Backup and recovery software
Traditionally, backup and recovery software products had one purpose -- to make a copy of your data. But over the past few years, backup software products have evolved to include a whole host of functionality. Technologies such as continuous data protection (CDP), snapshot, data deduplication, replication, backup reporting tools and even data archiving have become features of, or are tightly integrated with, enterprise-class backup software applications. This section offers news and expert advice on data backup applications and tools from vendors such as Veritas Technologies, Dell EMC, IBM, Commvault, Veeam Software and others. This section also explores how backup software integrates with public clouds.
Top Stories
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Tip
03 Mar 2026
Implement backup reporting for improved data governance
Data visibility and governance are more important than ever in 2026. Reporting can help ensure that your organization understands what it has in its data backups. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Feb 2026
Why you should be using backup monitoring software
To protect data, creating backups is not enough anymore. Backup monitoring software can help make sure those backups are ready to use, compliant with regulations and meeting SLAs. Continue Reading
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News
19 Apr 2018
Actifio backup makes the grade for digital learning provider
With cyberattacks a constant threat, Actifio provides protection through a data-centric approach and an air gap. Customers can recover to a safe point in time in minutes. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Apr 2018
Veritas NetBackup (Symantec NetBackup)
Veritas NetBackup -- known as Symantec NetBackup from 2005 to 2016 -- is a backup and recovery software suite designed for enterprise users. Continue Reading
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News
02 Apr 2018
Nutanix HCI, Nakivo backup go straight into Compton schools
The Compton, Calif., school district reduces its data center server and storage footprint with Nutanix hyper-convergence and simplifies data backup with Nakivo software. Continue Reading
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News
26 Mar 2018
Rubrik backup for Nutanix HCI makes hospitals' IT healthy
Hospitals' IT team liked Nutanix hyper-converged infrastructure for primary storage so much, it went with converged backup vendor Rubrik for data protection. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Mar 2018
What DPM monitoring options are there?
Administrators tasked with checking the status of System Center Data Protection Manager have a few choices, some of which are better suited for larger DPM deployments. Continue Reading
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News
28 Feb 2018
Nakivo Backup & Replication software gets automated
Nakivo updates its software for quick and automated recovery. While the vendor has a focus on virtual data protection, it has expanded to include cloud support. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Feb 2018
Converged backup and recovery strategies offer efficiency, reliability
Are you confident in your backup and recovery strategy? Make sure you have locked down the speed, testing and security of both processes to recover data appropriately. Continue Reading
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News
15 Feb 2018
Cohesity DataPlatform now spans file, object storage
Cohesity's DataPlatform tackles unstructured data through SpanFS, which manages file and object storage and expands the vendor's converged secondary storage platform. Continue Reading
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News
15 Feb 2018
Veritas CloudPoint aims for multi-cloud data protection
CloudPoint 2.0 now includes built-in content indexing from snapshots, application persistent snapshots and auto discovery of new cloud instances in Microsoft and Google clouds. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Feb 2018
Cohesity DataPlatform 4
Cohesity's converged data protection product, DataPlatform, integrates appliances with backup, archiving and data analytics while shrinking secondary storage's data footprint. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Feb 2018
Rubrik Cloud Data Management (Alta 4.0)
Rubrik extends the boundaries of secondary storage, updating the latest release of its data management platform to support more hypervisors and Oracle Recovery Manager. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Feb 2018
Acronis Storage 2
Acronis' data protection and software-defined storage product features CloudRAID and Notary with blockchain, and is used as a back end for Acronis cloud offerings. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Feb 2018
Veeam Availability Suite 9.5
Following podium finishes the last two years, Veeam again wins over judges with its Availability Suite. The 9.5 edition added physical support, integrations and Office 365 backup. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Feb 2018
Rubrik Datos IO RecoverX 2.0 (formerly Datos IO RecoverX 2.0)
Rubrik performed well on the innovation front with its Datos IO RecoverX 2.0. Judges praised the software's semantic deduplication and eventually consistent data backup. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Feb 2018
How do I build data protection policies in SCDPM 2016?
One size does not fit all when administrators develop a protection policy for specific applications. Learn about the configuration options in System Center DPM 2016. Continue Reading
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News
05 Feb 2018
Dell EMC unveils the DD3300, its latest Data Domain appliance
Dell EMC's latest addition to the Data Domain line targets SMBs and enterprises with remote offices. The system includes Data Domain Boost technology and cloud tiering software. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jan 2018
Data backup and recovery software: 2017 Products of the Year finalists
The backup and disaster recovery software and services finalists include established vendors and newer entrants, offering a wide range of protection across platforms. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jan 2018
Data backup tools: Users want to handle more data more easily
Businesses want data backup that handles more data than ever, but with software and hardware that's easier to implement and manage than what they're already using. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Jan 2018
How does Data Protection Manager 2016 save and restore data?
Data Protection Manager 2016 works with a wide range of enterprise applications, but administrators need to be aware that some backup types do not work with every program. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Dec 2017
The flat backup, or backup-less backup, data protection option
With snapshot-based backup techniques and copy data management, you can effectively recover lost or damaged data without relying on traditional backup software. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Sep 2017
What are some ghost image creation issues?
A ghost image can be used to copy the contents of one server to another for backup, but the process of creating ghost images may not be as simple as it seems. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jul 2017
Lost and found: Use an Exchange recovery database to restore data
PowerShell can come to the rescue to restore messages and other items from an Exchange 2016 recovery database when trouble strikes -- or when lawyers make requests. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jun 2017
Reduxio Systems adds CDM, DR upgrades to TimeOS
Reduxio rolls out its third version of TimeOS storage software, adding NoRestore copy data management and NoMigrate DR. The vendor claims to deliver zero downtime and data loss. Continue Reading
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News
08 May 2017
Dell EMC IDPA changes vendor's backup strategy
The Dell EMC Integrated Data Protection Appliance is the vendor's first integrated enterprise backup target. What does this mean for physical Data Domain appliances? Continue Reading
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Opinion
03 Apr 2017
Essential elements of copy data management
The next chapter written in the book of computer science should be all about management of copy data, the core function of IT. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Mar 2017
How easy is a Veritas Backup Exec 16 upgrade from another version?
With the right planning, transitioning to Backup Exec 16 from an earlier version can be smooth sailing, preserving data directories and retaining most settings. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Feb 2017
Quest Rapid Recovery incremental backup software saves data in a flash
Quest Software's block-level, incremental backup software provides in-place recovery, integration with Microsoft VSS and tight recovery point and recovery time objectives. Continue Reading
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Guide
09 Feb 2017
Best data storage products 2016: Products of the Year
Learn more about the best data storage products for 2016 in backup/DR software, backup hardware, storage and SAN management, server-based storage, and all-flash and disk/hybrid. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2017
Veritas Backup Exec 16: Two major supporting features shine
Dig deeper into Veritas Technologies' Backup Exec 16 software, which can protect the 2016 edition of Hyper-V and support several cloud storage architectures. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Nov 2016
Everything you need to know about snapshotting
Though backups are a core element of a basic data protection strategy, Jason Buffington explains why storage snapshots and replication are must-haves as well. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Sep 2016
Veritas, Veeam top choices of data backup app users
Data backup app users are tough critics, but Veritas NetBackup and Veeam Backup & Replication won over users in this year's Quality Awards. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Mar 2016
A look at data backup techniques: Recovery-in-place
Explore recovery-in-place technology to see if it is the right fit for your organization. But be aware that this data backup method requires some up-front planning. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Dec 2015
Data protection methods: Mounting backups vs. recovering from backups
Mounting a virtual machine image can save time, but there's a penalty to pay for the convenience. We list the questions to ask when deciding which data protection method to employ. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Nov 2015
How to choose the right snapshot method
Snapshots and replication have become data protection tools of choice, but finding the right snapshot method for your data center can be challenging. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Oct 2015
What is NetBackup Instant Recovery for VMware?
Symantec's NetBackup Instant Recovery for VMware feature can provide organizations with instant recovery capabilities, but backup server power issues can be a concern. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Sep 2015
Would you ever perform Oracle backups without RMAN?
While RMAN is typically used for Oracle backups, it is possible and sometimes necessary to use a different backup method. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Sep 2015
Data backup and disaster recovery made simple
Many backup products include DR, enabling users to manage both tasks from the same platform. Learn how to streamline data backup and disaster recovery. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Sep 2015
Which vendors support Oracle RMAN backup and recovery?
It's important to carefully analyze if a given backup software platform supports Oracle RMAN backup and recovery, as the level of support varies from vendor to vendor. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Apr 2015
Avoid Docker host backup issues on Hyper-V virtual machines
Learn about common issues associated with Docker host backup on Hyper-V and how to avoid them. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Mar 2015
How do you choose between file- and block-level replication?
Block- and file-level replication each offer important benefits, but for different applications. Learn the use cases of each in this Expert Answer. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Mar 2015
Are there tools that help users migrate from one backup product to another?
Backup software vendors such as CommVault offer services and/or software that assist customers with migrating from a competing product. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Mar 2015
How do you perform Docker backup?
Few backup software providers offer Docker container backup support, but is there a way to back up Docker containers with any backup software? Continue Reading
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Guide
11 Feb 2015
Best data storage products 2014: Products of the Year
A panel of users, analysts, consultants and Storage magazine and SearchStorage editors voted these 19 products the best of 2014. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Dec 2014
Dealing with Active Directory restore challenges
What are the biggest challenges with backing up Active Directory? Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Dec 2014
What does CommVault Simpana 10 error code 19:757 mean?
What does CommVault Simpana 10 error code 19:757 mean and how do I resolve it? Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Dec 2014
What does CommVault Simpana 10 error code 19:861 mean?
What does CommVault Simpana 10 Error code 19:861 mean and how do I resolve it? Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Nov 2014
What is Data Domain Boost and what is it used for?
SearchDataBackup Senior Site Editor Andrew Burton explains what EMC's Data Domain Boost software is designed for, how it works, and which products it supports in this Expert Answer. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Nov 2014
What is Simpana OnePass and how does it work?
Learn about this feature of CommVault's Simpana backup software platform aimed at streamlining backup and archiving processes and reducing the amount of data stored across the two. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Sep 2014
Backing up Linux VMs running on Microsoft Hyper-V
Independent backup expert Brien Posey explains what you should know about backing up Linux VMs running on Microsoft Hyper-V. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Aug 2014
The truth about using snapshot technology as data protection
Marc Staimer discusses using snapshot technology in your data protection strategy and outlines issues you should know about before opting for this approach. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Apr 2014
Resolving CommVault Simpana error code 91:29
Independent backup expert Brien Posey details what causes CommVault Simpana error 91:29 and how to resolve it in this Expert Answer. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Mar 2014
Ten common reasons for VM restore failure
When a VM restore fails, you must troubleshoot quickly. Event logs are a good start, but can be cryptic. Here are 10 causes of VM restore failures. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Feb 2014
Misconceptions about using a single platform for backup and archive
Brien Posey discusses how backup and archive can be accomplished using a single software platform today and common misconceptions about this approach. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Dec 2013
Crash-consistent vs. application-consistent backups of virtual machines
Marc Staimer of Dragon Slayer Consulting compares crash-consistent and application-consistent backups of virtual machines in this Expert Answer. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Oct 2013
Modern backup alternatives
With more data to protect, weekly fulls and nightly incrementals may not be enough. It's time to look at alternatives to traditional backup processes. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Sep 2013
Using PowerShell for bare-metal recovery
Brien Posey shows you how to create backup in PowerShell that is suitable for performing a bare-metal recovery. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2013
Pros and cons of the integrated data backup appliance
Data center backup solutions are complicated; hence, the integrated data backup appliance. George Crump examines whether it is the right approach. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 May 2013
IPhone vs. Android backup
Eric Slack of Storage Switzerland compares iPhone and Android backup in this Expert Answer. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 May 2013
Microsoft ReFS backup: Ensuring compatibility and testing
Independent backup expert Brien Posey outlines important considerations for Microsoft ReFS backup in this tip. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Oct 2012
Performing Microsoft System Center DPM bare-metal recovery
Bare-metal recovery with Microsoft System Center DPM is easier than you might think. Brien Posey explains the process in this tip. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Mar 2012
The value of VMware’s Changed Block Tracking (CBT)
VMware’s Changed Block Tracking is an important part of VMware’s efforts to simplify and improve the VMware virtual machine backup process. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jan 2012
Active Directory restores: How to restore deleted objects
Brien Posey shows how to perform an Active Directory restore using authoritative and non-authoritative techniques. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jan 2012
IIS backup: How to protect Microsoft Internet Information Services
This tip offers information about how to perform a Microsoft IIS backup. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jan 2012
Five Microsoft DPM errors and how to prevent them
Microsoft DPM can produce a wide variety of errors. This article discusses how to solve five common errors that you are likely to encounter. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Oct 2011
The importance of Symantec's OpenStorage Technology in backup today
Learn about why Symantec's OpenStorage Technology (OST) and its role in backup and recovery today. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Oct 2011
Backing up a Windows Server 2008 group policy
While a Windows Server 2008 group policy is copied automatically, it is easier to manage when you make your own group policy-specific backup. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Sep 2011
Wbadmin backup tips for backing up Windows
The Windows Wbadmin backup command can appear deceptively simple to use. In this tip, we'll teach you the basics of using Wbadmin and its commands. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Sep 2011
Printer backup and recovery tips
Learn the best way to back up and recover your printers when you upgrade a server from Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jul 2011
Microsoft's Hyper-V snapshots offer quick VM backups, but with limits
Microsoft’s Hyper-V snapshots offer a quick way to back up virtual machines during upgrades, but they’re no substitute for long-term archives. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jun 2011
Five IBM Tivoli Storage Manager backup errors and how to prevent them
Learn how to correct the top five IBM Tivoli Storage Manager backup errors in this tip from backup expert Pierre Dorion. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Feb 2011
The changing face of iPhone data backup and recovery
iPhones can boost end-user productivity, but they also create backup headaches. Learn how to manage iPhone data backup and recovery in this tip. Continue Reading
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News
21 Dec 2010
Top data backup software trends: Source dedupe and virtual machine backup
Source dedupe, improved virtual machine backup top list of 2010 trends in data backup software; snapshots, replication, and CDP also poised for long-term impact on traditional backup. Continue Reading
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News
16 Dec 2010
LTO-5 tape can't stop backup hardware trend toward disk
Faster, denser LTO-5 tape can't stop backup hardware trend toward disk backup and data deduplication devices; leading backup software vendors partner for new disk backup appliances. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Dec 2010
Best data backup technology tips of 2010
Start 2011 off right and read our best data backup technology tips of 2010, and get the best advice from our data backup experts. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Nov 2010
Choosing the best Oracle backup strategy for your environment
Find out which Oracle backup strategy is right for you in this FAQ: user-managed backups, RMAN or import/export backups. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Sep 2010
VM backup strategies: Backing up virtual machines in VMware vSphere
Problems backing up virtual machines? Learn about the latest VM backup strategies when backing up VMs in VMware vSphere. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Sep 2010
How to back up and restore domain controllers with Windows Server Backup
Learn how to back up and restore domain controllers with Windows Server Backup in this backup tip by Brien Posey. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Sep 2010
CommVault Simpana 8 backup tips: Storage policies and data retention
Learn important data backup tips using CommVault Simpana 8 about storage policies and data retention. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Aug 2010
Common NAS backup challenges
Curtis Preston discusses some of the most common challenges associated with NAS backups, the pros and cons of NDMP and other technologies that help simplify NAS backup in this Q&A. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
23 Aug 2010
Quest vRanger Pro 4.5 backup and recovery tutorial
Quest recently released vRanger Pro 4.5. This tutorial will review the new version and provide some tips and other helpful information for using vRanger Pro 4.5. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jul 2010
Troubleshooting common NDMP backup errors
Learn how to troubleshoot the most common NDMP backup errors, and what you can do to prevent them. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Mar 2010
Network server backup best practices: Backing up clustered servers
Backing up network servers can be tricky, especially if you're backing up clustered servers. Learn clustered server backup best practices in this tip. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Dec 2009
Using different types of storage snapshot technologies for data protection
Storage snapshots are commonly used to enhance data protection systems and dramatically shorten recovery time objectives (RTOs) and recovery point objectives (RPOs). Here's a look at the different types of snapshot technologies and the pros and cons of each. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Oct 2009
Data backup and recovery FAQs
Check out our FAQs for information on a variety of topics from tape backup to data deduplication to CDP and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Aug 2009
Solutions for backing up open files in a Microsoft Windows environment
Just because a file is open doesn't mean it shouldn't be backed up. Learn solutions for backing up open files in a Windows environment in this tip. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jul 2009
Using Symantec Backup Exec Advanced Open File Option
Symantec Backup Exec has been around for more than a decade. Learn about using its Advanced Open File Option to back up open files. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Jul 2009
Symantec Veritas NetBackup best practices: Using the maximum jobs per client setting
This is the second in a multi-part series discussing Symantec Corp. Veritas NetBackup best practices to help you make the right choices for your data backup system. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jun 2009
Symantec Backup Exec troubleshooting performance tips
If you're using Backup Exec and your performance isn't what it should be, some troubleshooting may be in order. Here's a list of potential things to look out for. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jun 2009
Troubleshooting data backup error log messages
Knowing what how to read your data backup error log messages can help you save time fixing common backup problems. Learn about the most common backup error messages in this tip. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Apr 2009
EMC NetWorker backup best practices
Brien Posey shares EMC NetWorker backup best practices and troubleshooting tips in this article on EMC NetWorker backup. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Apr 2009
IBM Tivoli Storage Manager backup software tips
IBM Tivoli Storage Manager (TSM) has been a popular data backup software product for more than 15 years. Learn about TSM implementation best practices, and how to troubleshoot common Tivoli Storage Manager issues. Continue Reading
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News
26 Mar 2009
Oracle backup and recovery best practices
Backing up Oracle is one of the most important tasks a backup/storage administrator can do today. Learn about backup best practices with Recovery Manager and Automatic Storage Manager. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
11 Mar 2009
Data backup and recovery technology tutorials
Learn about the latest data backup and recovery technology trends in our technology tutorials. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Dec 2008
How to back up and restore a certificate store
One type of server that is critical to back up is your enterprise certificate authority. If you lose your certificates, you lose data. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Nov 2008
Data deduplication methods: Block-level versus byte-level dedupe
Block-level and byte-level data deduplication methods deliver the benefit of optimizing storage capacity. When, where and how the processes work should be reviewed for your data backup environment and its specific requirements before selecting one approach over another. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Oct 2008
Top 10 things to ask a vendor when buying backup software
Before you rush out to buy new data backup software, here are 10 questions you should ask potential backup vendors to help you decide what is best for your backup environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Sep 2008
Backup and recovery basics: Testing your backups
All too often testing is the missing step in making backups. This tip explores how often you should be testing your backups and some things to look out for. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Sep 2008
The pros and cons of file-level vs. block-level data deduplication technology
Some data deduplication approaches operate at the file level, while others examine data at a block level. This tip explores advantages and disadvantages of each method. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Aug 2008
The differences between block-based and file-based data backup
This tip examines the differences between block-based and file-based data backup and will help you choose what's best for you. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 May 2008
What is server-free backup, and how does it work?
Server-free backup is an umbrella term for two different kinds of backup. The general distinction is that it is backup that is going to be done outside of the server that is being backed up -- hence the name. Some of the methods for doing server-free backup actually use another server, so some people don't consider them server free. Continue Reading