DATA DEDUPLICATION Meaning and
Definition
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Data deduplication is a process used in computer science and information technology that eliminates redundant or duplicate data segments to optimize storage resources and reduce data volumes. It is primarily employed in data storage systems, backup systems, and archiving solutions.
The aim of data deduplication is to identify and eliminate duplicate data segments, also known as chunks or blocks, within a dataset. This process starts by dividing the data into smaller fixed-size or variable-size chunks. These chunks are further analyzed using techniques like hash functions to generate unique hash values for each of them.
By comparing the generated hash values, data deduplication systems can identify duplicate chunks. Once identified, these duplicate chunks are replaced with references to a single copy of the chunk, commonly known as a pointer or a reference. This ensures that only a single copy of each unique chunk is stored, significantly reducing the overall storage requirements.
Data deduplication is beneficial for various reasons. It enables efficient use of storage space by eliminating redundant copies of data, thereby reducing costs associated with storage infrastructure. It also helps in minimizing data transfer time and improving data backup and restoration processes.
Overall, data deduplication is an essential technique in data management that increases storage efficiency, reduces storage costs, and improves data handling and transfer operations.
Etymology of DATA DEDUPLICATION
The word "data deduplication" can be broken down into two parts: "data" and "deduplication".
The term "data" originated from the Latin word "datum", which means "something given". It entered the English language in the mid-17th century and referred to factual information or facts and figures.
"Deduplication" is a combination of "de-" and "duplication". The prefix "de-" in Latin means "undoing" or "removal". "Duplication" derives from the Latin word "duplicare", which means "to double". Therefore, "deduplication" refers to the process of removing or eliminating duplicate or redundant data.
So, the etymology of "data deduplication" essentially means the removal or elimination of duplicate or redundant information.
