IBM System Storage N series Data Compression and Deduplication: Data ONTAP 8.1 Operating in 7-Mode

Book excerpt: One of the biggest challenges for companies today continues to be the cost of data storage, which is a large and rapidly growing IT expense. IBM® System Storage® N series incorporates a variety of storage efficiency technologies to help organizations lower this cost. This IBM Redbooks® publication focuses on two key components: N series deduplication and data compression. In this book we describe in detail how to implement and use both technologies and provide information on preferred practices, operational considerations, and troubleshooting. N series data compression and deduplication technologies can work independently or together to achieve optimal savings. We explain how N series data compression and deduplication work with Data ONTAP 8.1 operating in 7-Mode. We help you decide when to use compression and deduplication based on applications and data types to balance space saving against potential overhead. Optimization and usage considerations are included to help you determine your space savings.