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Online file analysis tool reveals 400% disk space over-use
Date: Thursday 7 January 2010
Author: PHILIP ALSOP
 Zycko's customised Storage File Analyser enables data profiling for cost effective and compliant data management; 80% primary disk space saving revealed; Value added distributor offers first 3TB of analysis for free.
Zycko has launched an online file analysis tool to enable CIOs to fully understand the data in their organisations. The Storage File Analyser has already been employed by over 20 organisations, revealing up to 400% over-use of primary disk space.
David Galton-Fenzi, Zycko's Group Sales Director, commented:
"Until now, when an organisation wanted to profile its unstructured data, the supplier would send agents to the site for weeks at a time. These agents install software and firewalls, interrupting business continuity and drawing out the data collection process. Zycko's Storage File Analyser makes the process far simpler than traditional suppliers. We have written a piece of software that can collect the raw data in less than a day. The analysis is then conducted on our premises, with no further disruption to the client."
The Storage File Analyser helps CIOs address the growing challenges posed by exponential increases in data volumes and government requirements for how data is stored and managed.
The online tool is exclusive to Zycko and returns a comprehensive report to the client which:
- Profiles data by file type providing a breakdown - e.g. .xls .pdf .doc
- Analyses by modification date, which has direct implications for backup and recovery
- Analyses by date accessed and date created, which can be used to determine optimum storage media
- Analyses files by owner and department
- Classifies files by business department
- Locates and analyses duplicated files
In a recent study of 40 million files (25 TB) analysed by Zycko, over 6 TB, or nearly 25% of the data, was taken up by email archive resulting in unnecessary duplication. Similarly, only about 20% of the data files had been accessed in the last six months, and an even smaller number had been modified during this period. Over 2 million files had at least one or more exact copies which generated an additional 15 million files on the system. Measured use of data compression also showed that data reduction averaging around 55% could be achieved. When all factors were taken into account, and integrated with an automated software migration platform, an 80% reduction in primary disk space was achieved, resulting in infrastructure cost savings both in terms of performance and backup media.
David Galton-Fenzi continued: "Data rarely gets deleted, and with volumes growing at a rate of 50-80% annually, the ability to effectively manage and contain this information is now key to an organisation's success. However, there is no one-size-fits-all package, and companies struggle to find the right solution for them - this is where the analysis tool comes into play. The tool is available to any organisation, and will also act as a further resource through which our resellers can offer a tailored and affordable solution to their clients.
"We supply an executable file, with a set of basic instructions. Once deployment of the file analyser is complete, the resulting information needs to be submitted to us for breakdown. Zycko will then provide a user-friendly report that deconstructs the results, followed by a meeting to discuss the most efficient ongoing storage strategy for the organisation."
After the analysis, organisations will be in a better position to establish which storage options are most appropriate and cost effective for them. These could include anything from deduplication to virtualisation, archiving or compression.
Organisations interested in the Storage File Analyser now have the opportunity to submit a single drive (up to 3 TB) for free analysis. This will provide insight into the tool's functionality, so they can make an informed decision as to whether to sign up for a comprehensive analysis of their storage infrastructure.
Zycko offers complete peace of mind and will sign a non disclosure agreement before commencement. The team is also happy to answer any questions about how the tool functions and evaluates data.
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