NearStore by NetApp
NearStore by NetApp is a data storage device series that operates on SATA (Serial AT Attachment) platforms and stores data and applications of all types.
The Vision of NearStore
NearStore was created with a vision to provide a low price, high-speed storage unit. It provides a faster process than offline storage, at a lower cost than primary storage.
Storage types include mainly:
- Disk to disk backup
- Archives, snapshots
- Digital storage
- Business data
NearStore Products
The NearStore was unveiled as two models: R200 and VTL. R200 is an SATA only platform, while VTL works with FAS. Both models come with a NearStore license that ensures privacy and protection of the stored data.
R200
The R200 was NetApp’s first disk-based backup system and was released in 2003. With its high speed, high retention, and low cost, the R200 became popular instantly.
R200 is an SATA only platform, powered by NetApp’s own Data ONTAP. It has a storage capacity ranging from 8TB to 168TB.
R200 Features
The replication process is hassle free, in compliance with NetApp’s policy of providing easy to use hardware. With a disk containing 14 drives embedded in it, R200 is well equipped to handle large amounts of data at a time.
Apart from these, R200 is sold with inbuilt RAID platforms to ensure immediate backup of data, and a NearStore license for data protection.
Virtual Tape Library
Virtual Tape Library or VTL is another NearStore model released in 2006.
VTL works with the FAS 3000 platform and has an SATA drive. Available with both single and dual processors, VTL allows CIFS, NFS and iSCSI type file sharing.
Key Features
The unique feature of VTL is that the data is stored in the form of tapes. Once data to be stored is selected, the files are compressed to fit on tapes of a smaller size. This process called smart sizing can reduce storage space occupied by almost 50% of the original. These stored files get arranged into arrays after the resizing.
The backup is disk to disk, and smart sizing increases the speed to high levels. With storage capacity ranging from 4.5TB to 168TB, VTL is a highly recommended storage product.
NetApp Benefits
NetApp provides many advantages to their users. The most common ones include high speed, ample storage, easy use and low cost. Put together with NetApp’s license, the benefits make NetApp storage devices worth a shot.
