Understanding Data Deduplication

Not All Deduplication Methods Are Created Equal

What is Data Deduplication?

Data deduplication is a specialized data compression technique to eliminate duplicate copies of repeating data. This technology is particularly beneficial in virtualized infrastructure as it significantly reduces the required storage space caused by the redundancy of dozens or hundreds of virtual machines using the same or similar operating system. Its use can lead to significant cost savings and improved data management efficiency. Deduplication works by segmenting data and identifying redundant segments while ensuring that only one unique data instance is retained and protected. When subsequent data is processed, the system references the unique data already stored instead of storing additional copies.

The Challenges of Traditional Deduplication

While deduplication offers considerable benefits, the technology is not without its challenges. Traditional deduplication processes can be highly processor- and memory-intensive. This is especially true for dedicated storage systems equipped with this capability, which often rely on high-performance CPUs and substantial RAM to manage the deduplication process effectively. These components can be costly, increasing such systems’ initial and maintenance costs.

Secondly, most deduplication efforts are confined to the storage system level. While the storage may prevent redundancy, the hypervisor (the software that creates and runs virtual machines) and the network infrastructure do not inherently recognize or eliminate duplicate data. Consequently, redundant data continues circulating through the network and hypervisor, only being deduplicated once it reaches the storage system. This inefficiency can lead to wasted bandwidth and reduced overall system performance.

The situation is further complicated in the realm of virtual storage solutions like virtual SANs (vSANs). These systems generally do not have the resources to dedicate processors specifically for deduplication tasks. Additionally, deduplication features in many of these systems are added as an afterthought—a “bolt-on” feature integrated well after the system’s initial deployment. This can lead to inefficiencies and potential performance bottlenecks, as the system wasn’t designed initially with deduplication in mind. This is just one of the reasons that many IT professionals when comparing vSANs to Dedicated Arrays, favor the classic three-tier architecture despite the theoretical price advantages of vSANs.

How VergeOS Enhances Deduplication

VergeIO introduces a distinctive approach with its Global Inline Deduplication technology integrated directly into the core of VergeOS. Unlike traditional methods, VergeIO’s solution ensures that deduplication is not an afterthought but a foundational component of the entire infrastructure. This integration provides several unique advantages:

1. Hypervisor and Network Awareness: VergeIO’s hypervisor and networking are fully aware of deduplication. This awareness allows data across these components to be deduplicated once for the entire infrastructure, significantly enhancing CPU utilization and transmission efficiency.
2. Improved Resource Utilization: By integrating deduplication into the core system, VergeIO utilizes existing resources more effectively, thereby avoiding the need for overly powerful and expensive hardware solely dedicated to deduplication tasks. This leads to cost savings and a smaller hardware footprint.
3. Global Application: Global inline deduplication also powers capabilities like site-to-site replication and snapshots, bringing new levels of data protection and scalability to data centers of all sizes.

Conclusion

While deduplication technology is a powerful tool for eliminating data redundancy and improving storage efficiency, not all deduplication technologies are created equal. Traditional methods often face integration and resource consumption limitations, which can hinder overall system performance. VergeIO’s innovative approach overcomes these challenges by embedding the technology at the core of its operating environment, offering a seamless, efficient solution that enhances storage, processor, and network operations. Its unique implementation method positions VergeOS as a unique player in the field, providing a comprehensive solution that meets modern IT demands.

About George Crump

George Crump is the Chief Marketing Officer at VergeIO, the leader in Ultraconverged Infrastructure. Prior to VergeIO he was Chief Product Strategist at StorONE. Before assuming roles with innovative technology vendors, George spent almost 14 years as the founder and lead analyst at Storage Switzerland. In his spare time, he continues to write blogs on Storage Switzerland to educate IT professionals on all aspects of data center storage. He is the primary contributor to Storage Switzerland and is a heavily sought-after public speaker. With over 30 years of experience designing storage solutions for data centers across the US, he has seen the birth of such technologies as RAID, NAS, SAN, Virtualization, Cloud, and Enterprise Flash. Before founding Storage Switzerland, he was CTO at one of the nation's largest storage integrators, where he was in charge of technology testing, integration, and product selection.