Backup Exec Alternatives

I know that someone asked this question in 2009 but I was wondering what other solutions you guys/girls might be using in enterprise environments.

Especially for backuping up Mixed Windows/*nix environments. Including MS Exchange and SQL DB's.

Find more posts tagged with

Free for TechExams community: Cybersecurity salary guide

Compare cert salaries and plan your next career move

Button

Comments

qcomer

Avamar! Great tool!

Essendon

We use HP Data Protector and we do Exchange and SQL too, does the job I guess. One thing I dont like about is the lack of a search function which can let you find a file you want to restore. I'm told this will be enabled in the next release, but who knows.

UnixGuy

I used both Netbackup and Legato NetWorker, they both work just fine.

Everyone

UnixGuy wrote: »

I used both Netbackup and Legato NetWorker, they both work just fine.

Netbackup and BackupExec are both owned by Symantec now, and they both share a lot of code.

It's been a long time since I had to use Legato, but I couldn't stand it when I did.

CommVault is another big player in this arena.

Pick your poison really.

cyberguypr

At my previous job I worked for several years with NetBackup in a mixed Windows & Unix environment including SQL, Oracle, Exchange and VMware integration. Learned to love the thing. New job uses BackupExec.

Are you having any particular problem with BackupExec?

RTmarc

qcomer wrote: »

Avamar! Great tool!

Avamar is a great option but comes with an even greater price. If you can afford it, it's the way to go.

That being said, I'm of the opinion that Backup Exec (or NetBackup) is the least crappy of the remaining options.

qwertyiop

cyberguypr wrote: »

At my previous job I worked for several years with NetBackup in a mixed Windows & Unix environment including SQL, Oracle, Exchange and VMware integration. Learned to love the thing. New job uses BackupExec.

Are you having any particular problem with BackupExec?

No, The reason I ask is because BackupExec is so damn expensive and on top of that im the only one in my office that knows it.

cyberguypr

qwertyiop wrote: »

No, The reason I ask is because BackupExec is so damn expensive and on top of that im the only one in my office that knows it.

That leaves NetBackup and Avamar out of the equation then.

qwertyiop

cyberguypr wrote: »

That leaves NetBackup and Avamar out of the equation then.

Are they that expensive?

I'm not opposed to something like Bacula as long as it handles MS Exchange and SQL backups

RTmarc

qwertyiop wrote: »

Are they that expensive?

I'm not opposed to something like Bacula as long as it handles MS Exchange and SQL backups

Out of curiosity, what is so expensive about Backup Exec? It sounds like you already have it and the support and maintenance aren't that much per year.

Avamar is probably 20x+ more expensive than Backup Exec; at least on initial cost.

qwertyiop

RTmarc wrote: »

Out of curiosity, what is so expensive about Backup Exec? It sounds like you already have it and the support and maintenance aren't that much per year.

Avamar is probably 20x+ more expensive than Backup Exec; at least on initial cost.

The reason for this is that my previous co-worker did a bunch of sketchy things and we are now really oversubscribed and have a old version deployed. Now that we need to purchase a new tape drive we decided to look into alternatives.

UnixGuy

Everyone wrote: »

Netbackup and BackupExec are both owned by Symantec now, and they both share a lot of code.

It's been a long time since I had to use Legato, but I couldn't stand it when I did.

CommVault is another big player in this arena.

Pick your poison really.

mmm I don't know, they all get the job done..

geek12

We use Handy Backup Server, it's a reliable enterprise software solution for Exchange and SQL Server backup.

crrussell3

We currently use BackupExec, but I am getting ready to deploy System Center Essentials w/DPM (Microsoft Data Protection Manager) next week. With SCE we got DPM for free, so worth it to us to use and drop Symantec. We are keeping SonaSoft Exchange for Exchange backup, as DPM doesn't allow item level restore quickly (point and click).

Ch@rl!3m0ng

I have used Backup Exec which is not too bad. Arc Serve which is just poor. Data Protector which is good when set up up properly. They all have there plus and minus points. For me I think that either data protector or backupup exec would be best for you. But thats just my opinion. And just an after thought you could train up your colleagues to use backupexec for extra brownie points with your boss.

petedude

For a less expensive option, I'm really fond of Novabackup. Just be sure you get a license that includes updates. Easy to set up, works well, fairly idiot-proof.

If you're adventurous and want to try an open-source solution, there's Amanda/Zmanda.

it_consultant

crrussell3 wrote: »

We currently use BackupExec, but I am getting ready to deploy System Center Essentials w/DPM (Microsoft Data Protection Manager) next week. With SCE we got DPM for free, so worth it to us to use and drop Symantec. We are keeping SonaSoft Exchange for Exchange backup, as DPM doesn't allow item level restore quickly (point and click).

Item level restore shouldn't drive your backup concerns and technologies. Just set your dumpster item recovery time to like 30 days. Then recover single items out of OWA if someone hard deletes something. Exchange 2007/2010 can do single item restores using a recovery storage group. Remember, MS does not support ANY recovery options other than a recovery storage group.