![FalconStor FDS [EOL] Logo](https://images.peerspot.com/image/upload/c_scale,dpr_3.0,f_auto,q_100,w_100/ZNsqmMhCobKMoAqai2YAcXFk.jpg?_a=BACAGSGT)
Brings the flexibility of selecting the type of hardware you want. Lacks functionalities like snapshots generation
What is most valuable?
FDS has many great features, but I would say that the most valuable are installation flexibility, global deduplication engine, high-availability options, disaster recovery capabilities, and easiness of deployment and administration. For example, you can select your preferred hardware brand, as soon as it complies with their requirements, create an USB device with the installation package, and it will guide you through the rest of the installation process. Subsequently, you could present your preferred storage as the front-end cache for the initial data landing and for unique data following deduplication. Also you have the ability to create your own deduplication policies.
How has it helped my organization?
The flexibility of this product helps us provisioning space to Windows and UNIX/Linux servers, for file service purposes, because it can export and share folders through CIFS and NFS protocols. Subsequently, you can use it as a repository for your end users to save their corporate files, or as a landing share for backups.
What needs improvement?
FDS has room for improvement, like, for example, by enabling the ability to create snapshots in order to protect the folders being shared.
What was my experience with deployment of the solution?
The deployment of this product is pretty straightforward as soon as you follow all their instructions.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
If you follow all the vendor requirements and know how to balance the data loads, you will have a very stable product.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We haven't found any issues with scalability.
How are customer service and technical support?
Customer Service: The level of customer service is excellent. Their response time is immediate, and they have an online support portal for those purposes as well.Technical Support: Their level of technical support is excellent, and they explain you in a clear and concise manner.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
No, we did not use a different solution of this nature prior to FDS.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward. The FalconStor Support portal has all the necessary guides available, or you may contact the technical support for help.
What about the implementation team?
We implemented it ourselves. However, if you expect a flawless installation, it is recommended to contact professional services.
What was our ROI?
I can't provide exact numbers for ROI, but what I can say is that it's deduplication capabilities are high. I our case, we could see dedupe ratios between 5:1 and 10:1, depending on the type of data you save. This is a huge save of storage for the company.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
No, we didn't evaluate other products prior to FDS.
What other advice do I have?
If you wish to implement this product successfully, you have to evaluate every angle: What type of data do you want to save? Which format does it have? Do you wish an integrated solution, or a custom one where you can choose your gateway and storage hardware? Do you have high-availability and disaster recovery requirements? Ask for a demo and/or proof-of-concept.
