We had interviews with 4S Information Technologies and NetApp to have their opinions within singularization scope. In our interview, 4S Information Technologies Vice General Manager Murat Songür said that singularization has reduced storage area by half and the companies investing in this field use their storage area investments more efficiently.
NetApp System Engineer Ahmet Alan has answered our questions on behalf of NetApp, he said that singularization first started in 2007, it has become a part of every project within the years and it is now standard in every NetApp product. NetApp Channel Manager Soner Cesur told that as NetApp, our target is improving our customer’s efficiencies by providing most advanced storage and administration technologies.
What is singularization? Can you explain the basic logic behind it?
Ahmet Alan: Singularization is the general name given to storage of repeating data only once by finding them via several methods. Singularization has emerged as a need of backup solutions. Between the weekly backups, there is data change as much as data change within the week. However, we had to back up same data over and over again each week. Thanks to singularization, we again take weekly full backups but we take backups on disc-based systems (i.e. virtual tape libraries) instead of tape then we can use singularization. Hence, we need disc only as much as the change size.
As a result of varying economic conditions, storage conditions where singularized data is kept have also gained a feature. Storage manufacturers made file or block based singularization; they help the corporates about data storage immediately they store data. Especially, virtualization and file servers are very suitable types for singularization of repeating data (file and block).
Murat Songür: We define singularization as whole technology for storing data which is actually replica of each other as one copy. We can talk about a few different singularization technology and scenario.
Considering exact replica files, the simplest singularization technique is that only one copy file is kept as original by singularization technology and a logical link is created for each repeating file.
Best sample for this is user scenario storing corporate introductory file having 2 MB size in personal area. Instead of using 20 MB area for 10 users in total, almost 90% saving can be achieved with 2 MB original file and links pointing that file.
In addition to this, tailor-made singularization scenarios can be added into the solutions. We keep different component separately for the files having very tiny differences between them. When a user changes name and surname on the first slide of the introductory file; instead of creating a second copy; it only creates a difference component and stores the file via logical relation between the original file. Significant storage area saving can be succeeded by this scenario.
These two singularization technologies can be applied both at application level or file system. As we go below levels, we mention block-based singularization technologies. Here, singularization is audited at repeating data block level in the data that is transferred to storage system directly. Logical block links are created for repeating blocks. There are only a few privileged manufacturers that can apply this method in their storage systems. It is also a technique which is widely preferred in backup systems as well.
What is the importance of singularization for the companies? Why is it needed?
Ahmet Alan: Data storage is the IT component on which corporate spend a lot of money after servers. However, considering business use rate or efficiency rate in other words, storage systems have the lowest efficiency. Singularization and some other technologies are used for increasing this low efficiency.
A corporate must use its investment in most effective way. Therefore, singularization feature provided by storage manufacturers having advanced products should be utilized. Here, technology selection is critical because, singularization may affect performance based on application method. It should be taken into consideration while selecting virtualization solution. In addition, selected virtualization solution must be independent of data type so as to achieve maximum efficiency.
Murat Songür: In every scenario, singularization technology offers more effective use of storage area investments. Firstly, it reduces storage capacity investment since it decreases the area needed for the storage.
Backup area reduces in parallel to this, backup time decreases.
Data that is transferred between storage systems and bandwidth to which data is transferred reduce. They are other behind-the-scene advantages which brings significant benefits to the companies.
Singularization is more important in the environments where virtualization is used. Operating system virtual discs used in virtual server or desktop systems are mainly composed of repeating components such as same operating system, same office package. You can accommodate these virtual machines by using very low area if you use singularization. In addition, since storage systems consider this data as frequently read data, they can hold them in their cache memories. Virtual machines can transfer to server or client system without tiring rotating components of disc systems. Backup of these systems becomes very easy. Actually, you backup one main virtual disc and differences of other virtual discs with this main copy. Therefore, requested capacity and backup time reduce significantly.
What is the difference between virtualization and other backup technologies?
Ahmet Alan: Virtualization is a data management technology rather than a backup technology. Therefore, it is a supplementary feature offering various advantages for backup technologies.
Murat Songür: We consider singularization is a storage technology used in backup not as backup technology. Singularization technology brings a smart approach for instantaneous storage and backup issues. It can solve your lots of problems by constantly increasing sources. Main point here is that data you own and data blocks forming this data are managed in a smarter way.
Can you explain your solutions that NetApp provides?
Ahmet Alan: NetApp is one of the leading companies developing modular storage systems operating in integrated architecture.
Singularization first started in 2007, it has become a part of every project within the years. As in many subject, NetApp was the leader in this subject and it became the first manufacturer making singularization for SAN, MAS production data regardless of data type. Singularization is a standard feature of every NetApp systems. Actually, before virtualization feature, NetApp had applied singularization with different ways. Snapshots and copying technologies saving place are the pioneers of virtualization. Today, NetApp can singularize and store data at block level regardless of data type at the place where it was first written. Thanks to it, NetApp assists its clients about the most efficient storage solution. In addition, this technology helps business continuity which cannot be directly related with singularization at first sight. Data which is singularized at the storage place can be copied as singularized into a different system located in a far distance. This is another aspect of efficiency.
Murat Songür: Today, singularization comes in all NetApp storage systems as a standard feature without any extra charge. NetApp storage systems can perform block-based singularization independent from access protocol. Of course, this is an optional feature. Since disc controllers form a great load to control the data, if not properly used, singularization may reduce performance. Therefore, NetApp runs this operation during the hours defined by the user and most probably when the system produces less work.
In addition, in order to backup NetApp storage systems, NetApp SnapProtect and SnapManager backup software running on NetApp storage systems use singularization technologies to obtain all backup benefits of singularization.
Soner Cesur: The sole focus and expertise area of NetApp is data storage and management solutions. Our aim is providing the most advance data storage and management technologies and enhancing our customers’ efficiencies. While creating value in our customers, it is vital important to collaborate with system integrator companies producing start-to-end solutions as per customer needs. Therefore we are quite selective in this field. 4S is our one of the most important business partners with 16-years vast experience, very competent and wide technical organization. 4S transports NetApp solutions into the market especially in public sector. Together, we have completed many successful projects so they prove that this cooperation stands on a very strong base and give us motivation for new success stories.”
NetApp Singularization Technology
We had interviews with 4S Information Technologies and NetApp to have their opinions within singularization scope. In our interview, 4S Information Technologies Vice General Manager Murat Songür said that singularization has reduced storage area by half and the companies investing in this field use their storage area investments more efficiently.
NetApp System Engineer Ahmet Alan has answered our questions on behalf of NetApp, he said that singularization first started in 2007, it has become a part of every project within the years and it is now standard in every NetApp product. NetApp Channel Manager Soner Cesur told that as NetApp, our target is improving our customer’s efficiencies by providing most advanced storage and administration technologies.
What is singularization? Can you explain the basic logic behind it?
Ahmet Alan: Singularization is the general name given to storage of repeating data only once by finding them via several methods. Singularization has emerged as a need of backup solutions. Between the weekly backups, there is data change as much as data change within the week. However, we had to back up same data over and over again each week. Thanks to singularization, we again take weekly full backups but we take backups on disc-based systems (i.e. virtual tape libraries) instead of tape then we can use singularization. Hence, we need disc only as much as the change size.
As a result of varying economic conditions, storage conditions where singularized data is kept have also gained a feature. Storage manufacturers made file or block based singularization; they help the corporates about data storage immediately they store data. Especially, virtualization and file servers are very suitable types for singularization of repeating data (file and block).
Murat Songür: We define singularization as whole technology for storing data which is actually replica of each other as one copy. We can talk about a few different singularization technology and scenario.
Considering exact replica files, the simplest singularization technique is that only one copy file is kept as original by singularization technology and a logical link is created for each repeating file.
Best sample for this is user scenario storing corporate introductory file having 2 MB size in personal area. Instead of using 20 MB area for 10 users in total, almost 90% saving can be achieved with 2 MB original file and links pointing that file.
In addition to this, tailor-made singularization scenarios can be added into the solutions. We keep different component separately for the files having very tiny differences between them. When a user changes name and surname on the first slide of the introductory file; instead of creating a second copy; it only creates a difference component and stores the file via logical relation between the original file. Significant storage area saving can be succeeded by this scenario.
These two singularization technologies can be applied both at application level or file system. As we go below levels, we mention block-based singularization technologies. Here, singularization is audited at repeating data block level in the data that is transferred to storage system directly. Logical block links are created for repeating blocks. There are only a few privileged manufacturers that can apply this method in their storage systems. It is also a technique which is widely preferred in backup systems as well.
What is the importance of singularization for the companies? Why is it needed?
Ahmet Alan: Data storage is the IT component on which corporate spend a lot of money after servers. However, considering business use rate or efficiency rate in other words, storage systems have the lowest efficiency. Singularization and some other technologies are used for increasing this low efficiency.
A corporate must use its investment in most effective way. Therefore, singularization feature provided by storage manufacturers having advanced products should be utilized. Here, technology selection is critical because, singularization may affect performance based on application method. It should be taken into consideration while selecting virtualization solution. In addition, selected virtualization solution must be independent of data type so as to achieve maximum efficiency.
Murat Songür: In every scenario, singularization technology offers more effective use of storage area investments. Firstly, it reduces storage capacity investment since it decreases the area needed for the storage.
Backup area reduces in parallel to this, backup time decreases.
Data that is transferred between storage systems and bandwidth to which data is transferred reduce. They are other behind-the-scene advantages which brings significant benefits to the companies.
Singularization is more important in the environments where virtualization is used. Operating system virtual discs used in virtual server or desktop systems are mainly composed of repeating components such as same operating system, same office package. You can accommodate these virtual machines by using very low area if you use singularization. In addition, since storage systems consider this data as frequently read data, they can hold them in their cache memories. Virtual machines can transfer to server or client system without tiring rotating components of disc systems. Backup of these systems becomes very easy. Actually, you backup one main virtual disc and differences of other virtual discs with this main copy. Therefore, requested capacity and backup time reduce significantly.
What is the difference between virtualization and other backup technologies?
Ahmet Alan: Virtualization is a data management technology rather than a backup technology. Therefore, it is a supplementary feature offering various advantages for backup technologies.
Murat Songür: We consider singularization is a storage technology used in backup not as backup technology. Singularization technology brings a smart approach for instantaneous storage and backup issues. It can solve your lots of problems by constantly increasing sources. Main point here is that data you own and data blocks forming this data are managed in a smarter way.
Can you explain your solutions that NetApp provides?
Ahmet Alan: NetApp is one of the leading companies developing modular storage systems operating in integrated architecture.
Singularization first started in 2007, it has become a part of every project within the years. As in many subject, NetApp was the leader in this subject and it became the first manufacturer making singularization for SAN, MAS production data regardless of data type. Singularization is a standard feature of every NetApp systems. Actually, before virtualization feature, NetApp had applied singularization with different ways. Snapshots and copying technologies saving place are the pioneers of virtualization. Today, NetApp can singularize and store data at block level regardless of data type at the place where it was first written. Thanks to it, NetApp assists its clients about the most efficient storage solution. In addition, this technology helps business continuity which cannot be directly related with singularization at first sight. Data which is singularized at the storage place can be copied as singularized into a different system located in a far distance. This is another aspect of efficiency.
Murat Songür: Today, singularization comes in all NetApp storage systems as a standard feature without any extra charge. NetApp storage systems can perform block-based singularization independent from access protocol. Of course, this is an optional feature. Since disc controllers form a great load to control the data, if not properly used, singularization may reduce performance. Therefore, NetApp runs this operation during the hours defined by the user and most probably when the system produces less work.
In addition, in order to backup NetApp storage systems, NetApp SnapProtect and SnapManager backup software running on NetApp storage systems use singularization technologies to obtain all backup benefits of singularization.
Soner Cesur: The sole focus and expertise area of NetApp is data storage and management solutions. Our aim is providing the most advance data storage and management technologies and enhancing our customers’ efficiencies. While creating value in our customers, it is vital important to collaborate with system integrator companies producing start-to-end solutions as per customer needs. Therefore we are quite selective in this field. 4S is our one of the most important business partners with 16-years vast experience, very competent and wide technical organization. 4S transports NetApp solutions into the market especially in public sector. Together, we have completed many successful projects so they prove that this cooperation stands on a very strong base and give us motivation for new success stories.”