Vendor Landscape: Windows/Linux Backup for SMEs

Transcription

1 Vendor Landscape: Windows/Linux Backup for SMEs Protect your industry standard (x86) Windows and Linux server assets., Inc. Is a global leader in providing IT research and advice. Info-Tech s products and services combine actionable insight and relevant advice with ready-to-use tools and templates that cover the full spectrum of IT concerns Inc. 1

2 Introduction Backup software functionality is broadening to meet the needs of changing IT environments, including support for virtual servers and cloud backup. Recognizing that small to mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) also have fewer resources to dedicate to backup, ease of deployment and management continues to be a focus. This Research Is Designed For: This Research Will Help You: Small to mid-sized organizations that are Microsoft/Linux shops and require a solution intended for their environment. CIOs, IT Managers, and System Administrators that need to select a solution for backup. Organizations that require an easy-to-use and well-supported backup solution at an affordable cost. Understand what s new in the Windows/Linux backup software market. Evaluate windows/linux backup software vendors and products for your enterprise needs. Determine which products are most appropriate for particular use cases and scenarios. Info-Tech Insight While a number of the vendors evaluated in this report support the backup of virtual environments, for greater insight into virtual backup software see Info-Tech s Vendor Landscape: Virtual Backup Software. 2

3 Executive Summary Info-Tech evaluated eleven competitors including the following notable performers: Champions: Symantec is the market share leader in this space. Backup Exec is a solid, feature-rich solution, with standout deduplication capabilities and support for diverse array and cloud storage options through the use of Symantec OpenStorage Technology (OST). CA Technologies is a Champion due to its strength as a vendor, robust cloud integration, and the flexibility of its family of backup products. CommVault is a very strong player in this market. Its backup solution, Simpana 9, is second to none in terms of capabilities, the only drawback being a high price point. Value Award: CA Technologies receives the value award due to its low cost and flexible backup software solution. Trend Setter Award: Dell AppAssure has experienced rapid growth in the past two years and is becoming a key player in this space. It is an innovative solution that offers a number of features at a low price, an ideal fit for the SME market. Info-Tech Insight 1. Flexibility for the future: Vendors may offer a lot of bells, whistles, and add-on components. Be realistic about what your requirements are, what existing storage investments you want to leverage, and what your future roadmap includes. Purchase a solution that does what you need for today, but be aware of where the vendor offers opportunities to scale out your solution for future growth and changing requirements. 2. Solutions become simplified: Selecting a backup solution that is easy to use will save you time and effort, an important benefit especially when IT resources are limited. A number of vendors offer different approaches to simplify their solution, including end-user selfservice, a single platform for management, and user-friendly or role-based interfaces. 3. Tape is not dead: Tape is still very relevant for a number of organizations, despite the move towards disk backup. A number of vendors support tape, including the ability to perform deduplication to tape, but not all. Pay attention to vendor s support of tape if you currently use tape or plan to in the future. 3

4 Market Overview How it got here Backup solutions for homogeneous, x86 environments emerged in the late 90s. Companies like Novell began to develop solutions that specifically supported the backup of Windows PCs and fledgling Windows servers. Vendors soon began to offer system imaging technology, allowing clients to capture a complete image of a configured server, enabling "bare metal restore" after a system failure. Backup software was originally focused on backing up data from internal hard drives to internal and external tape drives and libraries. With advances in disk arrays and backup software, backup has broadened to include networked storage for both the host and the backup target (disk to disk). Data sprawl has made it essential for solutions to efficiently manage and reduce data when possible with compression and data deduplication technology. Where it s going Virtual and physical backup will be consolidated. Backup solutions are increasingly supporting both environments. Many solutions now offer the ability to perform physical to virtual restore, speeding up recovery times in the event of a disaster. In this market space, ease-of-use will continue to be a key factor in decision-making. For smaller organizations, a high level of usability and simplicity of deployment are necessary. Vendors like Symantec and Unitrends have redesigned their UIs with this in mind. The integration with cloud storage providers will become increasingly important as organizations grow more comfortable with cloud computing and look for more flexibility in archiving and disaster recovery. Legacy backup architectures aren t cutting it anymore. Many organizations having trouble meeting their backup windows, or achieving their restore point objectives (RPOs) and restore time objectives (RTOs), are re-evaluating their backup architectures. This includes backup media as well as backup software and procedures. For more see Info-Tech s Develop a Backup Architecture Strategy. 4

5 Windows/Linux Backup Software Vendor selection / knockout criteria: market share, mind share, and platform coverage Vendors included in this evaluation each offer a backup solution that supports Window/Linux environments and is capable of basic functionality, including compression, encryption, and bare metal restore. These solutions are also responding to changes in IT with support for virtual environments, cloud backup, and the restoration of data to dissimilar hardware. For this Vendor Landscape, Info-Tech focused on those vendors that offer broad capabilities across multiple platforms and that have a strong market presence and/or reputational presence among small and mid-sized enterprises. Included in this Vendor Landscape: Acronis. Founded in 2002, Acronis provides a cost-effective, modular backup solution. CA Technologies. Although CA is a large IT management software company with a solid backup solution, its market share for ARCserve is diminishing. CommVault. A strong backup solution with a robust capabilities, CommVault is increasing its mind and market share. Dell AppAssure. Dell AppAssure is currently experiencing rapid growth with its solution for virtual, physical, and cloud environments. EMC. Strong market share in storage and backup, and R&D support make EMC a solid contender in this space. HP. A cost-effective solution, HP Data Protector is ideal for organizations that have investments in HP hardware. Microsoft. Microsoft has bundled DPM with a number of other systems management components in its release of System Center NSB. NetApp has partnered with Syncsort to expand its offering and market space into data protection. Quest Software. Acquired by Dell in September 2012, NetVault has an uncertain future as Dell focuses on AppAssure. Symantec. The market share leader in backup software, Symantec s Backup Exec solution continues to offer robust functionality for SMEs. Unitrends. Unitrends offers a flexible, user-friendly backup solution for small to mid-sized organizations. 5

6 Windows/Linux backup software criteria & weighting factors Criteria Weighting: Features Product Evaluation Criteria The solution provides basic and advanced feature/functionality. Features 30% 30% Usability Usability Affordability Architecture The solution s dashboard and reporting tools are intuitive and easy to use. The three year TCO of the solution is economical. The delivery method of the solution aligns with what is expected within the space. Architecture 15% 25% Product 50% Affordability Viability Strategy Vendor Evaluation Criteria Vendor is profitable, knowledgeable, and will be around for the long-term. Vendor is committed to the space and has a future product and portfolio roadmap. Viability 50% Vendor 20% 25% Strategy Reach Channel Vendor offers global coverage and is able to sell and provide post-sales support. Vendor channel strategy is appropriate and the channels themselves are strong. Channel 25% 30% Reach 6

7 The Info-Tech Windows/Linux Backup Software Vendor Landscape The Zones of the Landscape Champions receive high scores for most evaluation criteria and offer excellent value. They have a strong market presence and are usually the trend setters for the industry. Market Pillars are established players with very strong vendor credentials, but with more average product scores. Innovators have demonstrated innovative product strengths that act as its competitive advantage in appealing to niche segments of the market. The Info-Tech Vendor Landscape: Unitrends Dell AppAssure Acronis Symantec CommVault CA Technologies Emerging Players are newer vendors who are starting to gain a foothold in the marketplace. They balance product and vendor attributes, though score lower relative to market Champions. Quest Software NSB EMC Microsoft HP For an explanation of how the Info-Tech Vendor Landscape is created, see Information Presentation Vendor Landscape in the Appendix. 7

8 Balance individual strengths to find the best fit for your enterprise Product Vendor Overall Features Usability Afford. Arch. Overall Viability Strategy Reach Channel Acronis CA Technologies CommVault Dell AppAssure EMC* HP* Microsoft NSB Quest Software Symantec Unitrends Legend =Exemplary =Good =Adequate =Inadequate =Poor *The vendor declined to provide pricing and publically available pricing could not be found For an explanation of how the Info-Tech Harvey Balls are calculated, see Information Presentation Criteria Scores (Harvey Balls) in the Appendix. 8

9 The Info-Tech Windows/Linux Backup Software Value Index What is a Value Score? The Value Score indexes each vendor s product offering and business strength relative to their price point. It does not indicate vendor ranking. Champion On a relative basis, CA Technologies maintained the highest Info-Tech Value Score TM of the vendor group. Vendors were indexed against CA Technologies performance to provide a complete, relative view of their product offerings. Vendors that score high offer more bang-forthe-buck (e.g. features, usability, stability, etc.) than the average vendor, while the inverse is true for those that score lower. Price-conscious enterprises may wish to give the Value Score more consideration than those who are more focused on specific vendor/product attributes. *The vendor declined to provide pricing and publically available pricing could not be found 100 CA Symantec Dell Acronis AppAssure Unitrends Average Score: MSFT Quest Comm- NSB EMC* HP* Software Vault For an explanation of how Price is determined, see Information Presentation Price Evaluation in the Appendix. For an explanation of how the Info-Tech Value Index is calculated, see Information Presentation Value Index in the Appendix. 9

10 Table Stakes represent the minimum standard; without these, a product doesn t even get reviewed Feature Compression Encryption Application Awareness Bare Metal Restore End-User Machine Backup VSS-based array support The Table Stakes What it is: Data can be compressed at the client or media agent for overall data reduction. Data can be encrypted prior to transmission across the LAN. Application-specific agents exist to handle requirements for target workloads, such as Microsoft Exchange, SharePoint, or SQL. Computer systems can be restored from bare metal, with no requirement of previously installed operation system or software. The solution can backup machines at the edge of the environment (i.e. desktops, laptops etc.). Solution can integrate with VSS (Volume Shadow Copy Services) certified arrays for snapshots of Microsoft applications. What Does This Mean? The products assessed in this Vendor Landscape TM meet, at the very least, the requirements outlined as Table Stakes. Many of the vendors go above and beyond the outlined Table Stakes, some even do so in multiple categories. This section aims to highlight the products capabilities in excess of the criteria listed here. If Table Stakes are all you need from your Backup Software solution, the only true differentiator for the organization is price. Otherwise, dig deeper to find the best price to value for your needs. 10

11 Advanced Features are the capabilities that allow for granular market differentiation Scoring Methodology Info-Tech scored each vendor s features offering as a summation of their individual scores across the listed advanced features. Vendors were given 1 point for each feature the product inherently provided. Some categories were scored on a more granular scale with vendors receiving half points. Feature Source-based deduplication Target-based deduplication Global deduplication Advanced Features What we looked for: Redundant data is removed at the source, before transmission to the backup target. Redundant data is removed either as it is being written to disk or after data has been written in a second pass, using the software s own deduplication engine. Redundant data at separate backup nodes (e.g. targets) is removed, leaving a single copy. Dedupe to tape Cloud integration Array integration Advanced VM/file backup Restore to dissimilar hardware End-user self-service Deduplicated data can be backed up to and restored from tape media. Data can be backed up to a supported third-party public or vendor-provided cloud environment. Solution is capable of using snapshot features from major storage array products beyond VSS. VMs are automatically discovered and protected as they move, change, or come online. Backup data can be restored to different hardware then the hardware from which it was backed up. Solution provides full support for end users to perform selfservice backup and recovery of data. For an explanation of how Advanced Features are determined, see Information Presentation Feature Ranks (Stop Lights) in the Appendix. 11

12 Each vendor offers a different feature set; concentrate on what your organization needs Evaluated Features Acronis Source Dedupe Target Dedupe Global Dedupe Dedupe to Tape Cloud Integration Array Integration VM/file backup Restore to Dissimilar hw End-user Self-Service CA Technologies CommVault Dell AppAssure EMC HP Microsoft NSB Quest Software Symantec Unitrends Legend =Feature fully present =Feature partially present/pending =Feature Unsatisfactory For an explanation of how Advanced Features are determined, see Information Presentation Feature Ranks (Stop Lights) in the Appendix. 12

13 Organizations engaged in virtualization and cloud computing may desire a backup solution that supports cloud targets Integration of backup with cloud storage can provide organizations with more flexibility when it comes to archiving and disaster recovery. 1 Proprietary (Vendor Supported) Cloud Storage Cloud Support 2 3 Why Scenarios? In reviewing the products included in each Vendor Landscape TM, certain use-cases come to the forefront. Whether those use-cases are defined by applicability in certain locations, relevance for certain industries, or as strengths in delivering a specific capability, Info- Tech recognizes those use-cases as Scenarios, and calls attention to them where they exist. Microsoft Azure Amazon Web Services For an explanation of how Scenarios are determined, see Information Presentation Scenarios in the Appendix. 13

14 Organizations that deploy array-based storage should consider vendors that will integrate well with their infrastructure Storage array integration is core for organizations who want to leverage storage features such as snapshot capabilities Storage Array Integration Support for arrays from multiple vendors Why Scenarios? In reviewing the products included in each Vendor Landscape TM, certain use-cases come to the forefront. Whether those use-cases are defined by applicability in certain locations, relevance for certain industries, or as strengths in delivering a specific capability, Info- Tech recognizes those use-cases as Scenarios, and calls attention to them where they exist. Support for proprietary arrays only Support for Windows VSS-certified arrays only For an explanation of how Scenarios are determined, see Information Presentation Scenarios in the Appendix. 14

15 Smaller organizations with limited IT resources require a backup software solution that is intuitive and easy-to-use Backup solutions with a high level of usability include straightforward UIs, end-user self-service, and simplified deployment and management Ease of Use Why Scenarios? In reviewing the products included in each Vendor Landscape TM, certain use-cases come to the forefront. Whether those use-cases are defined by applicability in certain locations, relevance for certain industries, or as strengths in delivering a specific capability, Info- Tech recognizes those use-cases as Scenarios, and calls attention to them where they exist. Exemplary Performers CommVault s unified code base makes it easy to manage the entire infrastructure from one pane of glass. Simpana 9 includes automatic discovery and deployment options, remote operations services, and migration tools. End users are also supported in executing their own backups and recoveries. Symantec Backup Exec 2012 has completely redesigned its UI in an effort to make it easier to use. It leverages a single console for most aspects of backup and recovery management and offers advanced reporting functionality. Unitrends Enterprise Backup offers a single pane of glass for the management of appliances, storage systems, and client computers. With an adaptive UI that can scale up or down based on the user s level of experience, Unitrends is able to improve ease of use, without compromising functionality. For an explanation of how Scenarios are determined, see Information Presentation Scenarios in the Appendix. 15

16 Symantec Backup Exec is the market share leader and an excellent backup solution for Windows environments Champion Product: Employees: Headquarters: Website: Founded: Presence: Backup Exec ,000+ Mountain View, CA Symantec.com 1982 NASDAQ: SYMC 3 year TCO for this solution falls into pricing tier 6, between $50,000 and $100,000 $1 $1M+ Pricing solicited from public sources. Overview Symantec is the largest provider of security software in the world and the market share leader in the backup software market. Backup Exec 2012 is a single platform for all backup needs, including physical, virtual, and cloud backup. Strengths Backup Exec makes available granular recovery technology, enabling files to be restored without requiring restore of entire systems. Backup Exec uses an OpenStorage Technology API, allowing direct integration of hardware with Backup Exec software. This allows snapshots to be managed by the solution and enables recovery of snapshots from the backup software. From a single console it is possible to manage all aspects of the solution. Backup Exec s new user interface simplifies the management of backup jobs. Offers multi-platform support, including support for major public cloud providers. Challenges Backup Exec 2012 was launched with a new user interface in the spring of While the interface is intended to make the product simpler to use, customers of previous versions report difficulty in adjusting to the change. Symantec s roadmap includes making the transition smoother for these users. 16

17 Symantec Backup Exec is feature-rich backup and recovery solution Vendor Landscape Product Vendor Overall Features Usability Afford. Arch. Overall Viability Strategy Reach Channel Supported Hypervisors Value Index 98 Features 2nd out of 11 Source Dedupe Target Dedupe Global Dedupe Dedupe to Tape Cloud Integration Array Integration VM Backup Restore to Dissimilar HW End-user Self-Service Info-Tech Recommends: Backup Exec is an ideal cost-effective solution for small to mid-sized organizations with homogeneous Windows environments. It is a solid product that provides key features with a user-friendly UI. 17