Written by Lubna Amathul Wadhoodh
In this two part blog post, we will delve into a compelling Veeam alternative that stands out in the realm of data backup and recovery – BDRSuite. We will discuss the features and functionalities that set BDRSuite apart from Veeam Backup & Replication, highlighting its strengths in backup, recovery, and replication.
[ READ PART 2 OF THIS ARTICLE ]
Introducing BDRSuite: A Powerful Veeam Alternative
BDRSuite is the most cost-effective backup and disaster recovery solution that offers comprehensive data protection for diverse IT environments – Virtual (VMware, Hyper-V, KVM), Server (Windows, Linux), SaaS (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace), Endpoint (Windows, Linux, Mac), Cloud (AWS, Azure) and Applications (Microsoft Exchange Server, SQL Server, SharePoint Server and MySQL).
For cloud backup needs, BDRCloud is a cloud backup and recovery software from BDRSuite Platform, for SaaS applications, Servers, Endpoints and Applications.
BDRSuite extends its offerings to Managed Service Providers (MSP) and Cloud Service Providers (CSP) with a dedicated MSP Backup Solution. This enables service providers to deliver top-notch data protection services to their clients, enhancing their business offerings.
With its adaptability and extensive support for various IT setups, BDRSuite proves to be an ideal choice for SMBs, Enterprises, and Service Providers.
What Sets BDRSuite Apart from Veeam
In this part-1, we will explore the key features that make BDRSuite stand out from Veeam in terms of backup performance and backup data management.
1. Centralized Backup Management
Veeam offers various standalone modules for different types of workloads such as Microsoft 365, AWS which doesn’t provide a complete centralization.
BDRSuite takes the hassle out of backup management by offering centralized control for all workloads – virtual, physical, cloud, and SaaS, through a user-friendly web console. This centralized approach empowers businesses to have complete access and control over their entire backup infrastructure, with extensive reporting capabilities and email notifications to keep you informed.
2. BDRSuite’s Approach to Backup Data Storage
BDRSuite employs a patent and unique approach to backup data storage, storing backup data blocks in smaller chunks and utilizing a relational database for metadata storage. It’s a smart and efficient way to manage backup data storage, ensuring both speed and cost-effectiveness.
Some of the key use cases for this approach include:
Faster restores: BDRSuite’s RDBMS-based approach allows for quick access and restoration of backup data blocks in emergency situations.
Ready-to-boot full virtual images: Customers can instantly boot/recover backed up VMs and physical machines into various virtualization platforms(VHD, VHDX, VMDK, IMG) without merging data.
Efficient retention/merge: BDRSuite streamlines the retention process by removing specific deleted blocks and reconstructing the chunk file, saving time and resources.
No additional storage needed: BDRSuite’s approach to merge/retention does not require extra storage space, reducing costs and overall TCO.
Reduced impact on storage hardware: BDRSuite’s method does not require intensive IO operations during retention/merge, extending the life span of storage disks.
3. Remote Backup over WAN with ‘Where-it-left-off’ support
BDRSuite brings advanced remote backup capabilities to the forefront, setting it apart from its counterpart, Veeam. The standout feature lies in BDRSuite’s support for the “where-it-left-off” functionality, a game-changing element for both image and file backups. Unlike any other backup software in the market, BDRSuite is equipped to seamlessly resume image-level backups following any interruption.
In scenarios where backups are interrupted due to network glitches, user intervention, or other unforeseen reasons, Veeam takes a less efficient route. It initiates a complete resend of backup data, causing not only increased bandwidth consumption but also introducing delays in the backup completion timeline. This approach resets the entire schedule, leading to unnecessary redundancies.
On the contrary, BDRSuite intelligently picks up precisely from where it paused during the last schedule. This “where-it-left-off” approach ensures that, in subsequent backup runs, BDRSuite avoids re-uploading the entire dataset and instead concentrates solely on the pending data. This not only slashes backup times but also drastically reduces the volume of data transferred following an interruption, effectively optimizing bandwidth utilization.
Simply put, BDRSuite has designed its remote backup abilities to make data backup easy and effective, no matter where you are. The “where it left off” feature in BDRSuite makes remote backups smooth and reliable, regardless of where you’re backing up from or to.
4. BDRSuite’s Approach for Reverse/Forward Incremental
Managing backup chains can be a daunting task, and Veeam offers various consolidation methods, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
The right consolidation method should help you reduce the merge time, save storage space, and achieve faster recovery. Understanding this, BDRSuite uses its own file system – “VembuHIVE” to expose every incremental as a virtual full backup. i.e. restoration of a backup from any point-in-time will not require the merging of all the changes to a previous full backup. A full backup recovery point is available for every schedule during which an incremental backup was done. These backup versions can be instantly restored without any tedious merges.
With BDRSuite, you need not select any consolidation method, all you have to do is simply select the backup type you want to run – Full, Incremental, Synthetic, etc and you will simply have a virtual full backup for all restore points and quickly recover from any point in time without involving merge time.
Read more about BDRSuite’s approach to Forward/Reverse Incremental here
5. Efficient Data Retention and Cleanup
Veeam’s data retention involves rewriting entire files, which can be resource-intensive, requiring additional storage space and causing I/O overhead.
On the other hand, BDRSuite stores data in small, manageable chunks. This unique method allows BDRSuite to mark and immediately delete specific blocks during the cleanup process. As a result, the retention and cleanup process is more efficient and straightforward compared to Veeam’s method of rewriting entire files.
6. Primary Backup on Object Storage
BDRSuite supports storing primary backup data directly on object-based cloud storage. In contrast, Veeam primarily uses object storage as an additional tier.
BDRSuite supports various object storage options, including Amazon S3, Azure Blob, Google Cloud, S3-compatible storage such as Wasabi, MinIO. Businesses can store their primary backup data, secondary backup copy or even offsite backups on object storage with BDRSuite. This flexibility in storage targets ensures that businesses can choose the storage solution that best fits their needs. Recovering from object storage targets is seamless and supports all major types of recovery, whether it’s granular or complete VM restore.
7. Robust Reporting and Notifications
While Veeam does offer some reporting capabilities within the Veeam Backup Server, these capabilities are limited. To access more advanced reporting and centralized monitoring, you must purchase an additional tool, increasing the cost of your backup solution.
BDRSuite, on the other hand, provides a range of advanced reporting and notification features directly within the Backup Server console. These features include VM level reports, job level reports, recovery reports, offsite copy reports, and more. You can easily set up email notifications and integrate with third-party tools like ConnectWise without the need to purchase additional licenses or products. This can help you save on expenses and streamline your backup process.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored the first set of differentiators that make BDRSuite a standout choice, we’re only scratching the surface. In Part 2, we’ll venture into the broader landscape of data security, ransomware recovery, and pricing considerations.
By embracing innovative solutions like BDRSuite, organizations can optimize their backup strategies and ensure business continuity in the face of data-related challenges.
Would you like to explore BDRSuite for your business? You can download our 30-day free trial or Request a demo here.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lubna Amathul Wadhoodh
I am a product consultant employing analytical methodologies to extract actionable insights. In addition, I channel my expertise into technical blogging in various IT domains like Networking, Virtualization, Data Protection, SaaS, Cyber Security, Cloud, AI, etc. aspiring to create powerful content every day.
