Flexible, space-efficient, writeable clones
Key Benefits:
- Space Efficient - File clones are initially created through the use of pointers to blocks. No data is duplicated, and only new file writes are saved to the file system.
- Fast – File clones are created almost instantly, regardless of the size of the file being cloned.
- Flexible – File clones are created per file, allowing for a VMware VM centric view of file cloning. There is no need to duplicate files that are not required.
BlueArc JetClone provides the ability to instantly create space-efficient, writeable copies of files for use in test and development, virtual environments and running multiple simulations running large-scale data sets. This is a key feature for server and desktop virtualization, especially in large-scale deployments, as it allows VMware administrators to quickly deploy many new virtual machines without consuming additional disk storage space.
When a file clone is created, a hidden file-level and read-only snapshot is created which preserves an image of the source file at that point in time. This snapshot allows the source file and clone to share common data blocks. If additional clones of the source file are created, new snapshots are created if necessary.
Cascading clones allows clones to be used as the source for new file clones. For example, a master Windows Server virtual machine can be cloned, then that clone can become a SQL Server master or Exchange Server master, which can then be cloned to provide multiple production VMs.
When combined with BlueArc JetCenter, a plug-in to VMware vCenter, VMware administrators have a simple way to manage JetClone, snapshots and other data management and data protection features.
