In an era where data drives business decisions, the problems of managing huge chunks of data without affecting performance automatically come in. In this context, imagine being able to clone massive databases instantly, without eating up precious storage space or burning through budgets. This isn’t a tech fantasy – it’s happening with innovative database administrators creating NetApp automation technologies. NetApp provides multiple features like cloning, compression, and snapshot management of the disk where databases reside.
The Storage Squeeze
As companies grapple with exponential data growth, traditional database management approaches are hitting their limits. Storage costs are skyrocketing, and teams are struggling to maintain development environments without breaking the bank. In comes Balakrishna Bodda, a data expert, whose work with the NetApp automation is changing how enterprises handle their most valuable asset, which is these days data.
Smart Storage
“We’ve achieved up to 50% reduction in storage costs while actually improving database performance,” reveals Balakrishna. His implementation of FSx for ONTAP has delivered remarkable improvements across multiple fronts. The process included a combination of thin cloning, deduplication, and compression technologies that work in harmony to slash storage requirements without compromising speed or reliability.
NetApp delivers transformative efficiencies in storage and data management, enabling businesses to achieve up to a 90% reduction in storage capacity through advanced space-efficient technologies. By leveraging innovative thin provisioning, organizations can create database clones without consuming additional space, streamlining workflows and maximizing resource utilization. For critical production workloads, NetApp ensures recovery times under 60 seconds, providing unparalleled resilience and operational continuity. Additionally, it empowers development teams with the ability to create new database environments almost instantly, accelerating innovation and reducing time-to-market for new applications.
We can rely less on database licenses without sacrificing resiliency or protection. For example, with FSx for ONTAP, MS SQL Server databases can get resiliency and protection, all while using the Standard MS SQL license. Standard is much less expensive than the Enterprise licenses required to use AOAG.
NetApp SnapCenter Software
The implementation of SnapCenter software has proved transformative, delivering a unified, scalable platform for application-consistent data protection and clone management. This solution empowers application and database administrators to self-manage their data protection needs while maintaining centralized control through robust policies and reporting capabilities.
The platform offers three key advantages- first a simple centralized management through a GUI that supports monitoring, notification, logging, and scheduling, second unlimited scalability with transparent SnapCenter server addition for high availability and third empowered teams through role-based access control (RBAC) that enables self-service while maintaining administrative oversight.
The NetApp Advantage
Balakrishna’s team has transformed data protection through NetApp’s integrated solutions. Their federated backup innovation enables simultaneous database backups using Snapshot technology, while enhanced multitenancy features ensure precise data compartmentalization. By integrating PowerShell, they’ve automated routine management tasks, allowing administrators to focus on strategic work.
In development and testing, NetApp Flex Clone technology has revolutionized workflows by enabling instant, space-efficient database copies and automated lifecycle management. The implementation of FlexPod-validated solutions streamlines infrastructure management by combining storage, networking, and server components into a unified architecture.
To address data growth challenges, the solution leverages NetApp FlexVol technology and thin provisioning, enabling seamless scaling and cost-effective storage management. Organizations can now deduplicate active data and move it within storage clusters without disruption, ensuring efficient operations as business needs evolve.
From Challenges to Bringing in Results
The benefits and the results were not without its hurdles. “Managing data growth while maintaining performance was our biggest challenge,” Balakrishna explains. His team tackled this by implementing a multi-layered approach: Intelligent data tiering for optimal resource allocation (understanding which data is not being used much and relocating it accordingly), Automated lifecycle management for efficient storage utilization, Integration of flash storage for performance-critical workloads, Implementation of robust backup and recovery procedures, Identify performance bottlenecks and optimize storage configurations accordingly, use NetApp’s built-in features of duplication and compression, regular testing, automated backing up features during rush hours, etc.
To share his knowledge and experiences he has also written 17 papers and a blog on data optimization and managing databases, which continues to add to the knowledge base of the industry.
Looking Ahead
As organizations continue to navigate the challenges of digital transformation, Balakrishna predicts an even greater role for automated storage solutions. “The future lies in serverless databases and data mesh architectures,” he suggests. “Companies that embrace these technologies now will be better positioned to handle tomorrow’s data challenges.”
He also tells us that there will be a growing emphasis on security and decentralisation of technology with no-code interfaces. Further, he emphasizes the need for continuous learning, and building relationships to foster a culture of innovation.
For organizations looking to accelerate their growth while managing costs, the message is clear: smart database automation isn’t just changing the game – it’s rewriting the rules of what’s possible in enterprise data management.