Grand Valley State University Deploys Economical Multi-Tiered Data Protection Strategy

Strategic Insights -

Grand Valley State University has implemented an integrated, scalable platform utilizing Overland's ULTAMUS RAID high-density SAN storage, REO SERIES disk-based backup and recovery appliances, and NEO SERIES tape libraries to protect 10 TBs of mission-critical data. This multi-tiered approach enables the university to support its rapidly expanding VMware virtualization environment, ensuring seamless data protection and recovery.

Key Takeaways:

  • Grand Valley State University has deployed an integrated data protection strategy using Overland's ULTAMUS RAID, REO SERIES, and NEO SERIES products to safeguard 10 TBs of mission-critical data.
  • The university's IT team of 40 ensures students and faculty have ubiquitous network access and uses SunGard's Banner Unified Digital Campus administrative software.
  • The technology staff oversees 250 Microsoft Windows file servers, nearly 100 VMware virtual servers, and 10 TBs of vital data.
  • The university's previous tape-based backup infrastructure was strained due to a constant influx of data and server virtualization.
  • Overland's products have enabled Grand Valley State to accelerate backups and restores by more than 75%, extend long-term data retention, and achieve heightened levels of disaster recovery and business continuity.
  • The university has come to trust Overland's products, with David Reed, network engineer, stating that they will look at Overland first for future solutions.

Statistics:

  • 10 TBs of mission-critical data are being protected by the integrated data protection strategy.
  • 40 IT staff members ensure students and faculty have access to the latest tools and network access.
  • 250 Microsoft Windows file servers and nearly 100 VMware virtual servers are being managed by the technology staff.
  • 10 TBs of vital data are being stored and protected.
  • Backup and restore acceleration has increased by more than 75%.
  • Long-term data retention has been extended.
  • Disaster recovery and business continuity have been improved.
  • The university's data storage capacity has increased to 1.6 petabytes with the use of NEO 8000 tape libraries.

Sources:

  • Overland Storage, Inc. press release announcing Grand Valley State University's deployment of their multi-tiered data protection strategy.
  • Grand Valley State University's website, featuring information on the university's IT department and its use of SunGard's Banner Unified Digital Campus administrative software.
  • VerticalNews.com, providing the article "Overland Storage, Inc. (NASDAQ: OVRL) Announces Grand Valley State University Deploys Economical Multi-Tiered Data Protection Strategy" (c) 2009 Information Technology Newsweekly via VerticalNews.com.