1

We’re looking for a backup system, with possibility for file and disk backup for up to 10 Windows Servers, for 2003 to 2012. For now, we are not plannig to virtualize anything, but in nex year or two we almost certainly will. Backup destination will be Synology NAS. Now we are testing Acronis Server Backup, results look OK, but I’m still looking for any cheaper option.

7 Spice ups
2

Definitely take a look at BackupAssist! Good price and great features. BA is an agentless backup so a license is needed for each server it runs on. So I’m not sure if it would be the best fit for you or not. But check it out.

3 Spice ups
3

I’m currently using Backup Assist v8.0.2 for a Hyper-V server I manage. It’s a low cost, easy to manage tool and still allows me to do other types of backups. For large scale VM instances, Unitrends and Veeam are my next two favorites.

@Veeam_Software

5 Spice ups
4

If you’re just looking for file backup (and not baremetal or anything like that) a free option would be to run Bacula for the next year and then look at virtualization-specific options, such as Veeam, which would be very cheap in your situation, assuming you got down to 2-3 hosts. On the other hand, if you wanted to buy something now and not switch, Unitrends is very popular (though I can’t speak for the pricing) and as far as I’m aware will do physical and virtual.

1 Spice up
5

Server 2008 and 2012 have decent bare metal and file level backup options built in but nothing is included with Server 2003 unfortunately.

1 Spice up
6

If you are just looking for File-level, we use Crashplan for this. Love the product, it supports multiple targets per server, it sends a report weekly of data backed-up. You can restore from any device to any device from the management console on any device. It’s free if you are hosting all your own targets and are alright with daily back-up levels. If you want to backup into their cloud storage, or want a little more control over backup levels and retention, the cost is pretty reasonable.

I love the no-thought required version control. Used to use Symantec and it used to fail so much it was a waste of time - this just works (providing it can reach the targets.)

We use it to backup about 4TB of data, 1 copy local, one across the Internet to our off-site storage. We seeded the 4TB at the beginning and moved the disk off-site. Now it’s about 6GB of traffic a day across 10x1Mb circuit with no issues.

But, for most companies, this can’t be your only solution, as it doesn’t do Exchange/SQL or BMR. We use Built-in Microsoft tools for those.

1 Spice up
7

I was thinking of backuping whole server (baremetal) monthly, then system on file level weekly and then differentially each night.

8

I know that for Server 2008 and up, the built-in function for Windows Server Backup may fit your bill. Might be worth a look.

9

Thanks for all of the Unitrends mentions folks!

Luka - It sounds like you want a backup solution that will fit your needs today, and then adapt to your needs as you virtualize. Are there any other features that you’re looking for? Do you want a software only solution, or an appliance? Does it need to be able to archive to a specific medium or replicate to a specific target?

10

Another happy Backup Assist user

Used on 6 of our big file servers, runs system state protection, file backup, offsite mirrors and archive for us

Really good for the money

1 Spice up
11

Hello Luka, check Steelgate Technologies, it will let you backup anywhere on your network (tape, NAS, SAN, ect…) and to the cloud if need be. it will do virtual environment as well when you need it.

You can check the overview , features and prices . I am free to answer any questions via email as well. Albert, ametais@steelgate.com

12

Luka,

Do let me know if you have any questions during your evaluation.

Main thing that the software fits your requirements and works for you.

And as for price - well, that’s always something that can be agreed upon, right? :slight_smile:

@Acronis

1 Spice up
13

Thanks for the BackupAssist mentions, Adam, Bill and Toby :slight_smile: Much appreciated.

Luka, as they say, you’re definitely going to want to take a look into BackupAssist. We’re going to handle your needs ideally with the NAS backups, Bare Metal Restore and nightly differential requirements - including into the future if you end up virtualizing with Hyper-V. Plus we’re a lot more affordable than what you’re trialing currently and all others mentioned in this thread.

Here’s what you’re going to be interested in when it comes to the BackupAssist core features . And if that all looks good, take our fully-inclusive free 30 day trial for a whirl and see for yourself how well it addresses your needs.

My only caveat is that our latest version (v8) won’t support Windows Server 2003, but you can use v7.4.6 for this and it will still address your needs perfectly. Here’s the trial for v7 . Then simply use v8 for all of your newer servers.

If there are any questions I can answer or anything I can do to help out, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always here to help :slight_smile:

*Edit - included nightly differentials in how we’ll specifically address your needs.

1 Spice up
14

Hey Luka,

What are your RTO/RPO goals for how quickly you need to be back up and running?

15

@Katie, we are looking for software solution, because we will use NAS for other things too.

@Sam, for now everything looks fine, only Acronis prices are quite high

@Luke, I will try both versions in future and check for prices

@Kevin, RPO is max. 1 day, RTO is max. 8 hours

1 Spice up
16

Happy to hear that Luka. I’m quietly confident you’re going to love the trial.

FYI, you can find all our pricing information here :slight_smile:

Any questions, give me a shout any time.

17

Luka - Our Unitrends Enterprise Backup is the same software that is on our physical appliances. This means that it protects over 120 different operating systems and applications. It can be licensed by protected TB or by protected resource. Since you’ll be virtualizing your existing environment, the per TB licensing will most likely make the most sense for you since you won’t need to change your licensing at all once you virtualize, and Unitrends can even assist with migrating your physical clients to virtual ones. Please let me know if there are any specific features that you’re looking for, or if you have any other questions.

18

luka-

I know you are physical now, but when you do start to virtualize you should look at veeam! http://veeam.com

@Veeam_Software

2 Spice ups
19

Hey Luka, I just wanted to recommend you take a look at our Simpana software for backup. This’ll give you a complete platform for all of your backup and data management needs. Through a single console, you can access all of your functions and data across your enterprise, and get data from virtual/physical servers, applications, files, etc. By handling these different types of data, we can help you make the switch later on from physical to virtual when you’re ready.

Since this is a program with many features, you can do anything from analyze, backup, replicate and archive data across your enterprise rather than using multiple programs. If you have any questions about CommVault and Simpana, let me know, and I’d be happy to answer them!

20

Another alternative to check out is NovaBACKUP Server . Designed for Windows servers, it supports both 2003 and 2012, including 2012 R2. It can do file-level backups with full, incremental or differential, and image-level disaster recovery backups for bare-metal restores and you can backup directly to your Synology NAS. If you decide to go virtual in the future, we have products which will support this as well. We offer free trial download and consultation. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions.

1 Spice up