So that I have this correct........

[GregE]

Avamar server is not software that is configurable on a Windows server or UNIX server, but is instead a only a combo of software and hardware on an EMC disk array.

Also there is a VM option.

But my question is, it's definitely not just software that can be installed on my own Windows or UNIX server?

[GregE]

From what I can locate, looks like the answer is "no".

[mikeymac]

Hi, Greg. We're gonna be hearing the Avamar sales pitch in the next few weeks. It sounds like interesting stuff. I'll post back here with what they tell us. My understanding is that Avamar is a bundled hardware/software solution. The goal is tape-free backups (though Avamar now supports movement of deduplicated data to tape for long-term storage). I have my TSM backup numbers ready to go. I'm interested to learn about the kind of Avamar foot-print we'd need to have to replace my massive TSM environment.

[GregE]

Thanks! I'll definitely be interested.

There are several options...

- Avamar Virtual Edition - a VMWare appliance.
- Avamar Data Store - bundled hardware/software as you mentioned.
- DataDomain as the target.

[dms19]

You have the option of a small Avamar instance on a VM, but its not something EMC really pushes. Avamar on its own grid and DD back end is where its at. After the initial backup, clients are generally done with in 20 minutes each and compression and dedupe is up there. Only down side is unlike TSM, EMC forces you to call support for almost everything.