In this data-driven world, replication has emerged as an imperative need for organizations. No data-driven company can even compromise or risk losing their stored data or access to the data.
It can result in substantial losses for them. When it comes to storage, it is crucial to have the stored data replicated at all times in case of a failure at the primary location.
This is why organizations opt for storage-based replication. What is it? Let’s get to know it better!
Exactly as the name suggests, storage-based data replication is an approach to replication of data in multiple storage locations to retrieve data from and use in cases of failure at the primary data storage location.
Data-driven organizations store their data on the cloud or remote storage servers based on their preferences. All the data is necessary for their business.
Any loss of data – either via system failure or connectivity losses or disasters – can result in substantial losses. To avert these losses, companies opt for the replication of data.
One of the types of replication is storage-based replication.
In storage-based replication, all the data the company chooses to store or archive is replicated in real-time.
This ensures that in case of any failure, the alternate data storage is always available.
Storage-based replication involves two storage devices either connected physically or via a storage area network (SAN).
There can also be software involved to replicate the data either at the source or from the primary data storage in real-time.
Whenever data is generated, it is stored at two locations simultaneously with the help of a software.
In the case of a SAN environment, the software replicates the data from the primary storage into the backup.
So, in case of loss of data at the primary location, data from the secondary source can be used for unhindered business operations.
Also Read: List of 6 Best Open Source Data Replication Tools
Among the various replication techniques available, the industry primarily prefers only limited types. This is because of certain advantages they gain, as well as it works better for them.
The two most widely used techniques are storage-based replication and host-based replication.
The primary difference between them is that in host-based replication, the two sites are connected via a server.
On the other hand, the storage-based replication process uses SAN to replicate data.
There are multiple vendors available in the marketplace providing storage-based replication services. This includes many A-list players. The list of vendors is as follows:
Oracle Sun Cluster is a software for storage-based replication.
It is available pre-installed in many storage solutions and is optimized accordingly. Which is why Oracle recommends using the preset settings as they are customized to the storage solution.
It supports both automatic failover and manual failover. Oracle also provides manual configuration support to connect to the secondary storage.
Dell EMC provides storage-based replication services via its PS Series storage solutions.
Being a significant player in the industry, they have a sophisticated product array for both home and enterprise.
Dell has a majority clientele of Enterprises opting for their workspaces.
Thus with Dell EMC providing storage solutions, it is easier for enterprises to receive quick support being within the Dell ecosystem.
Microsoft provides the storage-based replication services along with its Windows Server OS.
It supports both types of replication; synchronous as well as asynchronous.
Microsoft provides enterprises with stretch cluster, cluster to cluster, and server to server configuration.
They are continually working on the software and are providing new features regularly.
IBM is a veteran in the world of storage and networking solutions.
Its proprietary solution, HyperSwap, is used in its solution to reduce and rid the system of untimely outages.
In case of any storage or SAN outages, PowerHA can perform a full system HyperSwap. It gets your backup connected so that business can continue seamlessly.
Its storage-based replication solution involves SnapMirror. It is a recovery technology designed to quickly shift from the primary to the secondary storage in case of a failover.
NetApp ONTAP’s MetroCluster configuration is available for enterprises where they create two physical mirrored clusters.
In case of a failure, the administrator can manually switch the mirrored data for business to continue.
Conclusion
Storage-based replication is vital for enterprises as they cannot afford to lose access to data during peak operations. Hence, they must have replicated the storage of data to switch over in case of a failure.
There are many storage solutions available from the major players in the technology industry. It is just a matter of evaluating which solution works best for your organization. Skipping is not an option anymore.
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Host-Based Replication: What is it and Top Software Vendors