asked on

Alternative to Backup Exec for SBS server with PREMIUM support 24x7

The so called "ENTERPRISE " support for Backup Exec at Veritas have become worse for every year but we have continued to use Backup Exec anyway. But last week I have tried to deal with a server crasch for a customer and realised that we must find another software / company with sharp support guys in the other end of the phone line :-)

So, what are the alternatives?

The need are quite basic but professional:
Our customers are small with one single domain controller, often with SBS server 2011 (server 2008) or similar. Exchange running as well on this single server.
Maybe one or two more members in the domain exist ( standard windows servers) but they are not DC:s.
We are looking to something similar with backup exec with the capacity of scheduled backups to disk folders and tapes, backup of files and systems as well as exchange and sometimes sql server. In short, a good and complete backup solution för a SBS server :-)

We also need something similar to Backup Exec:s SDR (system disaster recovery) where you can create a boot DVD for use in total crasch situation.

And most of all, when disaster occur and a whole company is unable to work due to a server crasch, then there must be a tech support who can give you the right advice at the first phone call.

David Johnson, CD

since it is 14 months before EOL. In reality you should not need to contact customer support in most situations. You should have tested every backup scenario as an untested backup is simply a waste of disk space and electricity. for single machines I use veeam endpoint backup tied into veeam backup and replication

pgm554

Since the dawn of backups ,it was always whose tech support was worse,Veritas or Symantec.
One was always the lesser of two evils in terms of choice depending upon the release and that still is the case today.
Do you need tape support?

I would give Storagecraft Shadow Protect a look.

One of the pluses is you can mount the backup image as a vm and continue to work until you get the server up and running.

ArneLovius

Have you looked at Microsoft DPM ?

kevinhsieh

I would think that you should look at providing backup as a a service. There are a ton of vendors that can provide the technology.

I am not a service provider, so I can't comment on the pluses and minuses of them for you as someone providing the service.

As you probably know, SBS is losing support soon and planning for retiring it should already be in the works.

Martin Radbo

ASKER

Thanks for comments. I know Ms decided to stop with SBS a long time ago, and for my small customers that will be a "catastrof" since SBS offered all they need to a reasonable price.
So, their SBS servers will live as long as they are fast enough and there is no need for an upgrade for them. But next time we will have to face the fact... ;-)

Online backup is not an option. for two main reasons 1. Too much data to backup and in case of restore it will take to much time. 2. Customer want to have their stuff inhouse.

Of course everyone should test their backups and do a test restore, but a small company with one single server and a small budget often do not want to spend money on stuff like that. Despite our advice that it would be good to do.

So, inhouse backup software is what I am asking for. We often combine one or two diskfolders (NAS) with a tape station so the customer can bring their tape to a secure location outside their office.
But number one demand is still a good tech support since there will always be a need for them in case of a big disaster.