Data deduplication eliminates duplicate data, reducing storage space and expenses. It can work in file-level or block-level ways, periodically reviewing data for duplicates. These systems are part of a larger system for data compression and management, and require proper antivirus protection and backup. They can run faster and more efficiently, especially on email servers with many duplicates.
Data deduplication is a technique for compressing data in which duplicate data is eliminated, keeping one copy of each unit of information on a system rather than allowing multiple units to thrive. Held copies have references that allow the system to retrieve them. This technique reduces the need for storage space and can keep systems running faster as well as limit the expenses associated with data storage. It can work in a number of ways and is used on many types of computer systems.
In file-level data deduplication, the system looks for any duplicate files and discards the extras. Block-level deduplication examines blocks of data within files to identify extraneous data. People can end up with double data for a variety of reasons, and using data deduplication can simplify a system, making it easier to use. The system can periodically review the data for duplicates, purge extras, and generate references for files left behind.
Such systems are sometimes referred to as intelligent compression systems or single instance storage systems. Both terms refer to the idea that the system works intelligently to store and archive data in order to reduce the load on the system. Data deduplication can be especially valuable with large systems where data from many different sources is stored and storage costs are constantly increasing as the system needs to grow over time.
These systems are designed to be part of a larger system for data compression and management. Data deduplication cannot protect systems from viruses and failures and it is important to use proper antivirus protection to keep a safe system and limit viral contamination of files, while also backing up to a separate location to deal with data loss due to outages, equipment damage, etc. Compressing data before backup will save time and money.
Systems that use data deduplication on their storage can run faster and more efficiently. They will still require periodic expansion to accommodate new data and address security concerns, but should be less prone to filling up quickly with duplicate data. This is an especially common concern on email servers, where the server can store large amounts of data for users and significant parts of it might consist of duplicates such as the same attachments repeated over and over again; for example, many people who send email from work have footer attachments with disclaimers and company logos, which can quickly eat up server space.
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