D-MSS-DS-23

The Dell EMC Data Domain Specialist Exam (D-MSS-DS-23) focuses on the configuration, management, and troubleshooting of Dell EMC Data Domain systems. The main points covered generally include:

• Data Domain System Architecture: A deep understanding of the hardware and software components of Data Domain systems, including the different models and their capabilities. This involves understanding the overall system architecture, including the storage tiers and how they interact.

• Data Domain Deduplication and Compression: A thorough understanding of how Data Domain systems perform deduplication and compression, including the algorithms used and their impact on storage efficiency. Knowing the different deduplication techniques and how they are optimized is crucial.

• Data Domain Installation and Configuration: This covers the physical installation, initial configuration, networking setup, and integration with other storage systems. Understanding different deployment scenarios is also important.

• Data Domain Management and Monitoring: This includes using the Data Domain operating system (DDOS), managing users and access control, monitoring system health and performance, and interpreting system logs. Proficiency in using the command-line interface (CLI) and the management consoles is expected.

• Data Domain Backup and Recovery: Understanding how Data Domain integrates with various backup applications and how to perform backups and restores effectively. This section covers different backup methods and troubleshooting backup failures.

• Data Domain Replication and Disaster Recovery: This covers setting up and managing Data Domain replication, including local and remote replication, and how to use replication for disaster recovery. Understanding the different replication methods and their capabilities is essential.

• Data Domain Security: This includes understanding the security features of Data Domain systems, implementing security best practices, and managing user access control.

• Troubleshooting and Maintenance: This involves identifying and resolving common issues, performing system maintenance tasks, and using diagnostic tools to troubleshoot problems. Understanding how to interpret system logs and identify error messages is critical.

• Integration with other Dell Technologies Solutions: Understanding how Data Domain systems integrate with other Dell EMC products, such as Avamar, NetWorker, and Cloud Tier.

The exam heavily emphasizes practical, hands-on knowledge. Simply reading the documentation isn't sufficient; you need to have experience configuring and managing Data Domain systems. Many questions will test your ability to troubleshoot scenarios and apply your knowledge to real-world problems.