Overview

OpenStorage (OST) is a technology designed by Symantec that gives NetBackup and Backup Exec users the option to use third-party storage solutions, such as Quantum’s DXi-Series systems, without the need for tape emulation. NetBackup and Backup Exec see OST-enabled appliances as disk.
 

The OST API is the underlying technology that allows Quantum’s DXi-Series systems to tightly integrate with NetBackup and Backup Exec. Through the OST API, NetBackup and Backup Exec can take advantage of features such as deduplication and replication, which are included in DXi-Series systems.

What Is the Advantage of OST?

Through the OST API, NetBackup and Backup Exec can leverage hardware-level replication and can manage multiple copies of the same image from one centralized location. This awareness of multiple copies makes disaster recovery (DR) much easier. Since the backup server catalogues the copies, the customer is not required to manually import the images during a DR situation.

Without OST, NetBackup and Backup Exec media servers have to manage all duplicate backup copies. With OST, the OST-enabled device does the replication and the data path does not include NetBackup and Backup Exec media servers. This means that only changed segments are replicated, creating savings in bandwidth, and, importantly, in time. NetBackup and Backup Exec are aware of all copies, and those copies follow established retention policies.
 

Supported Features

Two features of OST are supported:

• OST backup, which is controlled by NetBackup or Backup Exec.
• OST optimized duplication, which duplicates data from one DXi system to another without having to pass the data back through NetBackup or Backup Exec. This is supported with NetBackup and Backup Exec.

Two Pieces of Software for OST Integration

Quantum developed two pieces of software for DXi OST integration:

• DXi Storage Server: This Symantec-compatible capability is embedded in the DXi system and allows the NetBackup or Backup Exec media server to use the DXi system as an OST target.
• OST Plugin: This plugin is installed on the Symantec (NetBackup or Backup Exec) media server to enable the backup application to write/read, as well as to manage duplication.