data reduction seen directly on the storage may appear lacklustre, Hawthorne assured me that the total reduction, when considering both Veeam and NetApp’s contributions, is notably substantial. “It’s a bit of a trade-off,” he admitted. “You achieve fast performance and a respectable level of data reduction overall, but the storage itself doesn’t reflect the full picture because Veeam has already handled much of the reduction.”
The Balance of Deduplication
Hawthorne continued by discussing the various modes of operation available with Veeam. One mode he highlighted involves using dedup-friendly compression while disabling uncompression on the repository setting. “This setup is particularly effective if you’re looking to maintain a balance between data flow optimisation and backup deduplication,” he noted. By removing whitespace and zeros from backup files before they meet the storage target, the system ensures that deduplication can function efficiently.
The use of XFS/ReFS for fast cloning remains a constant in this method, promoting data flow optimisation. Despite not showcasing optimal data reduction on the NetApp, the cumulative effects of both Veeam and NetApp result in a well-optimised data handling process. “It’s especially advantageous for long-term backups,” Hawthorne added, “where backup chains extend beyond the typical 80-day threshold.”
Highest Data Reduction: A Misleading Metric?
For those who prioritise seeing high data reduction figures on the NetApp storage console, Hawthorne pointed out another strategy—though with some reservations. This method involves enabling compression in the job settings, uncompression at the backup target, and disabling both fast cloning and inline deduplication. While this approach may yield impressive deduplication values on the console, it does come with a performance cost.
“The storage has to work harder, dealing with more data than necessary, simply to display those figures,” Hawthorne explained. He cautioned against relying solely on these numbers as a measure of success, advocating instead for a holistic view of data efficiency. “It’s essential to justify your investment with genuine performance gains, not just impressive statistics on a screen.”
A Personal Perspective
As we wrapped up our discussion, Hawthorne reflected on his personal journey with Veeam and NetApp. “The key is to understand the specific needs of your environment,” he concluded. “What works for one setup might not be ideal for another. It’s about finding that sweet spot where performance, efficiency, and practicality converge.”
Indeed, the insights from James Hawthorne serve as a reminder that in the realm of data management, informed decisions and tailored strategies can make all the difference. Whether you’re a seasoned IT professional or a newcomer to the field, understanding the nuances of these technologies could be the key to unlocking greater efficiency and performance in your data operations.
By Fallon Foss