DD Boost Reviews

We recommend it to our customers. 

We only have one full backup currently stored in DD Boost. If we had multiple copies of the full backup, deduplication and compression (DPU) would be more beneficial. 

However, in our environment, where space is a concern and retention is limited, DPU compression doesn't offer significant advantages. 

In other environments, with longer retention periods (up to 30 days) and multiple full backups, DPU compression can achieve a 7:1 or even 10:1 ratio.

There were no major challenges when integrating DD Boost with other products in the customer's environment. In our customer's environment, they were using EMC Networker as the backup tool software. 

We didn't see any integration challenges with their database host, other hosts, operating systems, or even the internet router. We didn't experience any problems with the hosts, including their Oracle database, SQL database, and okay, everything worked fine with Boost.

My customer was interested in ransomware protection. Currently, Dell offers the Cyber Vault solution, which is separate from Data Domain. 

Ideally, ransomware protection would be integrated directly within DD Boost, without requiring an additional out-of-the-box solution. This feature is currently available with HPE's Zerto and Huawei's Ocean Protect with third-party products like PradoNet. 

While Cyber Vault exists as a separate solution from Data Domain, having some standard protection for immutable backups into DD Boost would be a valuable addition and make it more competitive with other vendors.

My customers haven't experienced any specific issues related to DD Boost itself. However, their current Data Domain (DD6900) has capacity issues. This is their main concern now; they need to expand storage.

They're considering various options: a technology refresh, a complete solution swap (like HP StoreOnce), or another solution like Commvault, Huawei or OpenText. They're looking for options to minimize costs, simplify operations, and ensure everything runs smoothly. Their current concerns aren't related to backup or DD Boost performance. Their Data Domain is simply at 91% capacity with a six-day retention period.

So, due to the short retention period, they don't benefit much from data retention because the data isn't stored in the Data Domain long enough for DD Boost's deduplication to be fully effective.

I have been familiar with this product for ten years now. 

I would rate the scalability a six out of ten. 

In my experience, HPE StoreOnce Catalyst backups and NFS backups offer better performance compared to backups primarily relying on Data Domain.

The backup support for DD Boost wasn't impressive. My personal experience with enterprise storage support for products like VMAX, PowerMax, even EMC and Symantec, was excellent. I'd rate it a ten out of ten. 

However, for Data Domain and Networker support, which I consider legacy products, I'd rate it a six or seven. It's not as extensive or quick compared to their support for other products like enterprise storage. 

Network issues seem to take longer to resolve, often lasting two to three shifts, even with rotating shifts and NGIs (Next Generation Incidents) being assigned constantly.

Support for other Dell EMC storage products, like the SC Series, PowerStore, VxBlock, and PowerMax, is fine. However, I'd rate backup support for Data Domain and Networker as slightly below average.

We have an installed base of EMC Networker and Data Domain. However, our client wants to phase out the Data Domain and replace it with Zerto. I was testing if Zerto works with Networker and supports all the NFS features needed for backups.

The initial setup was a bit complex, not very straightforward. It required some tweaking, but it wasn't overly difficult.

Initially, there was some difficulty with configuring separate procedures for updating the normal storage nodes and the DDOS backups. This was because it wasn't similar to our traditional storage node-based backups. 

However, our team is now familiar with the process and doesn't encounter any issues with configuration, structure, or performance. Our only concern is the capacity issue, not related to DD Boost itself.

The pricing is definitely competitive and unmatchable. The price of Data Domain is very attractive compared to HPE, StoreOnce, or its current alternative, which is probably more expensive. 

We're considering StoreOnce 5660.

StoreOnce advantages include Catalyst backups, immutable backups, and ransomware protection on the Catalyst Store. Data Domain Boost can offer some protection, but not as extensive or as fast as the HPE Catalyst backup store. The performance of Catalyst backups is much faster than DD Boost. 

Additionally, the performance of HPE Catalyst backups is significantly faster than DD Boost. DD Boost can reach up to 11 terabytes per hour, whereas StoreOnce Gen4 Class Series models offer backup performance of up to 36 terabytes per hour.

Overall, I'd give it a nine out of ten. It's a good product that helped the customer achieve efficient backups with good performance. The traditional storage node and VPN setups are still viable options, but DD Boost offers a premium option with additional advantages. If available, adopting DD Boost can be a good choice.

DD Boost offload processing tasks from the server to the Data Domain products. It enhances the backup process by providing the application's source and automation sites. This means servers' CPU and other resources are not heavily burdened during backups. All workloads are efficiently handled, improving the overall backup performance

DD Boost can stack backups on the servers, optimizing backup storage utilization. All resources are utilized efficiently. Without such optimization, backup processes can lead to bottlenecks or excessive resource utilization, impacting server services.

Many backup processes start on the source site, and DD Boost can stack backups on the servers, optimizing backup storage utilization. All resources are utilized efficiently. Without such optimization, backup processes can lead to bottlenecks or excessive resource utilization, impacting server services.

Some competitors may not allow the use of DD Boost with their data management systems. The application process is not determined at the source site but on the estimation side. If you use DD Boost with Data Domain on backups, standard value backup, any server or workload, a backup process, or server application servers, resources won't encounter any bottleneck issues.

I have been using DD Boost for ten years.

I rate the solution’s stability a ten out of ten.

The solution is scalable. You can install any backup server whenever you want. 300 users are using this solution.

You can handle the basic support by yourself. The level of support you require also depends on your technical team's quality and skill level. However, global support is available for DD Boost implementation and integrated solutions.

DD Boost is designed to be compatible with various technologies and vendors. It is eligible for use with multiple applications, including Big Data domains, as it is a backup storage solution. DD Boost is straightforward, ensuring explicit integration with different backup software options. Whether utilizing competitors' software such as Commvault or IBM Spectrum Protect, DD Boost facilitates fast and efficient installation.

It's installed via the DHL plugin. We installed the AppServer, and some of the backup software vendors already included the plugin value installed on the backup software on the pickup server.

If you enable DD boost and acquire the necessary license, data will be transferred directly to the Data Domain system at the destination site during the backup process. The workload or server resources involved in the backup won't be affected until a bottleneck occurs in the current environment. Improper configuration or implementation of DD Boost could potentially impact performance and the efficiency of backup and restore processes.

The Data Domain has applications in technology. It's advantageous to have DD Boost integrated into the main order because it enhances the capabilities of the Data Domain. Boost can handle both backup and application processes efficiently. However, if you opt for Data Domain without Boost, there might be limitations on the installation side compared to using another vendor with different technologies.

Many backup software solutions support Data Domain, and it's straightforward to integrate. It only requires a plugin installed on the server side for backups.

DD Boost functionality varies depending on your backup software. Some backup software may offer it as a built-in feature or provide an easy-to-install plugin. Once enabled, it dynamically optimizes the backup process, improving efficiency. For instance, certain VPN software packages may already include this functionality.

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

In our current production environment, we are using Data Domain for both primary and NDR, and we are planning to replace the VINs. Our focus has mainly been on improving data transfer rates, particularly for decision-making and data transfer efficiency.

Operationally, we are satisfied as there have been no issues or closures to report. The ability to restore at any time and capacity is a notable advantage, saving time compared to previous setups. Additionally, the solution has proven efficient in handling data across various locations and time zones.

The main issue I've identified is that when backing up a final backup from the branch server, we don't have deduplication functionality. This becomes a significant concern when backing up over the WAN, as losing the base image and having to back it up again can incur a substantial overhead. The issue arises when the application and data set backup on the primary side are not immediately synchronized. This concern becomes more prominent when replicating from the primary to the disaster recovery site.

I have been working with it for approximately eight years.

It has been very stable.

Currently, scaling is not feasible as it requires a renewal of support services.

Technical support has effectively addressed most of the issues. Initially, when running tests, challenges arose, prompting a switch back to the Data Domain setup. Since then, operations have been running smoothly without any issues. Remote responses have been prompt, and physical presence is rarely required, except for occasional on-site visits during digital deployments. Beyond that, most tasks and troubleshooting are handled remotely, allowing us to benefit from related advantages within twenty to fifty minutes of making a call. I would rate it eight out of ten.

Positive

The design of our previous setup involved separate directories, leading to complexities, especially with infections. Upon migrating to an open setup, specifically using Data Domain, we conducted test services. The key advantage was the simplicity of managing data, particularly with the ease of using the Data Domain backup facility. This system proved to be responsive and efficient in handling data, unlike our previous setup. We found it easy to use, especially in comparison to our previous setup with Veritas.

The initial setup was straightforward.

For the deployments, we consistently engage consultants and local partners to carry out the necessary tasks. During the deployment, a glitch occurred when attempting to enable the primary application through EMC. Despite initial efforts, it proved unsuccessful, leading to consultation with experts who recommended adopting AI technology for the task. Following this advice, the application was successfully enabled.

The pricing is competitive when compared to other vendors.

Overall, I would rate it nine out of ten.

I am using it for a backup application that does backups to the Data Domain.

It saves money because I don't need as much storage. I can keep backups for half a year, protected by Data Domain from ransomware. This allows me to sleep quietly. Otherwise, I would need more storage.

I'm not sure about what specific features I'm using. I didn't choose it for DD Boost specifically. It is the protocol that works for the backup solution. The reason for choosing this solution is thanks to the deduplication and ransomware protection.

I'm not sure about what could be improved. Maybe the performance of the backup software with connection to DD Boost could be improved. It's a little slow, yet it's working.

I have been using the solution for about two years.

I haven't had any issues. It has been working for two years with no problems.

I haven't needed scalability until now, so I haven't explored it yet. I can buy more licenses to add more storage, but it's just about buying a license and putting it in. There's enough disk space on the appliance to handle my needs.

When I had an issue, I just called and they connected and fixed it if something was wrong.

Positive

It is simple if you know what you are doing. I took professional installation from people who configured it with Data Domain. They did it and knew how to do it, so I was involved in the configuration of DD Boost.

I required integrators for setup.

It's a very high price.

I am working only with this appliance. I don't have experience with other solutions.

If they have the budget to buy the system, I would recommend it.

I'd rate the solution nine out of ten.

The solution is used for faster backup.

The solution uses a very small amount of storage space. We can easily replicate the backup data from the PC to the DR or any other location. We can retain the data for a pretty long time. We get better protection from ransomware. The product provides faster backup. It also has a self-healing capability.

The solution must provide better deduplication. We don't get much deduplication if the data volume is large and the retention period is less.

I have been reselling the solution for about a decade. We have sold DD160.

The stability is high. I rate the stability a ten out of ten.

It is difficult to scale the tool. I rate the scalability a four or five out of ten. Increasing the capacity is expensive. Our clients are mostly medium-sized businesses. We also have enterprise customers.

The technical support is not good. The resolution takes time. The support quality has decreased after Dell took over the product.

Negative

I rate the ease of setup an eight out of ten. We have a team of four to five people who can work on the product. The deployment takes two or three days. It depends upon the customer's requirement and the complexity of the process.

The customers who have faced disaster have seen a return on investment on the tool.

The cost should be improved. The solution is expensive.

We are now selling the third or fourth generation of the product. The hardware has changed. Overall, I rate the product an eight out of ten.

Dell DD Boost is used together with Dell's appliances for areas like data domain and networking.

DD Boost is a very good functionality if you have machines or servers with a lot of data you don't want to send through a network. With DD Boost, you can use it as an application on the server itself before you send over the data. If you want to improve the speed and reduce the amount of data that is sent over the wires, you use DD Boost.

When my company faced a problem with the product, it took some time to get proper support. From an improvement perspective, the support could be made faster.

I have experience with DD Boost for a couple of years.

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

There are no limitations when it comes to the scalability feature of the product. You can scale up or scale down however much you want. I rate the solution's scalability a nine out of ten.

Around 150 of my company's customers in Sweden use the product.

Previously, I was only working in the area of networking. I started to use DD Boost since it is a tool that is used in the networking area.

The product was easy to deploy.

The product is deployed on the cloud.

My company's technicians were involved in the deployment process.

The deployment could be completed in a couple of hours.

My company had three technicians to take care of the deployment and who worked with Dell's support team if they faced problems.

There is a need to make yearly payments towards the licensing charges attached to the product. The price of the product is on a higher scale, meaning not everybody can afford it. Those who paid for the solution got a really nice solution to use.

The valuable feature of the solution, which is critical for data protection strategies, stems from the fact that the use of the tool was to reduce the size of the backup window, meaning that instead of having to deal with an hours theory of backup, it could be reduced to an hour with the help of DD Boost.

The solution improved our company's data backup and replication tasks since we were able to do complete backups within a short window. The problem today is that the time that you have or use to do backup is becoming more and more limited, so it needs to get faster and faster. With the functionalities of DD Boost, the backup can be done very fast.

A scenario where the product has benefited my work stems from the fact that the product is primarily for my customers and not for me to use. My customers have enjoyed the benefits of the product by being able to get complete backup in a short time frame while being secured at the same time. If you can't do backup because of time constraints, then you are not secured. Being able to use the backup means you are secure, which is an advantage that DD Boost provides to its users.

I haven't used the product's deduplication technology to see its impact on our company's customers' storage efficiency, but I know that if you don't use the tool, then you may experience that without the solution, there is a reduced amount of storage space to save the data.

I highly recommend the product to those who plan to use it. The product is useful to shorten the time frame of the backup windows. It is a really stable product, which is good.

The measurable outcomes from integrating DD Boost into the systems in our customers' environments can be established by the fact that it was the most effective product on systems that took a long time to take care of the backup part. The system initially took eight hours to deal with the backup part but could later manage the same area in three hours with the use of DD Boost.

The performance of the backup infrastructure has improved since the implementation of the solution.

Overall, there is a need to have a complete backup to be secure if something happens so you can do the restoration. You can't do the backup work and restore work at a fast speed without DB Boost.

I rate the overall tool a nine out of ten.

I use DD Boost with Veeam Backup in my company.

The most valuable feature of the solution is its deduplication functions.

The only issue that needs improvement in the solution stems from EMC DD Boost's cost of renewing support, which is quite expensive. Though the customer uses the product, they don't receive active support from DD Boost even though they pay for it.

The solution's technical support needs to improve the quality of their services.

I have been using DD Boost for six to seven years. My company has a partnership with DD Boost.

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

It is a scalable solution. Scalability-wise, I rate the solution a seven out of ten. The sizing part of the solution was done properly, so there was no need to tackle any scalability concerns.

Less than five people from the system side use the solution in our organization.

My company has around five administrators working with this solution.

I rate the technical support a seven out of ten.

Neutral

The initial setup of DD Boost involves a simple procedure.

The solution is deployed on an on-premises model.

I managed the installation phase of the solution.

My company must pay approximately 10,000 USD annually, making it an expensive product.

I rate the overall solution an eight out of ten.

We primarily use the solution for replication and backup jobs. 

The replication capabilities are very helpful to us. 

It's easy to set up. 

The solution can scale. 

It is stable. 

The useability is quite good. 

While there is always room for improvement, I can't speak to the exact features that need to be changed. 

The solution could always be cheaper. 

I've been using the solution for almost eight years. 

The stability is great right now. It's gotten better and better. Right now, I would rate it nine out of ten. There are no bugs or glitches, and it doesn't crash or freeze. 

The solution works well for enterprise organizations. 

I'd rate the ability to scale eight out of ten. It can scale. It is a midrange backup solution, and therefore, I'm not giving it a perfect ten. That said, it is possible to expand it. If you want to scale up, you need to understand the exact range, and you have to choose another model. 

Technical support is okay. The hardware support is great. However, the feature support is not as good. It's fine overall. 

Neutral

We have tested, for example, HP. We found the useability and integration with EMC to be less complex. It's also more stable. 

The solution is very straightforward to set up. It's not overly complex. 

The deployment itself only takes a few minutes. It does depend on the client's environment. 

We help our customers use the solution. We can assist in implementation. 

We'd like them to lower the pricing. It could be cheaper in price even though they are quite moderate. They need to modernize their approach to licensing. The issue is there aren't too many competitors when it comes to deduplication.

I can't speak to the exact cost of the product. 

I'm not sure which version of the solution we're using. It's likely the latest version. 

We do not directly use the solution ourselves. We help our clients with the product. 

I'd recommend the solution to others. 

I would rate it eight out of ten.