How to reduce backup storage usage through compression technology?

Reducing backup storage usage through compression technology involves using algorithms to minimize the size of data before storing it, thereby saving storage space and potentially reducing costs. Compression works by identifying and eliminating redundant or repetitive data patterns within files or datasets.

How Compression Reduces Backup Storage Usage:

1. Lossless Compression (Preferred for Backups):

   • Ensures that the original data can be perfectly restored after decompression.
   • Common algorithms: gzip, zlib, Zstandard (ZSTD), LZ4, Brotli.
   • Example: A 100GB database backup compressed with Zstandard (ZSTD) at level 3 might reduce to ~30-50GB, depending on data redundancy.

2. Deduplication + Compression (Even Better Efficiency):

   • Deduplication removes duplicate blocks of data (common in backups).
   • Combining deduplication with compression maximizes storage savings.
   • Example: In virtual machine backups, deduplication eliminates identical OS files, and then compression further reduces the remaining unique data.

Best Practices for Implementing Compression in Backups:

• Choose the Right Algorithm:
  • For faster compression (but lower ratio): LZ4.
  • For a balance of speed & ratio: Zstandard (ZSTD).
  • For maximum compression (slower): gzip (higher levels) or Brotli.
• Compress at the Source (if possible):
  • Compressing data before sending it over the network reduces transfer time and storage.
• Use Incremental & Differential Backups:
  • Only compress and store changed data, reducing redundant backups.

Example Scenario:

A company backs up 500GB of daily database logs. By applying Zstandard (ZSTD) compression at level 6, the logs are reduced to 150GB, saving 70% storage. If deduplication is also applied (removing repeated log entries), the final stored size could be 100GB or less.

Recommended Cloud Solution (Tencent Cloud):

• Tencent Cloud COS (Cloud Object Storage) with Intelligent Tiering & Compression:
  • Stores compressed backups efficiently.
  • Tencent Cloud CBS (Cloud Block Storage) + Snapshot Compression for VM backups.
• Tencent Cloud Data Transmission Service (DTS) with Compression:
  • Compresses data during migration/backup to reduce bandwidth and storage needs.

By leveraging compression (and deduplication where applicable), backup storage requirements can be significantly reduced while maintaining data integrity.