Accelerate Innovation with Near-Instant Database Cloning

The demand for database cloning is growing exponentially as more and more companies invest in DevOps to bring new products and features to market faster. As a result, software developers, database admins, quality assurance, data scientists, analysts and operations teams all need fast access to production data copies of critical enterprise databases.

Size and speed

The challenge is that today’s databases are huge, ranging in size from 10 to 100 terabytes. Apart from obvious storage constraints, delay is also a factor. Moving such huge files, regardless of network speed, can take hours, sometimes even days. The data also needs to be refreshed regularly to make sure the copy is as close to the production version as possible.

Barriers to innovation

It will come as no surprise, then, that according to customers, it takes too long to provision copies of multi-terabyte production databases to test environments. Those who want to leverage the Cloud for test sandbox environments often struggle to execute on their vision.

Customers say that the current process is burdened by long development cycles, poor quality releases, and a general lack of self-service. Apart from slowing down development and testing, the financial impact to business is significant. The big question is – how can we remove these obstacles and accelerate the pace of innovation?

Software-defined, scalable and powerful

This is exactly why I’m excited to offer the Actifio Database Cloning Appliance (DCA), powered by Dell Technologiesan integrated appliance combining the power of Actifio’s copy data management software with our hyper-converged and software-defined platforms such as VxRail and VxFlex with Intel Xeon scalable processors.

Together, we’ve blended our IP to create an easy-to-run yet powerful platform, which allows you to transform database test cycles, increase application quality and compress database provisioning, particularly in large environments.

Customer reaction says it all

Sometimes, you can spot a winning solution straight off the bat. For me, the acid test is customer reaction. Their faces said it all when we explained how, using native database tools, they could easily spin up databases that were near-real time on Dell Storage and even use PowerProtect DD appliances when retention lock was needed for regulatory requirements like Financial Services.

I listened as Database Administrators responded to the demo, inundating us with questions and scenarios unique to their environments. I heard their excitement when they realized how they could leverage DCA in multiple creative ways to reduce development time, increase QA standards and drive more performance from mission-critical applications.

One-stop solution

If you’re in operations, software development, testing, data analysis or QA, this solution will be music to your ears. It delivers instant database clones of even the largest databases in minutes either locally or in your Cloud of choice with the solution entirely API-driven to enable automation and self-service data access.

Accelerate the pace of innovation in your business. Transform the speed and cost of managing complex database environments, while simplifying management and security. Take the first step and contact us today. And of course, I’d love to hear your views on database cloning join the conversation.

Learn more by listening to a recorded webinar hosted by both Actifio and Dell Technologies OEM | Embedded & Edge Solutions here.

Read more about how OEMs can unlock new revenue by leveraging software design and monetizing customer data here.

Follow us on Twitter @delltechoem and @DealingPhelan and join our LinkedIn Dell Technologies OEM | Embedded & Edge Solutions Showcase page here.

About the Author: Sean Phelan

Sean is a 22-year Dell Technologies veteran and has held various executive positions in DT’s Storage groups across multiple business units. Roles have included Sales Leadership, Mergers/Acquisitions, and Marketing and Corporate Strategy. Through these strategic positions, Sean has helped Dell Technologies increase its strength, IP, reach, and impact in the enterprise and broader infrastructure market. Currently, Sean is leading the fast-growing global OEM Storage division.