The agility and utility-based cost structure of the cloud makes it an appealing backup target that can help storage managers to keep pace with today’s modern insights and privacy-driven world. However, many cloud backup solutions fall short when it comes to delivering true, enterprise-class capabilities. Storage Switzerland’s recent webinar with Carbonite outlines these capabilities: a turnkey experience; complete platform coverage; flexible recovery options, enterprise-class RPOs/RTOs; and quality support. We previously blogged on the first requirement (a turnkey, all-in-one solution). In this installment, we will discuss the need for complete platform coverage.
The majority of enterprise systems run on VMware’s virtualization software and the Microsoft operating system, and most cloud backup service providers support these platforms. However, the modern enterprise is not fully standardized on these platforms. Many business-critical systems run on other platforms. Linux continues to become more popular as IT environments become more open sourced. Additionally, there remain systems that run on proprietary Unix operating systems including IBM’s AIX and Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s (HPE’s) HP-UX, as well as IBM’s iSeries and Oracle’s Solaris; the cost and risk associated with migrating business-critical systems off of these platforms is high, for example in many cases requiring application re-writes.
Typically speaking, as enterprises become larger, they require more diverse platform support. Not only do application requirements become more diverse, but also, the enterprise may have merged with or acquired an organization that uses different platforms (and again, migrating to a standardized platform can cost substantial time, budget and risk).
Obtaining a cloud backup service that can support a multitude of platforms can help the enterprise to consolidate and reduce the number of cloud services that they need to pay for every month. Arguably even more strategically, training on multiple backup solutions for specific platforms takes time that IT professionals simply do not have today. Along a similar vein, in the event that a disaster is repaired, navigating multiple point solutions adds time and complexity that directly impacts the ability to meet recovery time service level agreements (SLAs). Applications may be offline for a longer (and typically an unacceptable) period of time, as the IT professional navigates various backup solutions’ failover and recovery documentation.
For additional context on how to architect your cloud backup strategy for enterprise-grade resiliency and functionality, access Storage Switzerland’s webinar, “Five Critical Enterprise Cloud Backup Capabilities,” on demand.
Senior Analyst, Krista Macomber produces analyst commentary and contributes to a range of client deliverables including white papers, webinars and videos for Storage Switzerland. She has a decade of experience covering all things storage, data center and cloud infrastructure, including: technology and vendor portfolio developments; customer buying behavior trends; and vendor ecosystems, go-to-market positioning, and business models. Her previous experience includes leading the IT infrastructure practice of analyst firm Technology Business Research, and leading market intelligence initiatives for media company TechTarget.
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