Cloud Backup Replication with Azure Blob Storage

Extending On-Premises Data Protection with Geographically Diverse Cloud Backup Storage

Improving Data Availability and Disaster Recovery Readiness

This Eastern Shore, Maryland-based college sought to strengthen its data protection strategy by improving the availability and resiliency of critical backup data. While the college already leveraged a Dell EMC IDPA 4400 Data Protection Appliance to safeguard on-premises systems, growing concerns around disaster recovery, geographic redundancy, and long-term retention highlighted the need for a more robust backup architecture.

The college needed a solution that would protect backup data beyond the confines of its primary data center while maintaining cost efficiency. Specifically, the college wanted to establish a geographically diverse replication target that could improve compliance with modern data protection standards, reduce the risks associated with localized outages, and support long-term retention requirements without significantly increasing infrastructure costs.

To address these objectives, the college partnered with Data Networks to implement a comprehensive cloud backup replication solution utilizing Microsoft Azure, Dell Avamar Virtual Edition (AVE), and Dell Data Domain Virtual Edition (DDVE).

Cloud Backup Replication Extends Data Protection to Microsoft Azure

At the core of the project was the deployment of a scalable cloud backup replication environment designed to extend the college’s existing Dell EMC data protection infrastructure into Microsoft Azure. Data Networks began by creating a dedicated Azure subscription, deploying the required virtual networking resources, and establishing secure connectivity between the on-premises data center and Azure.

The solution included the deployment of Dell Avamar Virtual Edition to manage replication processes and backup metadata, along with Dell Data Domain Virtual Edition to manage backup storage within Azure Blob Storage. By leveraging Azure Hot Access Tier Blob Storage, the college gained a highly scalable cloud repository while minimizing storage costs compared to traditional cloud infrastructure approaches.

To support secure data transfer, Data Networks deployed an Azure VPN Gateway and established a site-to-site VPN connection between the college’s on-premises environment and Azure. Once connectivity was validated, the team configured replication policies, schedules, and bandwidth controls to optimize performance during the initial synchronization and ongoing replication processes.

The cloud-based infrastructure was designed to support up to 18TB of protected data while leveraging Azure Reserved Instances and Azure Hybrid Benefit licensing to reduce recurring operational costs.

Creating a Scalable and Cost-Effective Disaster Recovery Platform

Following deployment, Data Networks configured replication between the existing Dell EMC IDPA 4400 appliance and the newly deployed Azure-based DDVE environment. Initial testing validated replication functionality with a subset of backup data before the college proceeded with full synchronization of protected workloads.

After successful replication was established, Data Networks optimized ongoing operational costs by downgrading the initial high-bandwidth Azure VPN Gateway to a lower-cost configuration better suited for ongoing differential replication traffic. Replication schedules and bandwidth policies were then adjusted to align with the new connectivity profile while maintaining reliable backup synchronization.

The project also included plans to further enhance connectivity through the deployment of redundant 1 Gbps Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute circuits via the Maryland Research and Education Network (MDREN). This future enhancement would provide dedicated, highly available connectivity between the college’s data center and Azure, further strengthening the resiliency and performance of the cloud backup replication environment.

To ensure long-term operational success, Data Networks conducted backup and restore validation testing, delivered comprehensive implementation documentation, and provided knowledge transfer sessions covering the Avamar, Data Domain, and Azure management platforms.

By extending the existing Dell EMC IDPA environment into Microsoft Azure, Data Networks delivered a modern cloud backup replication solution that improved data availability, enhanced disaster recovery readiness, and provided geographically diverse protection for critical institutional data. The resulting architecture balanced resiliency, scalability, and cost efficiency while creating a strong foundation for future data protection and compliance initiatives.

Tags: Hi-Ed, Hi Ed, higher education, datacenter