Alternative EMC Data Domain Support

Data Domain systems were produced as early as 2004, before the 2009 EMC acquisition of the company, so customers using these purpose-built backup appliances are at all stages of EMC Data Domain support. Each presents its own challenges and decisions. Here’s a run-down by model number:

• The DD530 and all prior models, except the DD140, have passed end of support life. Customers probably have a year or more of post-EOSL experience under their belts, either going it alone or engaging a third party maintenance provider. If an assessment reveals the IT organization’s needs are not being met, however, a new support company may be warranted.
• The DD565, recently lost OEM support in March 2015. The system, which offered up to 980 TB of logical redundant capacity, deserves a longer lifespan with high-quality maintenance. For customers that haven’t yet found it, read on.
• Among the DD565’s successors, the DD660, will reach EOSL on December 31, 2015, ahead of the unusually long-lived DD140, the DD880, and other original DD600 series brethren, which all lose support in 2016 and 2017; however since end of life in 2012, EMC has reserved the right to end support in advance of EOSL. For any organization intending to keep these appliances in place, therefore, obtaining a long-term commitment from an alternative maintenance provider is a good idea.

This Just In!

Year after year, Data Doman performance and features increase. EMC just announced its latest traditional backup appliance, the DD9500 powered by DDOS5.6 software, which delivers 58.7 TB/hour performance and 1,728 TB of usable space. But older Data Domain systems continue to serve IT organizations well. Consider the DD600 series, which can handle replication from up to 90 remote sites with 99% bandwidth efficiency and achieves an average of 10X to 30X data reduction. Still a nice piece of kit to have on hand, as long as spare parts, engineering assistance, and extra help are available.

Now they are, from Park Place Technologies. We have introduced a high-quality, long-term support program to match the value of the EMC Data Domain product line. Our Data Domain support builds on our already world-class EMC maintenance capabilities. As part of our standard contract on Data Domain equipment, we will supply:

• Complete hardware, software, and firmware support, including online and telephone support;
• 24/7 remote monitoring with daily diagnostics;
• A highly trained, experienced, Level 3 engineer assigned to the account;
• Immediate access to Level 3 support engineers with no escalation procedure;
• 100% component coverage, including on-site spare parts for critical equipment and certified spare parts in nearby depots for everything on contract;
• Up to four days of engineering time to assist with functions outside of typical break/fix issues;
• Online portal to open trouble tickets, view assets, determine support status, etc.;
• Initial systems analysis, quarterly account and trouble-call review meetings, and one-call service;
• Global support available with no EOSL, ever.

Surprisingly, all of these features are available for a cost that is 40% to 70% below EMC’s support prices. If you have a later DD600, DD800, or DD900 series appliance, your budget will be better off with Park Place. And with our One Contract / One Contact program, even the newest equipment, like the DD9500 mentioned above, can benefit from OEM warranty coverage and Park Place’s value-added service. In these cases, we field the trouble call, organize the OEM response, and backfill for whatever EMC won’t cover. It’s the perfect, all-inclusive support solution for your backup hardware.