OpenStor JovianDSS: High Availability and Data Protection

26 May 2025 | Hyperconvergence

What is the OpenStor JovianDSS System?

OpenStor JovianDSS is a hyperconverged Metro Cluster solution that integrates server, storage, network, and virtualization into a single high-reliability stack. The system is based on two 2U OpenStor servers with low-latency 40 GbE connectivity, running VMware ESXi and hosting the Open-E JovianDSS Virtual Storage Appliance (VSA).

Architecture and Operation

  • High availability and automatic failover
    Both nodes operate in synchronous mode (mirroring): every write on one node is instantly replicated on the “other. In case of failure, the second node intervenes immediately, ensuring continuity of” access to volumes (iSCSI/NFS) without noticeable downtime.
  • Integrated virtualization
    Thanks to VMware ESXi support, it’s possible to maintain the availability of virtual machines (VMs) as well, depending on the VMware license in use.
  • Advanced Backup and Disaster Recovery
    The infrastructure supports unlimited snapshots even every minute, synchronized to a secondary node through the Off-Site Data Protection (ODPS) service. This allows for recovery to any recent past state and instant publishing of volumes via 10 GbE iSCSI.

Open-E JovianDSS: Main Features

Open-E JovianDSS is a Linux and ZFS-based storage software designed to ensure reliability, integrity, and data protection. It offers:

  • Unlimited snapshots and WORM management
  • LZ4 compression and deduplication to reduce storage costs
  • Dynamic RAM/SSD/HDD caching for maximum performance
  • Thin provisioning, clone, snapshot & quick roll-back.
  • High-availability cluster (Active-Active and Active-Passive) on Ethernet, Fibre Channel, or SAS, up to 80 km distance with latency ‹5 ms.
  • Local and remote replication with customized retention plans and encrypted transfer via SSH for backup and disaster recovery
  • Intuitive WebGUI interface, CLI/API/REST and compatibility with SNMP and platforms like Nagios/Check_MK

Advantages of Hyperconvergence with Metro Cluster

The OpenStor JovianDSS system combines:

  • High reliability thanks to synchronous clustering and automatic failover
  • Simplified management of storage, network, and virtualization in a single stack
  • Compact and lean installation, with reduction of hardware, cables, and operational costs
  • Pre-installed “all-in-one” solution, without the need for third-party tools
  • Native ransomware protection, thanks to frequent snapshots and instant roll-back

Who is it For

  • SMEs / Enterprises looking for compact and easily scalable hybrid solutions
  • Mission-critical environments where redundancy, availability, and disaster recovery are essential requirements
  • Virtualized environments, particularly with certified VMware ESXi support (Ready for Storage)

OpenStor JovianDSS | Conclusions

OpenStor JovianDSS represents a complete and robust hyperconverged solution for those who desire:

  1. Continuous availability of applications thanks to synchronous Metro clustering and automatic failover
  2. Secure and flexible backup, with unlimited snapshots, off-site replication, and instant restore
  3. Simplified management of unified IT infrastructure (server, storage, network, virtualization)
  4. Protection against ransomware, without the need for additional software