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Retrospect Backup Multi Server

This is a solution designed for the SME market. (We reviewed version 6, but 6.5 is now available.) Instead of simply making incremental backups Retrospect Backup uses backup sets to ensure all data can be recovered. Whereas many solutions only copy the new or changed part of a file, Retrospect keeps a set of all changed data so that if you later find that the version you have been working on has errors in it you can call back the 'best' version. Saved to your hard drive as well as to the server, a user can quickly call up and restore the version that they need to refer back to.

Retrospect Backup performs three different types of backup. A Recycle backup deletes a backup set and adds all files, and a New Media backup creates a new backup set, copying all the files not included. Again this represents all files. Once installed, scripts can also be introduced to enable Scheduled backup using predetermined information supplied by the administrator. This information contains source, destination and other criteria, which enables a backup session to scan and back up one volume at a time, requiring less memory than an immediate backup.

Client software and licenses are unlimited with version 6 of Retrospect Backup, so you can ensure that all workstations and laptop computers are also protected. There is even a Proactive Client Backup option, which enables a backup script that can prioritize by choosing to back up those computers that are most out of date. This means Retrospect will ensure that a computer logged in will be prioritized if the previous backup did not include it because it was not connected at that time. This is especially good for mobile users who may not be on the network constantly.

Creating a bootable CD for recovery purposes does not have to be accomplished while a computer is up and running either. A bootable CD can be made from the image of the backup and then used to recover and restore the afflicted machine, making this feature a bit of a life saver. Web servers, email, and directories can also benefit from Retrospect Backup as it has a multi-volume open file backup feature, allowing all your line of business applications to be backed up too, ensuring continuity.

Product title
Retrospect Backup Multi Server
Product info
Name: Retrospect Backup Multi Server (Disaster Recovery group test) Description: Price: $1,299
Strength
Good system of backup allows mistakes to be rectified by retrieving older copy from backup sets. Covers all your line of business applications too.
Weakness
Nothing.
Verdict
A well thought out professional approach to backup for the SME market.

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