framewrangler
Dabbler
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2013
- Messages
- 41
I’ve recently been tasked with architecting and supporting a large storage deployment for replicated backups. It’s my hope that this thread (my first!) serves as an introduction and “decision tree” for my pending project. I anticipate referring to it in further threads/conversations. I apologize in advance for any rambling.
With that out of the way, some overview on my intentions and decision points:
These are just some of my thoughts and all of them are open for conversation and debate. I’ve been on this topic for a few weeks and come up from knowing nothing of ZFS and my commodity storage options. Previous to this all of my storage experience is with EqualLogic and NetApp. I’ll be opening up numerous threads and linking back here as appropriate.
tldr; I'll be back soon and annoying many of you with additional questions.
With that out of the way, some overview on my intentions and decision points:
- The initial workload will be replicated and direct backups from Dell AppAssure (DAA) servers
I need a lot more info on the details of this workload - I intend to use block level iSCSI delivery to a small number of physical and virtual (DAA) servers
- I have a significant budget to work with and will not spare it - $12k+ is expected and budgeted
- Performance of this deployment is not the 1st concern, but must be sufficient
- Data integrity and my nerves are the highest priority
- Intended usable capacity – starting @ 20TB+ scaling to 100TB+ as business units grow (will span “instances” as required)
- Current hardware plan calls for enterprise class server and JBOD/DAS chassis (nothing new here)
128gb+ ram, 10GbE redundant NICs, OOB via iLO, all the whistles, dual domain SAS
Leaning towards SuperMicro for JBOD and HP for server as I have one to spare - SoftwareSoftwareSoftware!! – This is where 75% of my open questions exist.
ILLUMOS (OI), FreeBSD, Linux, FreeNAS, NexentaStor.... - I am only 80% committed to a non-replicated storage architecture. No plans for second deployment at this time thus no alternative for backups….of my backups. Exacerbating this issue is the fact that this solution will be customer facing. Customer expectations are TBD.
- I do not intend to use deduplication as it’s easier for me to add capacity than to battle poor performance.
- Compression will be flirted with but the previous statement stands.
- Power/Cooling is not an issue as I own my datacenter (don’t tell the CEO I said that).
- I'm a Unix/Linux novice but been around CLI for over a decade and appreciate it.
- I'm not afraid of ANY learning curve yet acutely aware that community support is essential for me. A large installed user-base also makes for easier Google'ing.
These are just some of my thoughts and all of them are open for conversation and debate. I’ve been on this topic for a few weeks and come up from knowing nothing of ZFS and my commodity storage options. Previous to this all of my storage experience is with EqualLogic and NetApp. I’ll be opening up numerous threads and linking back here as appropriate.
tldr; I'll be back soon and annoying many of you with additional questions.