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Symantec (NASDAQ: SYMC) is boosting the data deduplication capabilities of its Backup Exec and NetBackup software to improve its position in the fast-growing dedupe market.
Backup Exec 2010 for small businesses gets integrated data deduplication and archiving technology, and Symantec claims it is the first data backup and recovery solution to offer granular recovery of Microsoft Exchange, SQL and Active Directory in VMware (NYSE: VMW) and Hyper-V environments from a single pass backup. Backup Exec 2010 also gets new support for Microsoft Windows 2008 R2, Hyper-V R2, Exchange 2010, Windows 7 and VMware vSphere 4.0.
NetBackup 7 for enterprises also gets improved dedupe functionality, along with enhanced virtual machine protection and integrated replication.
Dedupe Saves on Data Storage Costs
Symantec cited an IDC study that found that 70 percent of data is duplicate and has not been accessed in more than 90 days. An integrated deduplication and archiving solution can save users 20 to 40 percent on their storage costs while allowing for critical data recovery, Symantec said.
Backup Exec now offers integrated deduplication at the client/source and media server, in addition to integration with third-party deduplication appliances through Symantec’s OpenStorage Technology (OST) program. Backup Exec dedupe technology doesn’t require an additional point product; just install the deduplication option, define the deduplication storage location and then target the backups to that location.
Backup Exec 2010 also lets organizations automate deduplicating backup sets from one media server to another over a WAN to reduce data across larger distributed environments, such as remote offices, for disaster recovery purposes and to eliminate local tape backup.
Backup Exec also gets two new archiving options for unified backup and archiving for Windows file systems and Exchange environments by archiving data from the backup copy, rather than separately pulling data from the source. The new archiving option is powered by a scaled-down version of Symantec Enterprise Vault technology, and administrators can set automated retention periods to migrate older, less critical data to less expensive storage environments.
The software also gets granular recovery for virtual Microsoft applications from a single pass backup, so users can recover granular data from Microsoft Exchange, SQL and Active Directory in VMware vSphere 4.0, VMware ESX or Microsoft Hyper-V R2 virtual environments faster. Administrators can restore or redirect an entire application or recover individual emails, mailboxes or files and folders from a guest machine from a single system backup. Deduplication can also be applied to VMware and Hyper-V client backups.
NetBackup 7 also offers client, media server and third-party appliance dedupe, and also gets new VM protection and replication features.
Symantec said the enterprise backup software standardizes backup of Hyper-V and VMware, increases the backup speed of virtual environments through both deduplication and block-level incremental backup technology, and offers single-file restore capabilities.
The integrated replication technology can help users transfer as much as 95 percent less data between locations, Symantec said. NetBackup 7 also gets a built-in reporting and management console called OpsCenter.
Symantec Backup Exec 2010 starts at $1,174 for a media server license and basic maintenance. The new Backup Exec 2010 suites that include deduplication and archiving have a suggested price of $2,708 to $3,888 with basic maintenance.
NetBackup 7 starts at $7,995 for an Enterprise Server and five client licenses.
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