Object First introduces Ootbi Mini: Enterprise-grade backup storage for distributed environments

Object First has announced the Ootbi Mini, extending their immutable backup storage platform to smaller deployments and edge locations. The new appliance maintains the core security features of the Ootbi range whilst addressing the infrastructure constraints of distributed environments.

Addressing the Distributed Data Challenge

As businesses increasingly operate across multiple locations, the need for consistent data protection extends beyond central data centres. Branch offices, retail locations, and edge computing sites generate critical data requiring the same level of protection as headquarters, yet often lack the infrastructure to support traditional enterprise storage solutions.

The Ootbi Mini addresses this gap with a desktop tower form factor that requires no specialised infrastructure. Available in 8TB, 16TB, and 24TB configurations, it provides S3-compatible object storage with native immutability, ensuring backup data remains protected against ransomware attacks regardless of location.

Technical Specifications and Capabilities

The Ootbi Mini operates on the same secure-by-default platform as all Ootbi appliances:

Storage Architecture

• S3-compatible object storage with Object Lock
• Default immutability with compliance mode
• Capacities: 8TB, 16TB, or 24TB usable
• Clustering capability for capacity expansion

Security Features

• Zero access to destructive operations
• No CLI or root access available
• Automated security updates
• Hardened Linux operating system

Veeam Integration

• Full SOSAPI support
• Direct integration with Veeam Backup & Replication
• Support for Smart Object Storage API
• Optimised for Veeam block sizes and deduplication

Deployment Scenarios

Branch Office Protection Organisations with distributed offices can now deploy immutable storage at each location, ensuring rapid local recovery whilst maintaining consistency with central backup policies.

Edge Computing Environments IoT deployments and edge computing sites generating substantial data volumes can retain immutable backups locally, eliminating the latency and bandwidth constraints of cloud-only strategies.

Small Business Implementation Businesses without dedicated IT infrastructure can achieve enterprise-grade backup protection without the complexity and cost of traditional storage arrays.

Clustering for Scalability

The Ootbi Mini supports clustering, allowing organisations to start with a single 8TB unit and expand as needed. This approach provides investment protection whilst accommodating data growth without forklift upgrades.

Multiple Ootbi Mini appliances can be clustered to create larger capacity pools, providing flexibility for growing businesses or those with variable storage requirements.

Integration with Existing Backup Strategies

For organisations already using Covenco’s backup and disaster recovery services, Ootbi Mini provides an ideal on-premises component for implementing the 3-2-1-1-0 backup strategy:

• 3 copies of critical data
• 2 different storage media
• 1 off-site copy (Covenco Cloud)
• 1 immutable copy (Ootbi Mini)
• 0 errors through verified backups

This combination ensures both rapid local recovery and off-site protection, addressing both operational and disaster recovery requirements.

Availability and Deployment Support

Ootbi Mini is available immediately through Covenco, with full deployment and integration services included. Our technical team can assist with:

• Capacity planning and sizing
• Integration with existing Veeam deployments
• Network configuration and security
• Ongoing support and management

The appliance deploys in approximately 15 minutes, with most implementations completed within an hour including Veeam configuration.

Commercial Options

Ootbi Mini is available through traditional capital purchase or Object First’s consumption model, providing flexibility for different budgetary approaches. The consumption model eliminates upfront costs whilst providing predictable monthly billing based on capacity used.

Summary

The introduction of Ootbi Mini extends enterprise-grade immutable storage to locations and organisations previously unable to deploy such protection. By maintaining the security architecture of larger Ootbi models whilst addressing infrastructure constraints, Object First has made ransomware-proof backup storage accessible to a broader range of deployment scenarios.

For organisations seeking to implement consistent data protection across all locations, Ootbi Mini provides a practical solution that balances security, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness.

For more information about Ootbi Mini deployment:

Contact Covenco’s data protection team:
Tel: +44 (0)1753 732 000
Email: sales@covenco.com