Definition of Disk-To-Disk-To-Tape
Disk-to-Disk-to-Tape (D2D2T) is a data backup and recovery strategy that involves transferring data from primary storage disk to secondary disk-based storage before finally archiving it to a tape medium. The purpose of this strategy is to speed up the backup process by leveraging faster disk-based storage for initial backup while ensuring long-term preservation through tape storage. This approach combines the benefits of disk storage’s quick backup and restore speed with the cost-effectiveness and archival stability of tape storage.
Phonetic
D-I-S-K (Delta India Sierra Kilo) – T-O (Tango Oscar) – D-I-S-K (Delta India Sierra Kilo) – T-O (Tango Oscar) – T-A-P-E (Tango Alpha Papa Echo)
Key Takeaways
- Disk-to-Disk-to-Tape (D2D2T) is a data backup and recovery strategy that involves initially storing data on disk, then moving it to tape for long-term archival.
- By combining disk-based backup for rapid data restoration and tape-based backup for low-cost, long-term storage, D2D2T offers organizations a comprehensive backup solution that balances performance, cost, and durability.
- D2D2T helps ease the process of managing backups by automating data transfer between different storage mediums and simplifying the retrieval process, ensuring data can be recovered promptly when needed.
Importance of Disk-To-Disk-To-Tape
The technology term Disk-to-Disk-to-Tape (D2D2T) is important because it represents a highly efficient data backup and storage strategy.
It encompasses the process of first backing up data onto a disk-based storage medium, followed by a transfer to a tape system for long-term retention.
This hybrid approach combines the speed, reliability, and rapid data restoration capabilities of disk storage with the cost-effectiveness, high capacity, and long-term storage potential of tape solutions.
D2D2T not only reduces the time taken for backup operations, but it also minimizes the risk of data loss and ensures business continuity in case of disasters.
By implementing D2D2T, organizations can optimize their storage infrastructure, achieve significant cost savings, and ensure data integrity for long periods.
Explanation
Disk-to-Disk-to-Tape (D2D2T) is a data storage and backup strategy that provides a highly efficient and effective method for safeguarding crucial information. The primary purpose of D2D2T is to ensure that vital data is not lost in the event of a system failure or disaster, while also optimizing the backup and restore processes.
By leveraging the best aspects of both disk and tape storage, this approach facilitates rapid data transfer and accessibility during disasters or emergencies, without sacrificing the long-term archival benefits of tape. In a D2D2T architecture, data is first copied from its primary source to a secondary disk storage system.
This initial phase enables a faster and more reliable backup process compared to direct tape backups, as disk-based storage significantly reduces backup windows and provides quicker access to the stored information. Once the data is safely stored on the secondary disk, it is then replicated to tape for long-term archival and offsite storage.
By relying on tape storage for the final transfer, organizations capitalize on its durability, cost-effectiveness, and ability to store large volumes of data for extended periods of time. Consequently, D2D2T serves as a versatile and robust data protection solution, seamlessly marrying the efficiency of disk-based backups with the archival advantages of tape storage.
Examples of Disk-To-Disk-To-Tape
Healthcare Industry: In a large hospital or medical center, patient records, medical images, and other crucial data are generated and stored on a daily basis. To ensure data integrity and quick retrieval when needed, a Disk-to-Disk-to-Tape (D2D2T) solution can be implemented. Patient records and vital medical information are first stored on high-performance hard drives for immediate access and then, for added redundancy and protection, the same data is further backed up to tapes that are taken offsite or stored in a fireproof vault.
Financial Services Companies: Banks, insurance agencies, and other financial services providers must store a massive amount of transaction data, customer records, and financial documents for regulatory and auditing purposes. A D2D2T system can help in this scenario by enabling fast backups and easy access for audit and retrieval from the disk storage, while also creating a long-term tape backup for archiving and compliance purposes. In case of catastrophic data loss or system failure, the financial services company can recover the lost data from tape backups.
Media and Entertainment Industry: Film studios, television networks, and music production companies generate large volumes of high-resolution multimedia content in audio, video, and image formats. Managing and storing such data for long-term archival, reusing, and distribution purposes requires significant storage resources. With a D2D2T backup and archiving solution, the latest multimedia projects can be stored on fast disk storage for quick editing and processing, while completed projects can be transferred to tape storage as a part of the archiving process to save space on the primary disk storage.
FAQ: Disk-To-Disk-To-Tape
What is Disk-To-Disk-To-Tape (D2D2T) technology?
Disk-To-Disk-To-Tape (D2D2T) technology is a backup architecture that involves copying data to a secondary storage device (disk) first and then copying the data to a final storage medium, typically tape. This provides both fast backups and long-term, offsite storage, as the data is stored on both disk and tape.
What are the advantages of using Disk-To-Disk-To-Tape in backup strategies?
D2D2T offers several advantages, such as faster backups and recovery times, as disk-based storage can typically be accessed more quickly than tape. D2D2T also allows for offsite storage, as the data stored on the tape can be transported to a remote location for disaster recovery purposes. Additionally, using D2D2T can ease the workload on the production servers by allowing them to resume their normal operations sooner than with a direct backup-to-tape approach.
What is the difference between Disk-To-Disk and Disk-To-Disk-To-Tape?
Disk-To-Disk (D2D) backup is a method that involves transferring and storing data directly from a primary storage device to a secondary disk-based storage device, without passing through tape storage. While D2D backups are faster than tape backups, they lack the offsite storage capabilities provided by the D2D2T architecture. Disk-To-Disk-To-Tape combines the speed of D2D backups with the added security of tape storage for offsite protection and long-term retention.
How does Disk-To-Disk-To-Tape help improve backup performance?
Disk-To-Disk-To-Tape improves backup performance by initially backing up data to a secondary disk-based storage system that can be accessed more quickly than a tape storage system. This enables the backup process to be completed quickly, reducing the impact on production systems. Once the data is stored on the secondary disk, it can be copied to tape storage at a more convenient time, such as during periods of low system usage or overnight, further minimizing the impact on production systems.
Is Disk-To-Disk-To-Tape suitable for all types of businesses?
D2D2T can be suitable for businesses of various sizes and industries, as it provides both the speed of disk-based backups and the security of offsite tape storage. This technology is particularly suitable for organizations with large volumes of data to backup or those with strict regulatory compliance requirements that dictate long-term retention and offsite storage of data. However, a business’s specific requirements should be evaluated to determine if D2D2T is the best approach for their backup strategy.
Related Technology Terms
- Backup Hierarchy
- Data Mirroring
- Offsite Storage
- Incremental Backup
- Virtual Tape Library (VTL)
Sources for More Information
- Storage Networking Industry Association: https://www.snia.org/
- TechTarget – SearchDataBackup: https://searchdatabackup.techtarget.com/
- Enterprise Storage Forum: https://www.enterprisestorageforum.com/
- Network World: https://www.networkworld.com/
