Analysis

posted on 02 July 2008 10:08

NetApp users are generally deploying its A-SIS deduplication in primary and secondary storage tiers and not mainly in backup applications, according to a well-placed source. There are some 10,000 A-SIS users amongst its FAS product line customers.

A-SIS is a post-processing deduplication an option included within the Data ONTAP operating system which runs NetApp's FAS storage arrays. NetApp does not have an inline deduplication function, which would operate when data is ingested into its arrays. A-SIS is being used to deduplicate VMware environments, SharePoint, Exchange and home directories.

There is a possibility that NetApp will add A-SIS to its V-Series systems which provide NetApp functionality to third party storage arrays connected to a 'front end' V-Series controller. NetApp is also trialling the use of A-SIS in VTL (Virtual Tape Library) applications with a possible Q3/4 introduction this year.

CommVault is apparently poised to introduce a block-level deduplication product in the first half of 2009.

^{[Chris Mellor.]}