What is a backup appliance?
A backup appliance is a system that combines hardware and software into one product for backup. Depending on the type, it may be only a storage target or may also include the backup software itself. It arrives pre-configured, with one vendor responsible for the whole unit.
What kinds of backup appliance are there?
The term covers several different products.
| Kind | What it contains | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Target appliance | Storage hardware and its operating software | Receives data from separate backup software |
| Deduplication appliance | Target storage built around data reduction | Long retention in reduced capacity |
| Integrated appliance | Backup software, catalog and storage in one unit | Complete backup system in a box |
| Object storage appliance | Servers with object storage software pre-installed | S3 target with built-in immutability |
Why do organizations choose an appliance?
The appeal is simplicity. The hardware is sized and tested by the vendor, installation is quick, updates cover the whole stack and there is a single support contact. For a small team without storage specialists, that removes design work and reduces the chance of an unsupported combination.
What are the limits of the appliance model?
The hardware and software are tied together. Capacity grows in the steps the vendor offers, up to the model's ceiling, and going beyond it can mean a forklift upgrade. Hardware comes from one source at that source's price and delivery time. At the end of the support period the whole unit is replaced even if only the maintenance has expired. What happens at appliance renewal and when growth forces a change cover those moments.
How does an appliance compare with software-defined storage?
Software-defined backup storage is the same function delivered as software that runs on standard servers the buyer selects. It trades some of the appliance's convenience for choice of hardware, independent refresh of servers and software, and expansion by adding nodes. Some products are offered both ways, as software and as a pre-configured appliance running the same software, which lets an organization pick the delivery model without changing the platform. Appliance versus software-defined TCO compares the costs.
Frequently asked questions
Does a backup appliance include backup software?
Some do. Integrated appliances include it, while target appliances only store data sent by separate backup software.
Can a backup appliance be expanded?
Often, within limits. Many models accept extra shelves or nodes up to a maximum, after which a larger model is needed.
Is a backup appliance immutable?
Only if it offers a retention lock or Object Lock and the feature is enabled. Immutability is a property to verify, not one to assume.