LAS VEGAS – Symantec Corp. has announced the latest versions of Backup Exec and Backup Exec System Recovery that now includes comprehensive data protection and recovery of virtual and physical systems.

Backup Exec 12.5 now offers data protection for VMware ESX Server and Microsoft’s Hyper-V Systems. Features include the ability to take one agent to support an unlimited amount of guest machines running on a virtual host.

It will automatically discover and backup unlimited guest machines to disk or tape with a single agent and offers granular file-level and image-level recovery with a single backup.

“Virtualization is the hottest topic out there and a trend in the industry,” said Sean Davidson, director of product marketing for Symantec’s Backup Exec.

Also new with version 12.5 is support for Windows Server 2008, Windows Small Business Server 2008 and Windows Essential Business Server 2008 in order to achieve complete Windows recovery from data corruption, human error or IT disasters.

Additionally, there is new Windows 2008 integration and application protection. For Windows Essential Business Server, this includes integrated data protection through the Microsoft Server Administration Console. There is new SQL 2008 data protection and integrated support for file stream and SQL database compression.

“This is sent over the LAN to lower network overhead,” said Davison.

On the application side, Symantec has ramped up support of granular recovery for SharePoint to recover not only folders and files but calendar items as well.

Also new with Backup Exec 12.5 is a remote media agent for Linux servers. According to Davison, this optimizes tape and disk storage for Linux servers in a Backup Exec environment. As well, users can directly attach Linux and Oracle data to attached storage resources, including Shared Storage.

As well, version 12.5 features enhanced backup flexibility for NDMP NAS devices.

Users are now able to share tape and disk storage media between Backup Exec media servers and remote NDMP-enabled NAS devices. In addition, there is enhanced storage flexibility where users can backup remote NDMP devices to media servers and then to a direct attached tape library.

The new Backup Exec Infrastructure Manager 12.5, which is powered by Altiris, reduces the total cost of ownership in terms of license discovery, inventory, upgrade and patch management through one console. As well, with Infrastructure Manager 12.5, users are able to view and assess Backup Exec components and environment through an easy to manage UI.

“Historically, it has been a bit of a challenge to update Backup Exec, you can only go back two levels of releases,” said Davison. “With Backup Exec Infrastructure Manager, it makes it easier for us to go back and do upgrades as far back as four versions. It will be able to show the status of what levels those machines are running Backup Exec or running at all.

He added that this also allows partners in the channel to create a management infrastructure to be able to manage their customers’ Backup Exec infrastructure. “So there is a bit of a service model potential there.”

Backup Exec System Recovery 8.5 offers reduced system downtime with scheduled physical to virtual conversions that enable immediate system recovery. As well, enhancements include easy-to-use virtual conversion wizard that reduces management time and set-up. Version 8.5 also supports the latest virtual environments such as VMware ESX 3.5, Microsoft Hyper-V and Citrix XenServer 4.x.

Also new is disaster recovery with cold imaging technology.

“If a system goes down in a pre-boot state, data can be recovered or retrieved,” explained Davison.

The cold imaging technology provides backup to non-bootable or corrupt file systems; has enhanced forensics support for eDiscovery or post-mortem system analysis; and backups and recovers servers in secure or locked-down configurations.

The cold imaging technology provides another opportunity for the channel where they could turn the technology into a data recovery service, said Martin Ward, senior director of product marketing with Symantec’s data protection group.

As well, Backup Exec System Recovery Solution 8.5 helps simplify administration through centralized management. Features include centralized management of agents on servers or desktops; the ability to create backup policies and apply them to desired systems; and the capability to leverage other components within the management framework like workflow, asset and help desk. It also has been enhanced to support system recovery from Notification Server console.

Backup Exec 12.5 and Backup Exec System Recovery 8.5 will be available starting October 6, 2008. Pricing for Backup Exec 12.5 is $995 US for a media server license. Each additional agent or option can vary in price from $395 to $3,195. Backup Exec System Recovery 8.5 will be priced at $1,095 US per server and $69 per workstation. Backup Exec Infrastructure Manager 12.5 and Backup Exec System Recovery Solution 8.5 are set to be available in November. Pricing for Backup Exec Infrastructure Manager 12.5 will be $1995 US while Backup Exec System Recovery Solution 8.5 will be included with the purchase of Backup Exec System Recovery.

This column was written by Vanessa Ho of ConnectIT, an IntegratedMarCompany

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