Where can deduplication occur during the backup process?

Deduplication is a process used in data backup to reduce the amount of storage needed by eliminating duplicate copies of data. The correct answer indicates that deduplication can occur at both the source and the target during the backup process.

When deduplication occurs at the source, it takes place before the data is transmitted over the network to the backup system. This means that only unique data is sent, which helps in conserving bandwidth and reducing backup time. By filtering out duplicates at the source, less data needs to be transported, optimizing the backup process.

On the other hand, deduplication at the target happens after the data has been transferred to the backup storage. Here, the backup system analyzes incoming data and eliminates duplicates. This is beneficial for consolidating stored data and maximizing storage efficiency on the backup target.

Both methods have their own advantages; source deduplication is ideal for reducing data in transit, while target deduplication is effective in minimizing storage costs post-transfer. Therefore, recognizing that deduplication can effectively occur in both locations allows organizations to implement a tailored strategy that maximizes efficiency and reduces costs during their backup processes.