Re: Best backup system or data recovery system?

Well, "best" is a sure way to start a vigorous discussion, but here are a few things to check into.

1. VDP - VMware Data Protection. I think this is included with all licenses (Standard, Enterprise, Enterprise +) in 5.1 anyhow.  It's available as an appliance, or as an install. It's pretty robust. It can back up 8 at a time, and you can add more VDPs for capacity. This is what we're using.
   1. License comparisons http://www.vmware.com/files/pdf/vsphere_pricing.pdf 
   2. vDP  http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=2016565
2. VEEAM (mentioned above) is also a great product. It now comes packaged with FastSCP, which used to be a separate VEEAM product but is now included in the VEAAM free backup suite. Fast SCP is supposed to be 6x faster than other SCP utilities.
3. Unitrends also has a robust backup appliance with a free version. I think the free version does 4 VMs like VEEAM does. http://www.unitrends.com/unitrends-enterprise-backup/download

Hope this helps.

JL

Message was edited by: JLackman - minor grammar update