ExaGrid has announced version 8.1 of its backup storage platform, a release focused on three specific areas: support for Cohesity DataProtect, transfer encryption via Network File System (NFS), and a quota system designed for managed service providers. The new version is now available and expands options to combine multiple backup applications on a single infrastructure.
Key Highlights of ExaGrid 8.1 in 30 Seconds
- ExaGrid adds support for Cohesity DataProtect via the S3 protocol.
- The integration supports Cohesity CloudArchive Direct and hybrid environments with NetBackup.
- The manufacturer claims it can nearly halve the space occupied by data already deduplicated by Cohesity.
- Version 8.1 encrypts data transmitted over NFS when the backup application supports it.
- MSPs can assign quotas per client and receive alerts without stopping backups.
This update does not alter ExaGrid’s overall approach, which employs a tiered storage architecture specifically designed for backups. Newer data arrives first in a disk zone called the Landing Zone, optimized for faster writes and restores, while older copies move to another tier where deduplication and retention policies are applied.
This model aims to prevent deduplication from slowing down the recovery speed of recent backups. Simultaneously, the company introduces mechanisms to limit ransomware impact, such as delayed deletions, immutable objects, and a storage layer not directly exposed to the network.
Cohesity DataProtect Integration Now Available
The main functional advancement in version 8.1 is support for Cohesity DataProtect, Cohesity’s platform for data protection and recovery.
The integration uses the S3 protocol, with ExaGrid acting as an object-compatible storage destination for copies generated by DataProtect. It also supports Cohesity CloudArchive Direct, allowing data to be archived in public clouds or S3-compatible destinations.
This setup enables ExaGrid to serve as a retention repository for copies managed through Cohesity without requiring organizations to replace their existing backup software.
ExaGrid claims its system can re-deduplicate data that has already been deduplicated by Cohesity, potentially reducing storage footprint by about half. This is an estimation; actual results depend on data type, change rate, retention periods, and prior compression before data reaches the destination.
Deduplication removes duplicate blocks to avoid storing the same information multiple times. Its effectiveness is high in environments with many virtual machines, similar operating systems, or incremental backups with minimal changes. However, in encrypted, compressed, or highly unique data, savings may be lower.
The update also supports environments where Cohesity DataProtect and Cohesity NetBackup coexist. This flexibility can be valuable for organizations undergoing migration or using different protection platforms depending on workload.
NetBackup remains widely deployed in large enterprises, while DataProtect offers a unified platform for virtual machines, databases, NAS storage, cloud services, SaaS applications, and specific AI repositories. ExaGrid aims to serve as a common target for both.
NFS Now Supports Encryption During Transfer
ExaGrid 8.1 introduces encryption for data sent over NFS, provided the backup application in use supports this mode of protection.
NFS is a common protocol for sharing file systems between servers, especially in Linux and Unix environments. It is also used for sending backups to network-accessible storage devices.
Encryption during transmission safeguards data while it travels between the backup application and ExaGrid storage. The aim is to prevent network eavesdroppers from capturing traffic and reading backup contents.
This feature does not replace encrypted storage; organizations can secure data while transmitting, at rest, or both, depending on the backup software, ExaGrid configuration, and security policies.
ExaGrid already supported encrypted communication via other methods, including Veeam Data Mover, CIFS, and S3. Incorporating NFS encryption expands options for environments still relying on NFS for backups.
Details regarding compatible backup applications, required versions, or specific cryptographic mechanisms are not specified from launch. Administrators should consult the compatibility matrix before enabling this feature, as its activation depends on support from the originating backup application.
Activation may also have performance implications—additional processor load, transfer speeds, and behavior over high-capacity networks will vary based on protocols, hardware, and data volumes.
New Quotas for Managed Service Providers
The third update targets Managed Service Providers (MSPs) using a shared ExaGrid infrastructure to protect multiple clients’ data.
Previously, the platform tracked storage volume per share. Now, version 8.1 allows providers to set a quota linked to each client’s contracted capacity.
When usage exceeds this limit, ExaGrid generates an alert. However, backups are not automatically halted—this design choice ensures continued data protection despite overage.
This approach emphasizes backup continuity while prompting MSPs to respond. Actions can include expanding the contract, adjusting retention policies, deleting data, or investigating usage increases.
Such quotas help MSPs align technical usage with billing, enabling them to verify if clients stay within their allocated capacity and to identify growth trends before impacting other customers or storage planning.
It’s important to note that these quotas are alert-based and do not prevent further capacity consumption once exceeded. They need to be integrated into monitoring processes with clear procedures for excess management.
A Versatile Platform Supporting Multiple Backup Applications
ExaGrid states its storage system is compatible with over 25 backup applications and can receive data from multiple ones simultaneously.
This design decouples the backup management software from the storage system, allowing organizations to keep existing backups and switch or expand destinations without reconfiguring the entire process.
It also supports diverse workloads—one platform might handle VMware backups, another Microsoft 365, and a third databases—while all send copies to the same storage system.
The benefit is reducing dependence on a single application, although compatibility details—such as features for deduplication, restores, immutability, or encryption—must be carefully verified for each integration.
ExaGrid also features a horizontal scaling architecture: as data grows, there’s an option to add complete appliances with additional storage, processing, memory, and connectivity. The manufacturer claims this design helps maintain backup windows as data volume increases.
Nonetheless, actual performance will depend on planning, network architecture, backup software, and source speeds.
While version 8.1 remains an evolutionary update, it effectively addresses specific needs. Support for Cohesity broadens compatibility, NFS encryption secures a common transfer route, and quotas assist managed services operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is new in ExaGrid 8.1?
Support for Cohesity DataProtect, transfer encryption via NFS, and configurable shared resource quotas for MSPs.
How does Cohesity DataProtect connect with ExaGrid?
Using the S3 protocol, compatible with Cohesity CloudArchive Direct, and supporting coexistence with NetBackup environments.
Do backups stop if a client exceeds its quota?
No. ExaGrid issues an alert but allows the backup to continue to ensure ongoing protection.
Does NFS encryption work with any backup application?
Not necessarily. The backup application must support encrypted NFS connections. Compatibility and version requirements need verification.
via: exagrid
