Skip to content
  • Home
  • Explore Pages
  • Control Plane

Glossary

Control Plane

The control plane is the component of a data protection and management system that manages and orchestrates the flow of data and operations, that enables tasks to be executed efficiently and securely.

What is a control plane?

The control plane is a critical element in modern data protection and management architectures. It functions as the brain of the system, responsible for making decisions, directing data flows, and coordinating various operations. By centralizing management and control, the control plane simplifies the process of protecting, backing up, and securing data across diverse environments, including on-premises, cloud, and hybrid setups. This centralization is crucial for maintaining consistency and improving the overall efficiency of data management processes. In the control plane, all components of the data protection system work together seamlessly, reducing the complexity and potential for errors that can arise in distributed and multi-cloud environments. A centralized control plane also helps coordinate the processes required to recover data, rebuild apps and infrastructure, and validate the cleanliness of the data and environment following cyberattacks or other outages. 

Why It Matters?

In the realm of data protection, backup, cybersecurity, and cloud resilience, the control plane is indispensable. It provides a unified and centralized approach to managing complex data environments, which helps organizations maintain data integrity and compliance. By reducing the risk of errors and providing greater oversight, the control plane supports the reliability and performance of data management systems. This is particularly important in today’s data-driven world, where businesses rely heavily on their data to make informed decisions and operate smoothly. Without a robust control plane, managing data across multiple platforms and locations can become a daunting and error-prone task, leading to potential data loss, security vulnerabilities, and compliance issues. 

How the control plane is used

In Commvault’s solutions, the control plane is the engine that coordinates, automates, and streamlines backup and recovery processes. It dynamically allocates resources, monitors system health, and enforces security policies, all of which help keep data safe and accessible when needed. For example, in a cloud environment, where data is often distributed across multiple locations, the control plane allows for easy management and coordination. This allows IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than manual, error-prone tasks. The control plane can also integrate with various third-party tools and platforms, providing a comprehensive and flexible solution for data management. By leveraging the control plane, organizations can achieve a higher level of data protection and resilience, even in the face of evolving threats and technological changes. 

How Commvault control plane works

Consider a large enterprise with a hybrid cloud infrastructure. The company has data stored in on-premises servers, as well as in multiple cloud environments such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Without a unified control plane, managing backups, maintaining data consistency, and enforcing security policies across these different platforms would be a complex and time-consuming task. However, with Commvault’s control plane, the company can centralize its data management activities. The control plane can automatically schedule backups, monitor the health of data storage systems, and apply consistent security policies across environments. This not only improves the efficiency of the IT team but also enhances the overall security and reliability of the company’s data. 

Benefits of the Control Plane

  • Centralized Management: The control plane offers a single pane of glass for managing data protection and management tasks, making it easier for IT professionals to oversee and control their data environments. 
  • Automated Operations: By automating routine tasks such as backups and data migrations, the control plane reduces the workload on IT teams and minimizes the risk of human error. 
  • Enhanced Security: The control plane enforces security policies and monitors for potential threats, helping to protect data from unauthorized access and cyber attacks. 
  • Scalability: The control plane is designed to scale with the growing data needs of an organization, helping data management to remain efficient and effective as the business expands. 
  • Compliance: The control plane helps organizations meet regulatory requirements by providing audit trails and providing functions to align data in accordance with industry standards and best practices. 

Conclusion

The control plane is a vital component in any data protection and management strategy, especially for organizations with complex, multi-cloud environments. By centralizing and automating data management tasks, it enhances the efficiency, security, and reliability of data protection processes. With Commvault’s unified control plane solutions, businesses can confidently manage their data, reduce operational overhead, and stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly data-centric world. Whether you are an IT professional or new to the field, understanding the role and benefits of the control plane is essential for building a robust and resilient data management infrastructure.