Case Study: DNASequence Enhances Data Backup Efficiency with NetApp

CHALANGES:

DNASequence company, a leading provider of biotechnology solutions, aimed to reduce their data center footprint. While transitioning to cloud backups was the obvious choice, the company wanted to avoid managing separate cloud VMs or assets. They required a solution that would seamlessly integrate with their existing ONTAP systems.

SOLUTIONS:

With Cloud Backup Service, DNASequence gained the capability to back up their on-prem ONTAP clusters directly to Microsoft's Hyperscaler. The major benefit of this solution is its speed: the company was able to start backing up their data to Azure immediately upon signing up for the service.

The technology, based on NetApp, ensured a zero learning curve. Fully integrated with the company’s on-prem environments, the service is user-friendly and supports incremental forever backups, viewable through the Cloud Manager. This makes it easy for users to navigate the backed-up data folder structure and restore files from any point-in-time NetApp Snapshot™ copies.

ARCHITECTURE:

Components and Configuration:

• NetApp BlueXP: Installed on a Linux server hosting the data broker instance. BlueXP syncs data, checks and fixes errors, and tunes replication between on-premises FAS2750 snapshots and Azure.
• Microsoft Azure: Serves as the cloud storage destination, leveraging Azure DataLake for demanding project requirements.
• NetApp ONTAP: Provides local snapshot capabilities and integrates seamlessly with Azure for a hybrid storage solution.

Architecture Diagram: The diagram illustrates the relationship between each component in the solution.

3-2-1 Backup Strategy

Supports this strategy with local snapshots, replications, and remote backup copies from a single point.

Independent & Reliable Backup

Stores data in a read-only snapshot, hosted locally and separately from the ONTAP cluster.

Direct Backup

Eliminates the need for a middleman by enabling direct backup from ONTAP to the destination, reducing potential points of failure.

SOLUTION DEPLOYMENT

This comprehensive solution secures and optimizes DNASequence’s backup process through the following setup:

• On-Premises Infrastructure: Utilizes NetApp ONTAP for local snapshots.
• BlueXP Connector: Manages backup and recovery tasks, ensuring synchronization between on-premises and cloud environments.
• Cloud Integration: Leverages Microsoft Azure for remote backup storage.
  
  

Customer Profile:

DNASequence company transforms business and everyday experiences through digital biology, offering tailor-made, end-to-end solutions. They integrate advanced biotechnology seamlessly into business operations, delivering innovative products and services.