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Storemgr67 - PeerSpot reviewer
Storage Manager at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Top 5
It provides better performance than the competition and deduplication
Pros and Cons
  • "Short backup window has made a difference in the way my organization functions."
  • "DD Boost."

What is our primary use case?

Used as a backup target with NetBackup 8.0.

What is most valuable?

DD Boost.

How has it helped my organization?

Short backup window has made a difference in the way my organization functions.

What needs improvement?

I would like them to improve on the short backup window as it would make my organization even more efficient.

Buyer's Guide
Dell PowerProtect DD (Data Domain)
March 2025
Learn what your peers think about Dell PowerProtect DD (Data Domain). Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2025.
842,651 professionals have used our research since 2012.

For how long have I used the solution?

From 2011 until now.

What was my experience with deployment of the solution?

Some small issues.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

No issues.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

No issues.

How are customer service and support?

Nine out of 10.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We used IBM ProtecTIER. We move to EMC Data Domain for better performance.

How was the initial setup?

Straightforward.

What about the implementation team?

We implemented using a vendor team.

What was our ROI?

Three years.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

It is expensive, but the performance and deduplication cover for the cost.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

IBM ProtecTIER and Oracle's Zero Data Loss.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Leadoffsol67 - PeerSpot reviewer
Leadoffsol67Lead Offering Solution Architect Cloud and Workload with 10,001+ employees
Real User

how does it compare to rubrik?

PeerSpot user
Senior SAN Engineer with 501-1,000 employees
Real User
Upgrades are very smooth and support has been great. We also looked at ExaGrid and Quantum

Valuable Features

Very easy to setup and Data Replication for off-site storage of data.

Improvements to My Organization

Data restores and recoveries are so much faster and easier that before, we never have to wait to recall a tape from off-site storage; More Disaster Recovery options allows us to have a better DR process; We were able to remove all TAPEs from our environment.

Room for Improvement

Based on how we use the product, it does everything we need it to do.

Use of Solution

We have been using the Data Domain product since 2008.

Deployment Issues

We encountered no issues during deployment. Their technical support is great and the product is very simple to manage.

Stability Issues

Stability of the Data Domain has never been an issue. They have been rock solid since we have used them. One time we had one of our Data Domains down for 4 days because of a hardware issue. Once the Data Domain was repaired and came back on-line the system picked up right where it left off. It automatically started to replicate all of the data between its replication partner and re-synced the data without any actions on my part.

Scalability Issues

When we had to add more storage to the Data Domain, adding another shelf of storage was very easy and non-disruptive. When you reach the capacity limit of the model you are using, then you will need to upgrade to another model with more capacity. But moving the backups to point to the new Data Domain is very easy.

Customer Service and Technical Support

Customer Service: Data Domains customer support is very good. We have always received prompt responses to anything we have needed.Technical Support: Their technical support is top notch. They are very responsive and the support personnel are very knowledgeable. The Call Home support for their product usually has already opened a support case for us before I know there is a problem.

Initial Setup

The setup is very easy. We had it up and running the same day it was installed.

Implementation Team

We had the vendor work with us to install and setup the systems. Their level of expertise was very good. If the person I was working with did not know something he was able to get with his team and resolve anything quickly.

Pricing, Setup Cost and Licensing

With any duplication product, the initial cost is not cheap. But, once the Data Domain was setup, it just runs. I have very little to no day-to-day maintenance tasks other that monitoring for alerts, which it sends an email to notify me if anything has alerted.

Other Solutions Considered

For our Technology Refresh we looked at three different vendors, Data Domain, ExaGrid, and Quantum.

Other Advice

Make sure you setup the Data Domains to use Active Directory authentication. When you are replicating your data to a replication pair, this will make using the replicated data easier to access from the off-site location. If you do not use AD and setup the same account on all of your Data Domains, then you will be using a local account on each Data Domain. The permissions on each side of the replication are for a different user SID even if the users are the same name. So when you try to access the replicated data with the same named local account, since the SID is different, you do not have access to the data without making the local account an “Administrator” on the Data Domain which is not a good idea.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Dell PowerProtect DD (Data Domain)
March 2025
Learn what your peers think about Dell PowerProtect DD (Data Domain). Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2025.
842,651 professionals have used our research since 2012.
reviewer1805982 - PeerSpot reviewer
Solution architect at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
Offers fast performance with low latency, providing high throughput for quicker backups compared to other vendors
Pros and Cons
  • "When utilizing Dell PowerProtect DD for backup systems, Data Domain offers fast performance with low latency, providing high throughput for quicker backups compared to other vendors."
  • "The Dell PowerProtect DD architecture offers several significant features. One is DD Boost, which is utilized at both the source and destination sites for application processing."

What is our primary use case?

We use Dell PowerProtect DD for all financial cloud and banking systems to back up critical workloads. It serves as a Data Domain product to back up their environment. Additionally, we offer a two-minute backup, which refers to the capability of the Data Domain. This requires using data protection tools, including Networker and PowerProtect Data Manager. Networker serves as traditional backup routers.

How has it helped my organization?

When utilizing Dell PowerProtect DD for backup systems, Data Domain offers fast performance with low latency, providing high throughput for quicker backups compared to other vendors. Additionally, the network component is suitable for backing up Dell infrastructure, particularly for managing MA workloads efficiently. Restoring data through the backup process is straightforward, especially for users with experience using the DPS software.

What is most valuable?

The Dell PowerProtect DD architecture offers several significant features. One is DD Boost, which is utilized at both the source and destination sites for application processing. By employing DD Boost, the backup process is offloaded to the server side, efficiently utilizing network resources. 

Additionally, the Data Domain incorporates a Global Deduplication feature. This feature allows Data Domain to deduplicate all data streams simultaneously, enabling more efficient utilization of backup space within the Data Domain system.

What needs improvement?

The solution's pricing could be cheaper.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Dell PowerProtect DD (Data Domain) for two years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is scalable. 300 users are using this solution.

What was our ROI?

Dell PowerProtect DD's features and functionalities vary depending on the segment. Its advantages include cost-effectiveness, reduced footprint, and efficient management of backup services.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

There are two types of licenses available for Data Domain. One is the capacity license, based on the amount of data stored. For instance, you would need a capacity license if you require one terabyte of storage in Data Domain. Additionally, if you need performance and optimization features, you would require a database license, a subset of the capacity license. Harmony licenses are also necessary for certain functionalities.

What other advice do I have?

Data domain has two features. We also implement many customer tracking. We like a sum of customer tests, compliance, and regulations due to government systems and cybersecurity, and the retention length is a very useful solution.

I recommend the features for all customers.

According to benchmarks and customer feedback,  Data Domain is highly regarded for its excellent throughput and performance compared to other vendors. Customers have reported that Data Domain handles backup and restore processes exceptionally well, demonstrating quick response times and efficient performance.

Overall, I rate the solution a ten out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
reviewer1777704 - PeerSpot reviewer
Storage Analyst III at a energy/utilities company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Real User
Highly reliable, scalable, and beneficial duplication security
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable features of Dell EMC PowerProtect DD are the duplication security and uptime."

    What is our primary use case?

    We use Dell EMC PowerProtect DD for backing up a target.

    What is most valuable?

    The most valuable features of Dell EMC PowerProtect DD are the duplication security and uptime.

    Dell EMC PowerProtect DD works well with other solutions, such as NetWorker. It's really easy to pass over to Data Domain and vice versa. 

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been using Dell EMC PowerProtect DD for approximately 10 years.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    The stability of Dell EMC PowerProtect DD cannot be beaten, it is highly stable and reliable.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    The scalability of Dell EMC PowerProtect DD is very good.

    We have around 2000 employees and all the infrastructure that goes with it. We back up maybe 250 to 300 servers.

    How are customer service and support?

    I have had excellent support because I am not using overseas support. I try to have support agents in Utah USA, and Canada.

    How was the initial setup?

    The implementation of Dell EMC PowerProtect is straightforward. However, there are lots of options available. There are three different types of compression. It mainly dupes the data, and it also does local compression on the data domain itself. Once you choose the compression, you then have to decide whether you're going to do an entry backup or a straightforward input, big bucket type of backups, and only have one directory for your data.

    When you purchase Dell EMC PowerProtect DD, you always have help from EMC. They will help you get familiar with whatever is new to you. 

    When you spend the kind of money for this solution you do receive good support to help you through any issues, it is not complicated.

    What about the implementation team?

    We have two people that manage the solution, but the two people are more to cover sickness, training, vacation time, et cetera. A single person can do the maintenance.

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    The price of Dell EMC PowerProtect DD could improve, it is expensive.

    What other advice do I have?

    My advice to others is to ensure they understand the solution well so that when they do implement it, it is done correctly for the business. Lots of different companies use it in different ways. I was with EMC for 10 years and I have spent the last 15 years supporting EMC customers, every implementation is unique because everybody has different ways of doing things. They don't always follow best practices, they will follow their business best practice rather than the vendor's best practice. They want a different thing out of a backup environment.

    If my business said that they were going to change to a different backup product, I'd be looking for another job because I wouldn't trust my data with anything else.

    I rate Dell EMC PowerProtect DD a ten out of ten.

    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    Nick Hamilton - PeerSpot reviewer
    Enterprise IT Architect at ESTI Consulting Services
    Reseller
    Beneficial inline data deduplication, simple migration, and knowledgeable support
    Pros and Cons
    • "The most valuable feature is the inline data deduplication."

      What is our primary use case?

      We use Dell EMC PowerProtect DD for deduplication, data protection, and data recovery. We use many different versions, including the newest versions.

      What is most valuable?

      The most valuable feature is the inline data deduplication.

      For how long have I used the solution?

      I have been using Dell EMC PowerProtect DD for approximately 13 years.

      I have used the solution all the way from when it was called Data Domain to when EMC bought it, to when Dell bought EMC, and now it is called Power Protect. 

      What do I think about the stability of the solution?

      Dell EMC PowerProtect DD is highly stable and reliable. I have not had a time when the system did not work and in an emergency this is critical.

      What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

      The solution is simple to scale.

      We have at least a dozen clients that use Dell EMC PowerProtect DD, and they like how it works

      How are customer service and support?

      The Dell support is excellent, they have a lot of knowledge and can work us through our issues quickly.

      How was the initial setup?

      The initial setup is straightforward and is very easy to migrate to the next generation of solutions.

      What about the implementation team?

      The solution requires one or two supporting staff and is low maintenance.

      What was our ROI?

      I would rate the ROI a five out of five.

      What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

      The solution is expensive. However, if you pay less you receive less, it is cost-effective.

      What other advice do I have?

      I would recommend this solution to others and it is a good choice.

      I rate Dell EMC PowerProtect DD a ten out of ten.

      Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
      PeerSpot user
      Oracle Application DBA at Social Insurance Organizaton
      Real User
      A secure backup solution that is easy to use and very simple to implement
      Pros and Cons
      • "The backup is very secure. The deduplication using EMC is very good. We are able to make systems and handle random cloning. EMC is a very stable solution for making backups."
      • "They should reduce the CPC cost to customers. The product is becoming very expensive."

      What is most valuable?

      The backup is very secure. The deduplication using EMC is very good. We are able to make systems and handle random cloning. EMC is a very stable solution for making backups.

      What needs improvement?

      The solution needs to improve its platform, especially backup features like DB2 and other system backups. 

      They should reduce the CPC cost to customers. The product is becoming very expensive.

      In the next release, EMC should support stable level listings at restoration and stable space level in the database. Sometimes if I want to take the stable level restoration, EMC is not available. Only this one part is lacking in the current version. 

      For how long have I used the solution?

      I've been using the solution for four to five years.

      What do I think about the stability of the solution?

      The solution is very stable.

      What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

      The solution is easy to scale. We have nine people on it and they are all system admins. We are planning to increase usage and to increase the license.

      How are customer service and technical support?

      Technical support is excellent. I would rate it eight out of ten.

      Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

      We previously used HP Data Protector. The HP Data Protector backup was not secure. We used to do a backup, but at the time of restoration, it would give us some issues on the restored data.  We were not able to access and stream data on HP. EMC is much easier in terms of restoring the backup properly. 

      How was the initial setup?

      The initial setup is very easy. Any person can handle the initial setup of the solution.

      What about the implementation team?

      I handled the implementation myself.

      What other advice do I have?

      I would recommend the solution. I'd rate them nine out of ten.

      Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
      PeerSpot user
      reviewer1998144 - PeerSpot reviewer
      Pre-Sales Consultant at a computer software company with 501-1,000 employees
      Real User
      Top 10
      Good deduplication and compression with helpful compatibility with other products
      Pros and Cons
      • "We have found the product to be scalable."
      • "The pricing could be lower."

      What is our primary use case?

      We're a system integrator, and we're providing services for a number of customers. It's not like we are using these products ourselves.

      What is most valuable?

      The deduplication and compression are great. 

      We started looking at Data Domain together with the Dell Cyber Recovery solution to have them work together.

      The solution is stable.

      We have found the product to be scalable. 

      The interface is fine.

      It has good documentation.

      Compatibility with other products is okay.

      What needs improvement?

      I cannot speak to the exact areas that need improvement at this time. 

      The pricing could be lower. 

      For how long have I used the solution?

      We've used the solution for a couple of years now. 

      What do I think about the stability of the solution?

      It's a stable, reliable product. It doesn't crash or freeze. There are no bugs or glitches. The performance is good. 

      What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

      The solution is scalable and pretty simple to grow. We work mainly with medium to enterprise-level organizations, and it works well across both. 

      How are customer service and support?

      Technical support is quite good. We find them to be helpful and responsive. 

      Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

      We are mostly also working with Dell. 

      How was the initial setup?

      I've never handled a deployment and, therefore, cannot speak to the implementation process. 

      What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

      The cost could be lower. Sometimes it's not very competitive.

      The licensing depends on the specific solution sizing, however, there are cheaper solutions that I have seen in the market. For example, HP tends to cost less. 

      What other advice do I have?

      We are a partner of Dell and a reseller. 

      I'm a presales consultant.

      It's a very stable product. It has some drawbacks in that it's quite expensive compared to other solutions. We mostly use it for enterprise customers. So they could improve a bit on the options for pricing. Beyond that, it's a solid product.

      I'd rate the solution seven out of ten. 

      Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
      PeerSpot user
      Senior SAN Administrator at a manufacturing company with 10,001+ employees
      Real User
      Stable and scalable
      Pros and Cons
      • "I find the data to be most valuable."
      • "I would like to see integration with public cloud."

      What is our primary use case?

      We use model number 6800. The operating system is 7.4.

      What is most valuable?

      I find the data to be most valuable. 

      What needs improvement?

      The price is on the high side.

      I would like to see integration with public cloud.

      For how long have I used the solution?

      We have been using Dell EMC PowerProtect DD (Data Domain) for almost ten years. 

      What do I think about the stability of the solution?

      The solution is, thus far, stable. 

      What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

      The solution is scalable. 

      How are customer service and support?

      The technical support is okay. It's not bad.

      Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

      I did not work with other solutions prior to using Dell EMC PowerProtect DD (Data Domain).

      How was the initial setup?

      The initial setup was handled solely by the Dell EMC, so it was okay and not that complex. 

      What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

      The price is a bit steep. 

      We pay for the support every three years. 

      What other advice do I have?

      I am an end user.

      I feel the solution works fine for us. 

      There are around four or five people working with this solution in our company.

      My advice to others looking into implementing this solution is that they acquire the requisite knowledge. It is important to be properly trained in how to use it. 

      I rate Dell EMC PowerProtect DD (Data Domain) as an eight out of ten. 

      Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

      On-premises
      Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
      PeerSpot user
      Buyer's Guide
      Download our free Dell PowerProtect DD (Data Domain) Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
      Updated: March 2025
      Buyer's Guide
      Download our free Dell PowerProtect DD (Data Domain) Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.