Computer Associates BrightStor ARCserve Backup for Windows v9
The latest version of BrightStor ARCserve Backup v9 delivers better performance, easier administration, and a broader range of compatible devices for Windows-based networks over the last version. Originally developed for Novell Netware servers, ARCserve has gone on to support Windows and Unix/Linux as well.
You can also run the most common functions directly from the command line in the same way as you can on NetWorker 7. There's support for multiple NICs, which enable you to configure a dedicated backup path, and it supports NAS devices using Network Data Management Protocol (NDMP).
ARCserve Backup has the ability to manage multiple backup jobs, devices, and databases from one single view. It uses a central repository to store backup information that can be used to allow any ARCserve Backup server to access and manage storage tasks on multiple servers. It also has a management interface that can be run on the host system or remotely to manage multiple back-up servers running on different platforms. It has a Web-styled interface with familiar navigation buttons like you would see on a browser.
ARCserve features backup and restore wizards that allow novice users to easily and quickly carry out tasks. There are also shortcut buttons for more experienced users. The interface was generally well laid out and simple to use.
CA's main interface
Integrated into ARCserve is a virus scanner that scans the data for viruses as it's being backed up. This is a great idea, however by running the virus scanner during a backup job, you may slow the rate at which you transfer data onto tape, especially if there are files that have to be cleaned. ARCserve Backup also supports media rotation and bar coding for tape libraries, and parallel streaming of data.
ARCserve can produce extensive pre-defined job reports, session reports, and session details. These reports can be extremely useful when attempting to fine-tune your backup processes.
Then there are the add-on extras. There are quite a few of these and they can end up blowing your budget right out, but at least this way you don't have to pay for extras you don't need. You can add database agents, which will enable you to backup your database while it's in use (also called a hot backup). Support is offered for all the leading databases like Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Exchange Server, Lotus Domino, and SAP. There's also a SAN and NAS option, tape RAID, image (snapshot), and disaster recovery options.
Many of the installation steps have been simplified and automated in this version. We tested the performance of the software by backing up the same data with and without the virus scanner enabled. To our surprise there wasn't a dramatic decrease in performance (note we didn't attempt to transfer actual viruses onto tape). Curing actual viruses may take a while and you should be wary of this especially if you have a short backup window.
| Product: | Computer Associates BrightStor ARCserve Backup for Windows v9 |
| Price: | From AU$1210. |
| Vendor: | Computer Associates |
| Phone: | 1800 999 985 |
| Web: | www.ca.com |
| Interoperability: |
Supports a broad range of platforms. |
| Futureproofing: |
½
Not as scaleable as LEGATO NetWorker. |
| ROI: |
Least expensive base product; options are cheaper as well. |
| Service: |
Good range of support options. |
| Rating: |
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