Avamar: Back-up Solution for Remote Servers IT Infrastructure Partnership Team

1. Avamar: Back-up Solution for Remote Servers IT Infrastructure Partnership Team August 2009

2. This document explains the ITP’s plan to improve data back up and recovery by installing Avamar software on servers at remote locations The presentation will cover: • ITP Backup Requirements • Overview of Avamar software • Benefits • Deployment approach

3. ITP Backup Requirements • Three phases for servers that are relocating to CESC 1. Stabilize and prepare agencies for relocation 2. Provide recovery support if needed during actual move 3. End state of data center and operational efficiencies • Must ensure remote locations are backing up all servers • Some agencies found to have no or partial backups • No standards: variety of backup tools and methodologies • Make most efficient use of network bandwidth

4. Avamar software is an effective and efficient backup and restore solution for remote servers; DMV has been using Avamar to successfully backup their CSC offices • EBARS (CESC Standard) • Tape-based back up of servers located at CESC only Avamar is a backup and data recovery software for servers that uses data de-duplication technology to reduce the volume of daily back up data and provides faster, more reliable backup and recovery services. It is an EMC product that enables back up and recovery for remote servers to be monitored and managed from a central location. • Avamar • Disk-based backups primarily for servers located at remote sites • Data de-duplication at the source server and the target Data Store before transfer across network • Simple one-step recovery • Data encryption in flight and at rest • Centrally monitored and managed from the CESC The Avamar disk-based system saves network bandwidth and greatly reduces the backup and recovery windows

5. Data Center Disaster Recovery Site WAN Remote Site Remote Site Remote Site Avamar offers a number of positive features for Distributed Enterprises • Features • Efficient Communication • Centralized Management • Consistent Policies • Scalability • Disaster Recovery (if on the DR Contract) • Optimized Performance • Eliminates need to manage complex tape system for backups

6. Many of Avamar’s benefits are derived from data de-duplication, which ensures that each unique sub-file, variable length object is stored only once across sites and servers Avamar Benefits • Improved reliability – RAID technology provides redundant copies and error recovery within the Data Store • Faster service – By only backing up data that is unique or changed, the need to move duplicate data across the network is eliminated. This saves network bandwidth and shortens the backup window significantly. • Meets Commonwealth requirements – Avamar will enable the ITP to provide reliable backup and restore services that can be centrally managed and monitored from the CESC to meet agency needs and produce the metrics and reports to show that service level agreements for back up and recovery are met.

7. The ITP plans to install Avamar at remote sites (with servers) across the Commonwealth over the next three to nine months The Avamar project targets approximately 2,300 servers across the Commonwealth • Target servers are those in remote locations. • Target sites will be on the new MPLS network. • Target sites will have completed the Re-IP project • All installations are targeted to occur within the next 3 to 9 months • Pilots and installs at selected agencies have already begun

8. There is a step-by-step approach for deploying and configuring Avamar across the Commonwealth Survey and Planning – AOMs will work with agencies to explain the benefits of Avamar and share general deployment plans. AITRs will validate survey of backup and retention requirements for their agencies and coordinate the sign off process. Agency Kick-off Meeting – Briefing for all agencies to learn about Avamar and its benefits Field Support Training – More detailed information for local support technicians System Administration Training – In depth knowledge transfer Equipment set up –The primary target Data Store are installed at CESC & SWESC. CESC will serve as the offsite storage facility for mostly non-DR Contract servers; SWESC for those on the DR Contract. Pilot installations have been identified – TAX, DRS, DOLI, & DSS are designated pilot sites. Other agencies have begun installation. Two phase approach – Phase 1 targets remote agency’s unmonitored backup systems; Phase 2 targets remote monitored systems

9. Deployments should have minimal impact on agencies, and plans are in place to trouble shoot any difficulties that may arise • No impact is expected from regular Avamar software installations • Should take less than 2 hours • Local staff will install • Easy, non-intrusive “back-out” of Avamar agent installation, if needed • Security – Data is encrypted in flight and logically separated at targeted back up site (similar to production data at CESC) • Bandwidth – Service provides effective means to monitor and adjust bandwidth use to meet agency needs, both during back up and recovery activities • Steps for Trouble Shooting Problems that Arise • Network and Backup Testing will be conducted and monitored from CESC • If problem appears to be site related, CESC engineers will work with local support staff • Initial site set up and testing will be coordinated with local server support staff

10. Questions?