EMC NetWorker version 8 includes many features that make the solid backup solution even better.  My favorite addition is the Client Direct feature, also known as direct file access.  This technology allows NetWorker client agents to backup directly to an advanced file type device (AFTD), or a Data Domain appliance using the DDBoost protocol.

The Client Direct feature paired with DDBoost is especially powerful, because it enables DSP (distributed segment processing) to take place on the client.  This process would normally take place on the Storage Node, but with Client Direct enabled, the Storage Node simply manages the client without handling the backup workflow.  Unless of course Client Direct is not available, in which case the data is sent through the storage node to be deduplicated and then transferred to the Data Domain.

Enabling the Client Direct feature in NetWorker 8 is very easy.  Simply open the client properties box, and check the "Client direct" check box within the "Backup" section of the General tab.