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  • Data Management »
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Software

Data Management

The data management functionality core to the file system is enabled through a comprehensive set of virtualization tools intended to simplify administration of the file system. In addition to this, Mercury and Titan offer a complementary data management framework known as Intelligent Tiered Storage. BlueArc’s Intelligent Tiered Storage is comprised of Data Migration, Dynamic Read Caching, and Policy Based Management. These advanced features allow administrators to set policies based on common file attributes or access patterns to ensure that data is automatically and transparently migrated to the appropriate tier of storage in order to optimize cost and performance. This functionality extends to third party file systems or devices visible within the Namespace.

Data Migration enables administrators to transparently migrate data from a file system or volume using data management policies based on a set of rules, parameters and triggers. For example, a policy based on the last time a file was accessed will migrate older files to slower tiers transparently. Should greater access frequency trigger the need for higher performance, the data migrates back to a higher performance tier of storage. Also, for information with a very low probability of recall, backups or archive files can migrate to external storage such as tape for long term retention. This is ideal for customers who would like to consolidate multiple applications under a common storage system.

Unstructured Data Sets

In environments characterized by large, dynamic unstructured data sets, administrators often have trouble predicting when a spike in demand will occur for a particular file. BlueArc’s Dynamic Read Caching instantly copies files to a high performance storage tier for use across physical or virtual servers during periods of peak demand. This aggregates bandwidth and faster response time for read intensive applications to prevent a quality of service issue. In addition to integrated storage tiers, files can be cached from external devices within the namespace including de-duplication devices or stranded filers. Dynamic Read Caching is ideal for vertical markets with read intensive applications or unpredictable demand like eDiscovery, Entertainment, Internet Services, and Life Sciences. Additionally, read caching prevents administrators from having to increase capacity on faster tiers as a performance buffer. This results in lower overall storage costs.

Rule-based Policy Engine

Data Migration and Dynamic Read Caching are both supported by BlueArc’s policy based management functionality. Simply stated, it is a graphical, rule-based policy engine that greatly simplifies data management by providing “what if” analysis tools, policy templates, a scheduler for recurring policies, and integrated data protection safeguards. Administrators are able to select from a number of desired variables including last access, file name, path, and user identity upon which to create and schedule policies when creating quotas and thresholds, while automating data movement. This functionality extends to support of Virtual Volumes, Dynamic Read Caching, Replication and Data Migration.

Data Management Benefits Summary

Simplified Storage Management:

• A rules-based policy engine reduces dependence on manual migration of data
  
• Operational flexibility is maintained as changing business conditions are easily addressed without manual intervention
  
• Third party or external storage devices are simply accessed as an integrated tier, reducing multiple points of management and enabling consolidation
• As data and copies move transparently between storage tiers, the file system remains intact – with no end user exposure

Lower Total Cost of Ownership:

• Multiple systems and applications can be consolidated under a single management framework in order to reduce infrastructure costs
• Data is automatically placed on the most cost effective or highest utility tier of storage without compromising accessibility
• Dependence on expensive, high performance storage “buffers” is reduced as a greater percentage of data can be placed on nearline, capacity centric drives

Higher Performance:

• Dynamic Read Caching aggregates the throughput of multiple nodes to accelerate file access
• Maintaining a Fibre Channel or SSD high performance cache accessible by all other tiers increases responsiveness to spikes in demand.