HPE StoreOnce Reviews

The main use case for HPE StoreOnce is that it serves as an appliance storage for backup and archiving. StoreOnce incorporates deduplication and replication, achieving a ratio that arrives at 1 to 10. Thus, HPE StoreOnce provides more benefits to the customer for use in backup and archiving. We primarily work with a hybrid model for HPE StoreOnce. In Egypt, customers do not prefer cloud solutions. They generally want to keep their data physically on-site, indicating a strong mentality towards local data access rather than through the cloud.

The functions of HPE StoreOnce that I find most valuable are its deduplication and replication options. These features save data and reduce the size of data significantly. If the actual size for backup data is 100 terabytes, using StoreOnce, it will be around less than 10% of the original size due to the 1 to 10 deduplication ratio. So, compression and replication are critical features I appreciate.

Additionally, adaptive backup and restore capabilities of HPE StoreOnce are indeed very helpful functions. As I know from my technical team, the process is very easy for end users because the GUI and user experience with StoreOnce are straightforward. They can restore their backups at any time. An important feature of StoreOnce is that they can reserve an amount of storage capacity as protected capacity for a limited time, safeguarding their data against intrusion and other interactions. Based on feedback from customers, StoreOnce is regarded as a highly useful solution for backup.

I am satisfied with the security aspects of HPE StoreOnce, but it's crucial for any company to maintain a multi-layer security approach. Starting with a firewall is essential for maintaining their environment. Additionally, security features on StoreOnce are useful. I believe that no company should rely solely on one layer of security; they should adopt a multi-layer security strategy that begins at the network level and extends to their internal solutions.

To improve HPE StoreOnce, I think if HPE generates new models with lower capacities than 80 terabytes, it would be beneficial for the market. We face a significant issue with the current offerings. The benefits of StoreOnce, which we discussed, include its compression capabilities with a ratio of 1 to 10. If they reintroduce models with 48 terabytes, it would serve small and medium customers better since not everyone requires to back up large data sizes. Smaller entities typically seek around 20 to 40 terabytes rather than an 80-terabyte minimum.

I have worked with HPE StoreOnce for around five years. We have sold the StoreOnce for the last five to six years as I have been working at Mass for seven years.

Based on feedback from my technical team and customers, the initial setup for HPE StoreOnce is easy. However, I do not handle the installation and configuration myself.

For the stability of HPE StoreOnce, based on customer feedback, I rate it highly as one of the most stable products in the backup and archiving line compared to offerings like Data Domain or from Huawei and Lenovo. StoreOnce consistently ranks as the top product for stability.

The ability of HPE StoreOnce to scale is strong when more sizing options are available. We have lost some market due to the minimum capacity now being 80 terabytes. Previously, we discussed 24, 48, and 80 terabytes. I stocked 20 units of the former sizes, and they sold within 3 to 4 months as they met the needs of small and medium customers. Now that the minimum is 80 terabytes, we no longer cater to this category effectively.

Regarding technical support from HPE, my experience is positive. We have an installation team, and I monitor all open cases with the technical support team. I have regular communications and audits with the HPE service team, ensuring that when we open a case for support during installation or other matters, they are always timely and provide full support.

In the market, the main competitor for HPE StoreOnce is Dell Data Domain from EMC. StoreOnce competes directly with Data Domain, and both provide robust products and solutions.

Based on feedback from my technical team and customers, the initial setup for HPE StoreOnce is easy. However, I do not handle the installation and configuration myself.

We engage between partners and end users in design and configuration, helping them get quotes and close deals for the partners. My department also has a service installation team authorized by HPE with all the required certifications to complete installations, and another team is responsible for all SLA requirements from HPE.

When it comes to pricing for HPE StoreOnce, I would rate it as acceptable, neither high nor low. Generally, the pricing varies as each vendor requires a quarter for profit and another for competitive pricing. If we request the price for StoreOnce as a standalone product, it tends to be higher than when it is included in a larger solution where we can receive better discounts.

In the market, the main competitor for HPE StoreOnce is Dell Data Domain from EMC. StoreOnce competes directly with Data Domain, and both provide robust products and solutions.

When it comes to integrating HPE StoreOnce with other solutions, I am not familiar with that area. However, I am sure that StoreOnce has many benefits for end users. As I define myself, I am now a business unit manager and not involved deeply in technical integrations. I have three solution managers responsible for those integrations. On a scale of one to ten, I would rate this solution an eight.

Most of our client base is between fifty to five hundred end users. We occasionally recommend high-end HPE products for larger clients needing performance and reliability. Our clients predominantly use HPE StoreOnce for small business purposes in industries like dairy and finance.

Our clients have been very pleased with their investment in StoreOnce, providing a sense of security and reassurance.

The most effective features for data deduplication are maximizing storage capacity and minimizing expenditure.

The cost is at the forefront of everyone's mind. While the solution does everything expected, it would be beneficial if AI could be integrated for optimization and monitoring. This could improve the usability of the system without creating a 'storm of noise'.

I have been working with HPE products for approximately ten to 15 years.

The stability of the solution is excellent. We have no complaints.

The scalability of HPE StoreOnce is very good. I would rate it an eight out of ten as, although it's easy to add more units, the cost is still relatively high.

HPE's support is very good, proactive, and monitored through InfoSight. They address issues even when they are false alerts, ensuring better service.

Positive

The initial setup was very easy for us because we engaged HPE technical services. I would rate the setup experience a nine.

The setup was assisted by HPE technical services. The personal skills of the individual involved made the experience a bit challenging, but it was still managed effectively.

Our clients have been very pleased with their investment. Although I cannot provide tangible ROI, the end result is happy customers.

The solution is quite expensive, possibly rated around seven and a half on a scale of one to ten. It aligns with the costs of similar high-quality solutions in the industry.

Knowing HPE StoreOnce is in place allows engineers to sleep easily as it relieves a lot of pressure. The solution is reliable, easy to manage, and well-supported.

I'd rate the solution nine out of ten. 

I use it as a backup of documentation and data.

We are moving on to Veeam backup. The recovery is important.

Veeam Backups provide a stronger capability. It is well-positioned on the radar, with a mature and stable solution. Consequently, it is used throughout the company.

We have been working with it for maybe four years or five.

It is not as scalable as being backup.

We have not seen artificial intelligence in HP helping with backup processes. When we decided to move into another system, we stopped investigating because we were not really happy with the application, and there are other reasons. 

We have another solution implemented in the organization with many integrations for active recovery, which are very interesting for us. AI is not mature enough for implementation in critical solutions. 

We do not foresee the need to have an artificial intelligence app. It is not mature enough.

I did not handle the setup. I joined the company three years ago, so the platform was already installed.

We had two people involved in the setup.

We have seen a return on investment and cost savings; I would rate it at five out of ten.

The setup cost is rated as four out of ten.

I rate the overall solution a six out of ten.

I use it for backup purposes and backup repositories in six offices, including in Nigeria. 

We can push our backup files to the cloud, but it is not very effective because it requires a very strong internet connection; it is internet-dependent.  

The biggest benefits include data protection that comes along with data storage. Restoring data from it is superb. 

If you have an issue with your virtual machine, you can easily back up the data. StoreOnce is a very okay solution. 

It is used for back up to the cloud. Both at the storage level and application level the data is encrypted. 

The dashboard needs more improvement. It should be more granular to check the details of the data and the disk. I have to use a third-party solution to check that.

AI capabilities are not there yet. Maybe the newer versions will have it. We have been using it for the past five years, so the latest version might have these features.

I have been using it since 2019, so that's five years.

It is a stable product. In the last five years, I never had any issues with the stability. 

I would rate the stability a ten out of ten. When it is time to upgrade, you upgrade. There is no issue. 

It is scalable and offers good storage. 

I would rate the scalability a nine out of ten. 

The customer service and support inquired about our needs and how they could help with a backup solution. 

We had a discussion about the solution's capabilities, and then back up deduplication was activated on both ends.

The support was really nice.

Positive

It is very easy to deploy and easy to use. The implementation is very straightforward. 

The data deduplication ratio is also okay. 

I would rate my experience with the initial setup an eight out of ten, with ten being easy. 

The deployment takes around 45 minutes. First, get all your IP addresses ready from the network team. Then, connect to the management portal, like laptops, etc. Then, follow the process of checking up on pages and all the parameters. After that, the system is off. It's not that complex; it depends on the environment since it is dependent on the internet.

If you connect two to three cables, including the management cable and the network cable for data movement, which is necessary, it's straightforward. Then, all that's left is sharing usernames and passwords and setting up restrictions. The thing is that you need to follow the process, and it gives you the amount of storage capacity.

Overall, the implementation is not that complex for someone who has experience. 

There are cost savings because of the scalability capability. When we grow, instead of removing HPE servers, we can easily procure new ones. We just look at how many we need based on the terabytes to be added to the environment. 

So, scalability helps with cost savings instead of requiring the system to be moved out or changed. We can back up data without any issues, and so on.

The cost is okay. I would rate the pricing an eight out of ten.

I would rate it a nine out of ten. I would recommend it to people who want to use it for backup; they will enjoy it. It is a good solution for a backup repository. 

The newer version has all these AI-driven capabilities, which I have yet to use. 

I use the solution in my company, and we design the solution per the customer's requirements.

The most valuable feature of the solution is its UI. The product's UI makes it easy for users to configure the tool.

The product's support is an area with certain shortcomings requiring improvements. Support needs to be faster.

I don't know whether a snapshot is an area that is covered in the tool or not, but if it is there or incorporated in the tool, then it is good.

I have been using HPE StoreOnce for more than ten years. My company may probably be using the latest version of the solution, but I am not into the implementation part.

Stability-wise, I rate the solution a seven out of ten.

In terms of HPE StoreOnce's scalability benefits for our organization's growth, I would say that it is possible to scale up as and when there are requirements coming in from our customers.

I rate the technical support a seven out of ten.

Neutral

The product's installation phase is easy.

The solution is deployed on an on-premises model.

The solution's installation phase takes two to three hours.

The solution's installation phase can be managed by two engineers.

My company has to keep on asking HPE distributors to offer the product at a better price, which is why I cannot disclose it. I don't utilize any licenses, which can be a reason why I have to pay extra money in addition to the standard license fees.

Even though I chose HPE over the other products in the market, I see that some equations have changed, specifically since HPE and Nutanix have started to work together. I did not consider any other tools against HPE StoreOnce.

The tool fits into your data protection and disaster recovery strategies, specifically for SME customers, as it is the most apt solution for them.

Speaking about the features of HPE StoreOnce that are most effective for data replication, I would say that there are DBs in my company for it.

I cannot comment whether I have seen any reductions with the costs because of the tool since it is used by my end customers. I believe that if they are still using it, then there shouldn't be any problem with it.

I have not faced any challenges when integrating HPE StoreOnce into our company's IT environment.

I have not used any AI features in the tool.

I would recommend HPE StoreOnce to other users. For an SMB customer, the budget is a constraint, which is why they can think about using HPE StoreOnce.

I don't do any maintenance of the product with the help of any third party since I take care of it by myself. If only some requirements are there, we scale up the tool.

I rate the tool a six out of ten.

We use StoreOnce with Data Protector, the backup and recovery software. We also use it with Micro Focus products. Additionally, StoreOnce has similar functionalities to Data Domain. 

They both offer NFS data store tools: Data Domain offers ETL and Catalyst Store, while StoreOnce has the equivalent in Catalyst Backup, similar to DD Boost in Data Domain.

StoreOnce helps with long-term data retention and disaster recovery strategies. It works similarly to Data Domain. It provides site-to-site replication, like StoreOnce to StoreOnce. 

Additionally, it offers snapshot backup functionality, just like Data Domain. StoreOnce has built-in ransomware protection, with immutable backup options, similar to Data Domain's automated approach. 

Finally, it integrates with Veeam, just like Data Domain. So, they're very similar products.

However, I have not used StoreOnce in a multi-site environment. We do have implementations with single-site, standalone deployments for many customers. But, I don't have any personal experience with using StoreOnce for multi-site replication, like StoreOnce to StoreOnce for disaster recovery purposes. 

However, I do have experience with Data Domain's multi-site implementation. Its DR and ER functionalities were good, including the bandwidth-compressed layer application aspects.

I like Catalyst StoreOnce. The performance of Catalyst backup restore is 4.1 gigabytes per second, which translates to roughly 100 terabytes per hour. This is the performance edge StoreOnce has over Data Domain. 

However, other aspects are quite similar. They both have features like NFS and Catalyst, and neither offers anything significantly different or additional compared to the other.

StoreOnce has deduplication functionality built-in. It works across all three of its storage pools: NFS, Catalyst Backup, and DTL. However, the deduplication algorithms and implementation are HPE's proprietary technology and developed in-house.

While StoreOnce has many features, it needs to focus on integrating with third-party backup software solutions. 

For example, they offer certified integrations with Commvault, but not with EMC Networker, NetBackup for Backup Exec, or Spectrum Protect. Data Domain doesn't face this limitation and integrates well with various third-party software solutions.

I have been familiar with this product for a year.

My experience with HPE's technical support is very positive. The engineers are available on time, and address issues promptly, and I haven't encountered issues extending beyond one shift. 

While any vendor can resolve uncomplicated issues quickly, I truly appreciate HPE's approach to problem-solving. I'm impressed with their support structure, call availability, understanding, flexibility in scheduling remote sessions, and accommodating customer timeframes.

Positive

My experience with Dell spans more than 14 years. However, the switch to HPE from Dell depends on the customers. 

If a customer specifically wants to switch due to internal factors, designs, or something similar, that's fine. We're here to help them if StoreOnce aligns with their needs and doesn't disrupt their internal operations. 

However, if they're currently using and satisfied with Dell, and we can offer them additional features and extensions, then we'll do that. It truly depends on the customer's budget and specific needs. But StoreOnce is another option as well.

The initial setup is not that easy compared to Data Domain.

While Data Domain requires maybe 13 or 14 clicks for specific tasks, StoreOnce requires more. The pool creation process is also completely different. 

We found Data Domain's procedures to be easier and more user-friendly, probably because we're more used to them.

While I've implemented a few StoreOnce licenses and migrated back to an HPE partner, my overall experience of 14 years is based on Dell technologies, so I have more experience and find them easier to use.

Recently, Data Domain introduced a Capacity Planning DD virtual edition, which helps customers preview and plan capacity needs. Monitoring the data tables is also easier now using that appliance. However, I haven't used anything similar for StoreOnce.

The price point and possibly the compression and deduplication value of Data Domain are significantly greater than StoreOnce. Otherwise, they offer similar features and functionalities.

Dell's deduplication technology is on par with HPE's.

Both products deliver similar results and outcomes. However, their internal processes might differ. The structure is the same, but Data Domain uses an inline source-based approach with deduplication, while StoreOnce has its own method and different terminology for similar functionality. 

Ultimately, both products offer similar features and are competitors in the market.

Overall, I would rate the solution a seven out of ten. 

HPE StoreOnce is used for its backup target feature in different sites, including mini-sites. If I have many files and I need to replicate the backup files or need to create a recovery on some site, then it's a good idea to replicate my backup files with StoreOnce to HPE StoreOnce Catalyst.

As HPE StoreOnce does not apply to normal servers, its deduplication and backup compression patterns in traditional software products work.

The solution's most valuable feature is its catalyst mode, along with better performance, backup, and recovery.

HPE is useful as a backup software, and now, if my company competes with Dell, we lose the deal to Dell PowerProtect, which is cheaper than Veeam. HPE StoreOnce needs to be made cheaper than products from Dell and Veeam.

As a software company, it would be great if HPE could invest in the area revolving around backup.

I have experience with HPE StoreOnce. I have used HP StoreOnce Gen 2, Gen 3, and Gen 4. I use the tool's latest version.

It is a stable solution,

It is a scalable solution.

Though the product is scalable, there are a few limitations when it comes to certain models of the product. I have to go for HPE StoreOnce 3660 to be able to use 80 TB. If I need only 50 TB, meaning I need only low capacity to store data, then I need to choose a product that offers TB space meant for mid-size purposes. There is no model that provides a very small amount of capacity to function when it comes to HPE StoreOnce. If I go to purchase the license, then I need to pay a high price.

I rate the technical support a ten out of ten.

Positive

I only have a bit of experience with Dell, which is available at a much higher cost when compared to other products in the market that are available in Egypt. Dell offers small appliances starting from 8 TB.

The product's initial setup phase is very simple to design and position.

The ROI is much better with HPE StoreOnce compared to how it was earlier with HPE StoreOnce D2D.

The price for the appliance is good, but the price for StoreVirtual VSA is high. The price of the product is reasonable.

I recommend HPE StoreOnce because it offers data domain and good efficiency, especially for our company's customers who use GitHub. HPE StoreOnce is fully integrated with backup software.

If I take care of the design part of the product, then I also need to take care of the backup.

With HPE StoreOnce, we need to continuously upgrade it, and should not continue with old models since some of the customers may need more capacity to store certain and the old models become obsolete, which may lead to the customers wanting a change in the vendor.

The tool is easy to maintain.

Performance-wise, I rate the product a ten out of ten.

Strategy-wise, I rate the overall tool a six or seven out of ten.

I rate the overall tool an eight out of ten.

We use HPE StoreOnce for our backup processes. We're backing up Hyper-V and VMware servers through the Data Protector software integrated with StoreOnce. Following the initial backup, we create a backup copy for StoreOnce, and we also have a tape drive connected to a secondary backup level.

HPE StoreOnce offers storage capacity for backing up many servers, including virtual machines. Such backups require extensive storage capacity. It provides efficient data duplication and compression capabilities, which help optimize storage usage and reduce costs. One might opt for a larger, more expensive storage solution. For instance, an alternative might have been an 88-terabyte or 48-terabyte StoreOnce model without duplication and compression.

The important feature is compression and duplication. It has a good compression ratio and is very stable.

Some high-level cybersecurity features could be achieved with some entities, and their integration could be built into the store.

Backup is a crucial component of any IT setup. Regardless of the products implemented, data safety is compromised without proper backup. Therefore, ensuring the protection of backups is paramount, warranting a high-security zone. While most products claim to be 99.9% secure, no solution can guarantee absolute security. Thus, having a robust backup strategy is essential for achieving near-complete security.

I have been using StoreOnce as a consultant for over 15 years.

I have not faced any issues with the hardware, operating system, software, or virus. It is a very stable product.

The product is stable. I rate the solution’s stability a nine out of ten.

Scalability is an issue. We cannot scale to a huge setup. We need to add the multiple StoreOnce to scale that.

Six to seven medium and enterprise 

I rate the solution’s scalability an eight out of ten.

They connected us within ten minutes. They fixed the issue and are up and running in no time.

Positive

The initial setup is easy and takes two hours to complete.

There is a straightforward step-by-step guide. Firstly, we must assign an IP address to the HPE Store once the device connects to the network. Then, we create a virtual library within the device. Next, we integrate it with the backup server and software, configuring it as a storage point for the initial level of backups.

The pricing is moderate when you compare it with other products. 

It comes with a warranty when you purchase the product for three years. After three years, they don't have to depend on the model they charge you.

StoreOnce is suitable for environments and types of solutions. It's adaptable.

Backup is a crucial component of any IT setup. Regardless of the products implemented, data safety is compromised without proper backup. Therefore, ensuring the protection of backups is paramount, warranting a high-security zone. While most products claim to be 99.9% secure, no solution can guarantee absolute security. Thus, having a robust backup strategy is essential for achieving near-complete security.

Overall, I rate the solution a nine and a half out of ten.

HPE should have more options so customers can choose from a wide range of products with small to big capacities. The smallest one is 80 terabytes.

HPE should also improve the performance of the product. The performance is very important. Because when your system has a disaster problem, it's time to restart everything. If you have good performance, your system can restart faster. HPE StoreOnce takes a long time to restore, which is an issue.

They should improve the backup and restore performance. Dell has DD Boost, which is a very good solution. ExaGrid has a landing zone and a cache in the memory so that they can back up from the landing zone very fast. HPE doesn't have any technology they can compare.

I've worked with this solution for almost ten years.

HPE's performance is lower than that of ExaGrid and Data Domain.

It's not scalable. It's the same as Data Domain. When upgrading, it has a limited number you can upgrade by. I recommend it for smaller companies.

Technical support is quite good. HP has been in Vietnam for a long time, so the local team here is strong in experience.

Positive

With the same capacity of Data Domain and ExaGrid, which is 80 terabytes, HPE is the cheapest one.

HP in Vietnam has a big market. People pay attention to backup data right now. Some go to the cloud, but when backing up to the cloud, the performance is slow. People should have a local backup instead of backing up to the cloud.

I don't recommend my customer use HPE StoreOnce. They have a cheaper price but are not advanced with their solutions or technology. I still prefer ExaGrid and Data Domain.

I rate HPE StoreOnce a five out of ten.

The solution is used for data recovery. We need it when a disaster happens. We need critical applications on it so that we get an immediate uptime.

The product’s data retention is very good. It gives us good storage space for many critical applications without workload issues.

The latency is a bit high. The latency must be improved to help retrieve data quickly. The product must provide features to prioritize the retrieval of critical applications before the normal applications.

I have been using the solution for three years.

The tool is stable.

We have 400 users in our organization. We have only one administrator.

The support team is good.

We used Quantum, but it was very expensive. So we switched to HPE StoreOnce.

The initial setup is easy. It takes one day.

It is an economic product. It is worth my money.

HPE StoreOnce is the best solution for data recovery. Overall, I rate the product a nine out of ten.