BackupAssist
 | |
 | |
| Developer(s) | Cortex IT Labs |
|---|---|
| Stable release |
V9.5 / October 27, 2016
|
| Development status | Active |
| Operating system |
Microsoft Windows Server (2003 or later). Microsoft Small Business Server (2003 or later). Windows OS (XP or later). |
| Type | Data Backup & Disaster Recovery software |
| License | Commercial proprietary |
| Website | https://www.backupassist.com/ |
BackupAssist is a backup and disaster recovery software for physical and virtual Windows servers. The software is modular, meaning customers can pick and choose what they want in their server protection software. It provides specialized protection for Microsoft Windows Server, Windows Small Business Server, Hyper-V, Active Directory, Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft SQL Server.[1] Other add-ons provide remote backup and recovery for branch offices and roaming users, and tape backup.
Product Features
BackupAssist can perform full image backup and replication. These can be full or incremental. Backups can be compressed and encrypted with up to 265-bit AES. Backup Verification (also known as Backup Validation) can be performed before, during and/or after a backup job to make sure it is performed successfully. It offers granular restoration (recovery of file-level items or smaller data pockets) for SQL, Exchange, and Hyper-V servers. In the case of Exchange Servers, this includes items like e-mails, contacts, attachments and calendar data.
Using Rapid Recovery, lost or damaged Hyper-V Guests can be instantly brought back online with BackupAssist. Rapid Recovery involves running the guest off their backup media to ensure zero downtime. While the Hyper-V guest runs off the backup media, a full recovery can be performed.
Near-continuous backups and point-in-time restores of SQL Servers can be performed with BackupAssist, reducing Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) to five minutes.
BackupAssist offers a module that supports remote backup and recovery using Rsync. Data transmissions happen on the bit level in order to minimize bandwidth consumption. Data transmission is done incrementally using single-instance storage (SIS).
With virtual machines, BackupAssist is licensed per host, not per socket or VM.
MultiSite Manager
Multiple installations of BackupAssist can be managed remotely via a web app called Multisite Manager. Management can be performed on the WAN, LAN, machine or backup job level. Through the app, data backup and restore jobs can be remotely scheduled. The app also allows for the remote deployment of BackupAssist to machines without it, remote report and license management. User accounts can be created with selected site permissions.
History
BackupAssist started as a software project designed to overcome shortcomings with NTBackup on Windows NT and 2000. In 2002, BackupAssist was released, and has since expanded from its humble roots to cater to all sorts of data solutions.
Major Releases [2]
| Version | Year | Major Changes and Improvements |
|---|---|---|
| 9.5 | 2016 | Windows 10 OS Support, Remote Deployment through MultiSite Manager, Rapid VM recovery of Multiple Guests, Exchange 2016 Support, increased backup verification speed, better iSCSI target detection. |
| 9.0 | 2015 | Added Rapid VM recovery, Hyper-V tab, Bootable Backup Media, VHDX Data Containers, Integrated Restore Console, 40% faster backup speeds. |
| 8 | 2014 | Supports BitLocker protection for image backups, enhanced support for Hyper-V and CSV environments, improved Hyper-V restore console, improved Backup Verification, deduplicated backup information to reports. |
| 7 | 2013 | Introduced new UI, Central Administration, upgraded VHD support and VSS diagnostics, Exchange Granular Restore, upgraded Data Container support, third-party diagnostic tools for recovery environments, live Exchange mail item restore. |
| 6 | 2010 | Added VSS application and System State backup, iSCSI backups, Italian Language support, Mailbox Restore, ZIP-to-Tape, RecoverAssist environment. |
| 5 | 2008 | Introduced File Replication Engine, Hyper-V Backup, AES 265 Encryption, VSS Awareness, Rsync Internet Backup, Granular VM and file restoration, ZIP multi-threading, NTFS streaming. |
| 4 | 2007 | Added 64 bit OS Support. Application rewritten in .NET framework. Extensive hardware support, enhanced media rotation, speedier restores, updated reporting system. |
| 3 | 2004 | Added SQL Server & SQL Continuous, Exchange backup support, improved backup to file capabilities, improved UI, add-on modules, advanced authentication checking. |
| 2 | 2003 | Introduced Grandfather-Father-Son scheduling, backup logging, improved configuration wizard, customizable tape rotation, multiple e-mail recipients, automatic network drive mapping, customizable tape labels and reminders emails. |
| 1 | 2002 | Initial release. |
Reception
- 4.5/5 Stars Download.com[3]
- 10 / 10 toptenreviews.com[4]
See also
References
- ↑ "Solutions - BackupAssist". Tucows. Archived from the original on 23 July 2008. Retrieved 7 July 2008.
- ↑ "BackupAssist version history page". BackupAssist. Retrieved 15 May 2005.
- ↑ "4.5/5 Star Review for BackupAssist". Download.com. Retrieved 20 April 2012.
- ↑ "10 / 10 awarded to BackupAssist". toptenreviews.com. Retrieved 3 January 2015.