Which of the following describes the inline deduplication process?

The inline deduplication process happens during data writing, specifically at the point when data is being processed before it is stored. This means that as data is being written, duplicate data segments are identified and eliminated automatically, thus ensuring that only unique data is saved to storage. This method is efficient because it reduces the amount of data that needs to be written and stored, leading to better use of storage capacity and improved performance.

Inline deduplication contrasts with processes that occur after data is stored, which may not be as efficient in saving space or managing resources. The other options, such as deduplication occurring at the server level before sending data to storage, suggest a different layer or timing for data processing that does not fully capture the fundamental nature of inline deduplication as it relates to the timing and efficiency of data writing. Similarly, focusing on metadata management does not represent the core focus of deduplication itself, which is primarily about identifying and eliminating redundant data.