I was recently asked, “Why would I buy a NetBackup appliance when I could buy the software and cheap JBOD?”
Initially, I was taken aback by the question. However, after giving it more thought, I realized it was a fair question and an opportunity to explain the benefits of NetBackup appliances.
In responding to the question, I used the following analogy:
My anniversary is coming up and do I: make dinner reservations at my spouse’s favorite restaurant or decide to prepare the meal myself and we dine in? Granted I can save some money by us eating in, and even skimp on the quality or cut of the steak, but what am I really saving?
To make an apples-to-apples cost comparison, the true costs of making dinner myself are the expenses and time to:
- Plan the menu
- Create the shopping list
- Shop (multiple stores: groceries, wine, flowers)
- Food preparation
- Bake and cook
- Set the table
- Light the candles (it saves from having to clean the house)
- Serve
- Enjoy Dinner (or am I stressed out by now?)
- Cleanup
Two key factors that must be considered are:
- Resources: do I have the time and skills as a chef and baker?
- Risk: what is the likelihood that something may go wrong? I.e. I burn the steaks. What is my backup plan?
Granted, there are people that have the skill, time, and enjoy putting together a great dinner. However, for those of us that can not, I know a great restaurant that takes reservations.
Getting back to the original question, why a NetBackup appliance? The same steps for preparing the meal and celebrating a special occasion are very similar to a backup and recovery solution;
- selecting vendors,
- identifying the components,
- ordering,
- installation,
- integration,
- optimizing performance,
- test,
- cut-over into production,
- managing patch updates and software releases,
- operation,
- maintenance support.
Appliances provide significant OpEx savings by reducing and even eliminating many of these tasks.
On the surface, all of the costs of the solution may not be apparent. Do the homework, calculate the time and expense of the project and make an informed decision. This will ensure it is the right decision.
To close with a final thought: backup & recovery projects and anniversary dinners have one thing in common; you only have one chance to get it right. Make the best of it!
