NetBackup DirectIO: Modernizing NetBackup with Cohesity Data Cloud

How it works

Traditional NetBackup deployments rely on OST (OpenStorage Technology) plugins and third-party deduplication arrays, often leading to performance bottlenecks and limited scalability. DirectIO replaces these constraints with a streamlined, nextgeneration data path built for the Cohesity Data Cloud.

DirectIO modernizes data protection with three integrated layers:

1. Client deduplication – Deduplication happens at the source, minimizing network traffic, accelerating backups, and reducing storage costs.
2. DirectIO protocol – A Cohesity-optimized evolution of OST adding inline indexing, replication, and SmartFiles views for instant access and secondary data use
3. SpanFS File system – Cohesity’s patented, scale-out file system consolidates backup, file, and object storage into one intelligent, immutable data layer. It enables simultaneous access by NetBackup, DataProtect, and Cohesity analytics services—all from a single optimized copy of data.

This integration turns backup data into a live, actionable asset—available for recovery, analysis, and cyber defense at any scale.

Built for enterprise flexibility

DirectIO is designed for large, distributed environments that demand speed, simplicity, and adaptability. It supports a wide range of workloads and deployment configurations:

Future enhancements include instant recovery for VMware, TLS 1.3, Isolated Recovery Environments (IRE), additional platforms/workloads, and more
 

The DirectIO advantage

Seamless modernization – no migration required
An enhanced integration that allows NetBackup to write directly to SpanFS, eliminating legacy storage without workflow disruption.

Enterprise scale and performance
Client-side deduplication and distributed processing enable linear scalability and optimized throughput.

Lower total cost of ownership
Reduce infrastructure costs with fewer media servers, efficient deduplication, and unified operations.

Future-proof intelligence and insight
In the future, you’ll be able to leverage Cohesity Gaia and SmartFiles for AI-powered analytics, classification, and enterprise search.

A smarter path to cyber resilience

NetBackup DirectIO redefines what’s possible in enterprise data protection. By uniting the reliability of NetBackup with Cohesity’s modern data architecture, organizations gain a simpler, smarter, and more secure foundation for the future.

With a single platform for protection, recovery, analytics, and AI, DirectIO transforms backup data from a passive archive into an active source of resilience and insight. Modernize your NetBackup infrastructure today—and turn data protection into a competitive advantage.