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Data deduplication is a data backup process that eliminates duplicated data. At first thought, one may think that the word deduplication means the negation of duplication! Although, this is what happens in data deduplication that connotation is not the right one! Actually, the word deduplication means the division of that which is one whole into two or more pieces. In fact, the data deduplication mechanism divides data into blocks or chunks of bits in order to eliminate the redundant pieces within data.

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With today’s inexpensive and large-sized disk drives, disk-to-disk backups have become the default choice for many SMBs! However, off-site backup procedures require the use of tapes and hence, the use of related peripherals such as tape drives. Traditional backup methodologies bring along the need for more storage space and a sharp increase in operational costs! Although, data archives and off-site backups have their advantages, and are a must when meeting compliance regulations they must adhere to more rigid safeguards such as, encryption mechanisms and safe storage. Adequate drills need to be put in place to test recovery procedures on regular basis. Traditional methods create data duplication. To eliminate duplication of data, various methods and applications were created which are known as data de-duplication. Data de-duplication improves data protection, increases the speed of service, and reduces costs.

Why online backups are the way forward – because they provide:

1. User friendly backup/restore applications
2. Native off-site and archival services
3. Reduce secondary storage requirements through data de-duplication concepts
4. Intelligent data transfer methods through hashing algorithms
5. Safe – same data protection means such as, encrypted storage and connection
6. Scalability for future growth
7. Cheaper TCO (total cost of ownership)
8. Introduce pay-per-use concepts
9. Data retrieval anywhere-anytime concepts