One of the challenges companies face when using the cloud is managing their data. Since the cloud is outside of the data center, that means data needs to move from the on-premises data center to the cloud. This isn’t just a one-time only setup issue, but is an ongoing issue for companies that plan to use hybrid cloud to support peak business volumes. Devising a backup strategy that successfully transports data between cloud and local storage is another ongoing concern. And while cloud providers often offer support for migrating data into the cloud, they’re sometimes less helpful when it comes to getting data out of the cloud. This means companies need to deal with the risk of vendor lock in, as well as potential difficulties if the cloud provider goes out of business.
In addition to the difficulties of simply moving data to and from the cloud, companies also find data protection, data governance, access control, and compliance to be more challenging, particularly in a hybrid cloud environment. Companies often work with more than one cloud provider, and each may have a different approach to these functions.
To reduce these challenges, companies can use the Netapp data fabric to reduce the challenges of moving data between environments and simplify management of data wherever it resides.
NetApp Data Fabric Functionality
One reason the challenge of managing data across cloud and on-premise environments is so difficult is that the environments often have different technologies that underlie their infrastructure. NetApp’s data fabric bridges the differences in infrastructure, offering the ability to move data to the cloud as needed. Of course, NetApp supports moving data back from the cloud as well.
In order to make enterprise data management simple, the data fabric provides enterprises with:
- A uniform model for data, enabling existing data protection and data governance policies to be applied to data in the cloud.
- Data transport to support movement of data between clouds and local storage.
- An underlying data format, enabling applications to migrate between platforms.
This functionality allows enterprises to retain control of their data; choose and the environment used by applications and data; integrate across the architectural stack; provide applications with access to data; and ensure consistency for managing data wherever it resides.
The benefits extend beyond simply applications and data. IT staff doesn’t have to struggle with data management issues, freeing them up to focus on other problems. Application teams don’t have to modify applications to run in the cloud, as they’ll have access to the same data the same way wherever they are. Instead, application teams can focus on developing new applications and new functionality. These benefits means cost-savings for the business as well.
Make Data Mobility a Priority
Today’s businesses need the ability to respond dynamically to business challenges and opportunities. The cloud offers the promise of dynamic infrastructure; a data fabric offers the equally important promise of dynamic data. dcVAST offers NetApp services that help your business achieve the benefits of the hybrid cloud. Contact us to learn more about how NetApp data fabric can help you manage your data wherever it resides.
