ExaGrid Disk-based Backup

ExaGrid Product Line

ExaGrid offers a highly scalable disk-based backup system that works with your existing backup application and combines high quality SATA storage, compression and byte-level data de-duplication with a virtualized GRID architecture. This unique approach reduces the disk space required for backup by a range of 10 to 50:1, delivering unparalleled cost savings and performance at a fraction of the price of standard SATA disk storage.

Scalable GRID Architecture

There are five core ExaGrid disk-based backup servers. These servers include GRID computing software. When plugged into a switch they virtualize into one another. As a result, any of the five configurations can be mixed and matched into a single GRID system, with capacities up to 60TB, in 1TB increments. Once virtualized, they appear as a single system to the backup server. Load balancing of all data across servers is automatic and multiple GRID systems can be combined for additional capacity.

Five Core ExaGrid Server Configurations

• 1TB EX1000
• 2TB EX2000
• 3TB EX3000
• 4TB EX4000
• 5TB EX5000

For example, a 5TB ExaGrid server can store a 5TB full backup (5TB of primary data) plus up to 16 weeks of retention/history, while a 2TB server can take in a 2TB full backup (2TB of primary data) plus up to 16 weeks of retention. If a 20TB system is required, then four EX5000s are plugged into the switch and virtualize into a single system.

Scalability and Performance

A 1TB to 5TB ExaGrid server in combination with the virtualised GRID architecture allows for the following:

• Start with the appropriate initial capacity and add capacity in 1TB to 5TB increments as needed
• "Right size" capacity up front and over time by adding only the required capacity
• As servers are added, additional memory, processor disk and GigE are also added resulting in no loss of performance. As data grows the appropriate amount of system resources are added