De-Dupe for AS/400

Data Domain, Inc. announced the ability to provide new levels of storage efficiency for AS/400 – System I users. Data Domain has partnered with AS/400 – System I backup software specialist, LaserVault to bring the cost and management benefits of data deduplication to midrange computing environments. All Data Domain systems are qualified with LaserVault Backup and easily integrate into AS/400 – System I environments without requiring changes to the data center or distributed office.

Data Domain deduplication storage systems are designed for flexibility, allowing customers to expand use of their systems across a variety of open system and mainframe workloads for backup, archive and tape-free disaster recovery. LaserVault offers disk-to-disk backup software that stores each backup as a file in the Data Domain system that can then be copied for offsite backup or quickly restored to the AS/400 – System I. By combining Data Domain systems with LaserVault’s backup software, AS/400 – System I users reap the benefits of data deduplication to reduce or eliminate their reliance on tape systems.

Grocery Outlet Inc., the US largest grocery extreme-value retailer, was one of the first companies to use the combined solution. Grocery Outlet required a way to lower operating costs, reduce capital expenditures and streamline the management tasks associated with protecting the data on its i5 Model 520 system. By implementing the Data Domain and Laservault solution, Grocery Outlet is no longer exposed to the inherent risks associated with physical removal of tapes for offsite storage.

As Steve Tuscher, Director of IT for Grocery Outlet, Inc. explains, prior to deploying its Data Domain/LaserVault system, "We experienced issues with tape backup and were spending too much time on managing our processes. By implementing Data Domain and LaserVault, we simplified the backup process and improved recovery times without having to invest in or migrate to an entirely new system."

"Partnering with LaserVault allows Data Domain to extend the benefits of Data Domain deduplication storage to an entirely new set of users," said Shane Jackson, senior director of product marketing and channel marketing for Data Domain. "Together Data Domain and LaserVault offer AS/400 – System I users a cost-effective alternative to tape for data protection."

"Data Domain systems deliver an exceptional value proposition and we’re excited to offer this solution available to AS/400 – System I customers," said Brad Jensen, CEO of LaserVault. "This new qualified solution will allow us to provide a flexible migration path that suits the business needs of AS/400 – System I users who are looking for disk-based backup and efficient offsite storage without the headache of a forklift upgrade."