Backup Anytime

Data deduplication is the new sex but some people don’t want to take part. This is particularly the case at small business level. In a busy small business office where I.T. is the domain of an executive or owner manager who has significant other non I.T. responsibilities, the whole concept of not having multiple copies of data scattered around the network is difficult to accept. 

Many small business owners take solace in having multiple copies of data left on different systems in an adhoc manner. This however is simply a case of being disorganised and having a fear of depending on systyems rather than ones self.

Data deduplication not only reduces the number of copies of data but more critically identifies absolutely necessary data volumes and together with a quality online backup system ensures this data is managed, backed up and archived to ensure availability and efficiency. If there is a compromise it is that all parties involved must replace their paranoia and associated paradoxical self confidence with a functioning system and outside of monitoring and management should leave that system alone.

The problem here is that many small business do not see data management as a function beyond data backup and data availability. This can only lead to serious I.T. expense and risk of data leaks.

This step is ironically more easily  taken by large companies. Four of the reasons for this are;

1. I.T. staff issue ownership:
2. finance availability:
3. Compliance requirements:
4. Understanding of TCO (Total cost of ownership) efficiencies.

Small businesses (outside of very innovative companies) look set to stay a step behind and will likely benefit from data deduplication initially on a piecemeal basis as third party applications come shipped with embedded data deduplication benefits.

This market is set to expand rapidly. Given that online backup initially had a slow small business following and has now become a standard component of responsible backup systems, it is believed by many that not only will this happen with data deduplication but that the now not uncommon merging of online backup and data deduplication will become a standard MSP offering.

Poorly organised, technology sceptics at small business management level may want this feature switched off and see the step to online backup as a step far enough during their tenure. The next generation will understand that data deduplication is not just of great benefit but in time will be a must as systems (particularly email) are filled with duplicate content, some of which zero copies are required. When writing a reply on Irish blogs recently I found that deduplication was seen as a miss spelling. I then checked it in word, open office and word press and low and behold all of these application saw deduplication as a miss spelling. Technology is moving faster than language, whats new. The issue is that deduplication is not new, it has been out for some time and is here to stay.

Can small business benefit from data deduplication?

Data deduplication (dedupe), simply put is the process of limiting the number of identical versions of data retained on a network. Single instance storage (S.I.S.) allows for one copy of a headed paper or logo image to be used by all apps and users. This significantly reduces storage requirements and assists with centralised storage implementation.

An example of deduplication which is used at small business level is Microsoft Exchange Server. Small business often unknowingly benefit from deduplication as a consequence of it being an integral part of specific applications.

Small firms however are behind in the area of overall data deduplication. Deduplication specific applications which as a task focus singularly or primarily on data deduplication are still the domain of larger businesses.

Small business users often lack in awareness or resource with regard to emerging technology and this is an example which is costing small business in terms of efficiency and storage requirement. Companies with a deduplication implementation benefit from reduced local and remote storage costs, have a more manageable data asset bank and an easier compliance road-map.

In time, as awareness increases and capital outlay requirements decrease, small businesses will increase their uptake of data deduplication and the associated benefits. The trend (or lack of) on behalf of small business not to participate in data deduplication is by no means proof of any shortage of value or R.O.I. difficulties. Some smaller businesses (generally those with good I.T. management and suitable budget) are increasing their data efficiency, storage savings and competitiveness by employing company wide data deduplication.

A proliferation of data deduplication at application level which will involve household names in the software business adding dedupe capability to their software will offer application specific deduplication benefits to small business. The paradox with technology gains in bundled software is that small business often see this as their overall solution to that specific technology. If in time, your accounts and payroll apps offer dedupe technology as standard this will by no means be a company wide deduplication solution and any belief to the contrary could lead to critical areas being missed and low overall gains.

If you intend to employ deduplication and have decided to wait and avoid being part of the vanguard, maybe you have waited long enough. Deduplication has matured. There is a sufficient number of high end players to ensure competition, quality and value.

Some say it is never the right time to buy technology. In the data industry, any time before it is too late is good. Immediately is very good. Last week is excellent.