Five Pitfalls of VTL Data Storage in IBM i Environments

In this busy world, where IT engineers are expected to do more with less, there is an urgency to make quick decisions, even when it comes to big decisions like data storage. Within an IBM i environment, data storage can get complicated. Retrofitting new storage solutions–such virtual tape libraries (VTLs)–with AS/400 servers is tricky. Here are some missteps that IBM i shops do not want to make.

Not Calculating the Proper System Size

Sizing is often overlooked, and is most certainly the most crucial step in the process of selecting a storage solution. An improperly sized storage solution has a domino effect that can wreak havoc on a company’s productivity. As we all know, data is accumulating at a rapid rate and the storage environment is becoming more complicated than ever before. In many industries, strict regulations and compliance guidelines require companies to store and handle data in a very specific manner.

Storage solutions should work for companies on the day they are installed and throughout the term of a contract. Companies often overlook the growth of their data when buying a system. Sizing solutions that work for current needs will leave a system overloaded three years down the road.

Questionnaires and sizing calculators help take the guesswork out of properly aligning an IBM i shop with the right VTL storage solution. Sizing can be done in two ways: with storage resource management tools or manually investigate current usage and average growth. Companies should look at their current storage configurations and decide what is working and what is not working. How many gigabytes of data does the organization currently back up, and how much growth is anticipated? Storage providers and consultants should manage the task of properly sizing storage equipment.

Mistaking a True Backup for Point-In-Time Capture

Point-in-time captures of data can be confused with a true backup of data. Point-in-time solutions capture only information at a particular time. The issue with using point-in-time as a backup method comes when there is a corruption or loss of data. If a reboot is performed from the corrupt data, the issue is not resolved and will recreate the same problem. Point-in-time is great for everyday on-site storage, but not for a true backup solution.

A true backup of data will allow a full reboot, pulling data from before the corruption took place, allowing for a clean data rebuild. True backup and point-in-time capture are not synonymous; this confusion has caused problems within organizations, resulting in corruption files and loss of data.

Know When to Store On Disk vs. Physical Tape

Knowing what data needs to be readily available for reference and which data needs to be stored for regulation and compliance purposes is vital to an overall storage plan. Some organizations store all the information on disk, which can quickly become costly and ineffective. A hybrid approach to storage uses VTL to backup what needs to be accessed immediately and physical tape to stored backup data. In many industries, IBM i shops must store a staggering amount of data for regulation and compliance requirements.

A tiered approach allows organizations to make cost effective storage solutions a part of common practice. Trained storage architects can help build the solution that is best for IBM i environments. The structure should gain efficiency not bottleneck the storage process.

Not Properly Securing Data

Protecting data is just as important as storing it. Utilizing proper backup methods is the first step in securing data. Backups should be performed automatically, on a dependable system. In a Forbes article titled, “Three Reasons Data Backup Is Different From Disaster Recovery,” JP Blaho discusses how important it is to back up your information as if one day you will have to recover it. Many organizations back up data daily without ensuring everything is in proper order. Peace of mind does not come from backing up data; it comes from the reassurance that when your system fails, you can easily recover important information that impacts aspects of your business operations.

Data encryption plays well into the greater security discussion. It’s definitely a layered approach where companies need to look at the entire security infrastructure. When considering data encryption, talk to a trusted storage advisor about any latency concerns and how data encryption options fit into an IBM i tiered storage infrastructure and backup solution. Today, you can get virtual tape backup solutions with almost no performance penalties at close to the price point of a physical tape solution with features like data-at-rest-encryption.

Not Performing System Updates

Everyone has received warnings and notices about the need to update software, whether it’s in a large IT environment, personal computer or smart device. Believe it or not, these warnings are not just sent out to annoy users, they actually need to be performed. Because companies cannot afford any downtime, and IT departments run lean, updates are often overlooked.

When software and operating systems (OS) provide an update or patch, it typically means that there is a security risk. Holes can lead to system vulnerabilities, and is often the entry for hackers. As software and OS vendors become aware of holes, patches are released to fix vulnerabilities. Additionally, improvements to software and operating systems continue to be made once the initial version has been released. Some updates are released to enhance system features, improving overall performance.

If the idea of performing an update seems daunting or unnecessary, IBM i shops should be sure to team up with a storage provider that offers updates as a service, to make sure systems are running as efficiently and securely as possible.

The biggest challenge for the IBM i market today is keeping up with the rapidly advancing technology in a meaningful way. The rate at which technology is improving processes and operating procedures is progressing at top speeds. To keep your stored data as safe and accessible as possible, be sure to take a look at all the options and features of data storage solutions, and be in touch with a data storage advisor to ensure that data storage solutions are both working for the company and improving operations.

Chris Bremer is CTO of Dynamic Solutions International, a Denver, Colorado-based data storage company specializing in providing storage solutions to highly regulated environments. You can contact the author at cbremer@dynamicsolutions.com.

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