Businesses continually seek secure and efficient backup solutions, and our recent trial of the UK’s first Ootbi demo appliance (Out-of-the-Box Immutability), by Object First, showcased its effective capabilities. In this insight, Chris Barr takes an in depth look into Ootbi’s deployment process, performance benefits, and its critical advantages for businesses relying on Veeam Backup.
Exploring the future of backup through object-oriented insights: A review into the Ootbi demo device by Chris Barr, Technical Director at CT
Overview of Ootbi
Ootbi stands out as a potential game-changer for mid-enterprise Veeam customers. The Ootbi appliances offer a ransomware-proof and immutable out-of-the-box solution, providing a secure, simple, and powerful backup storage option. In conjunction with Veeam Backup and Replication, Ootbi aims to deliver an end-to-end data protection solution for customers.
The Deployment Process
We deployed the Ootbi demo appliance on our internal corporate platform to run in parallel with existing immutable backup repositories built on hardware from a well-known vendor.
The deployment of Ootbi is streamlined, thanks to its rapid fit rack rails. With just two required network ports, the appliance seamlessly integrates into existing infrastructure. The user-friendly web interface simplifies initial configuration, making it accessible even for those with limited technical expertise. Integration with Veeam Backup and Replication further accelerates the setup process, enabling businesses to quickly harness Ootbi’s advanced capabilities.
A closer look at the Ootbi Deployment
- Deployed Ootbi demo appliance internally, coexisting with existing immutable backup repositories.
- Initial Settings: Quick configuration for network (1Gb Base-T and 10Gbps SFP+), cluster name, IP addresses and password.
- Created S3 access key and bucket via the Web interface
- Updates installed with a single click
Veeam Integration
- Added Ootbi as a new repository in Veeam (S3 compatible).
- Task Optimisation: Set concurrent tasks to 4 with direct network configuration.
Backup Readiness
- In under 15 minutes, configured backup job to Ootbi for parallel run with existing repository, using the same interface type for performance comparison on identical VMs.
The Performance Assessment
Ootbi’s performance is noteworthy. In a comparative analysis, the first full back-up job demonstrated a remarkable 3x improvement over an existing immutable repository.
We conducted additional restore tests using the Ootbi demo unit. A 660GB virtual machine (VM) was restored from immutable storage, taking 1 hour and 26 minutes (approximately 228MB/s). In contrast, when the same VM was restored from Ootbi, the process completed in 49 minutes (approximately 412MB/s). This represents a significant improvement of 43%.
Further testing and resource optimisation promise even greater performance gains, positioning Ootbi as a reliable and efficient backup solution.
Business Benefits of Out-of-the-Box Immutability (Ootbi)
- Simplified configuration –Â Offers a more straightforward configuration compared to Linux-based repositories, saving time and costs during deployment and maintenance.
- Out-of-the-box security – With a secure default configuration, Ootbi provides immediate assurance of data security, especially beneficial for businesses lacking Linux expertise.
- Performance improvements – Ootbi boasts significant performance enhancements, contributing to increased productivity and a better user experience.
- Accessibility for IT teams – Ootbi makes immutable backups accessible to a broader range of IT professionals, reducing reliance on Linux expertise.
- Confidence in security – The assurance of secure backups stored on Ootbi is a key benefit for businesses seeking a reliable solution for their backup needs.
- Ease of on-premises deployment – Ootbi facilitates the deployment of immutable backups within the on-premises environment, providing flexibility for data storage.
- Reduced reliance on Linux expertise – Businesses without in-house Linux expertise can implement advanced backup solutions with Ootbi, opening new possibilities.
Ootbi FAQs
What is the experience needed for the Ootbi configuration? Basic networking knowledge and familiarity with Veeam Backup and Replication are sufficient. The appliance comes with a clear one-page quick start guide.
How long does it take for the appliance setup? With all required information ready, the appliance takes about 15 minutes to set up for a basic configuration.
What tools are required for installation? Only a cross-head screwdriver is needed for the rack rails. Two people are recommended to safely slide the appliance onto the rack.
Is there any additional required software? All necessary software comes pre-installed, with updates easily installed through the web interface.
What are the Ootbi’s security settings? The appliance has a default firewall configuration, and additional security measures like MFA can be easily configured for added protection.
How is the Immutability feature setup? Immutability can be configured during the setup of jobs in Veeam Backup and Replication by enabling versioning when creating buckets.
In Conclusion
Out-of-the-Box Immutability, embodied by Ootbi, is poised to redefine the backup storage landscape, offering businesses simplicity, security, and unparalleled performance. As CT continues to explore the full potential of Ootbi, we will share further insights and updates on this new back-up solution.
