Acronis today announced a backup and data protection reference architecture to enable the seamless and secure integration of data from the Apple Mac, in the enterprise. The new solution, based on ExtremeZ-IP and Acronis Backup & Recovery, eliminates the business continuity and compliance risks of Mac use without disrupting the user or administrator experience. Mac integration is an important step in Acronis’ move beyond traditional backup and disaster recovery to encompass a broader strategy for secure data availability, accessibility and protection.

Mac use within the enterprise is growing at an extraordinary rate as executives and workers alike expect the freedom to choose their preferred workstation and operating system. However, if Mac files are not protected and available within the enterprise, they will introduce IT management headaches and increased financial and legal risk profiles. Acronis addresses this technology gap by utilizing proven technologies, including those enabled by its recent acquisition of GroupLogic, to integrate Mac backups into the corporate data protection strategy.

Acronis’ new architecture utilizes ExtremeZ-IP to seamlessly integrate Mac files into typical IT environments powered by Windows® servers and Active Directory. It then enables the OS X backup tool Time Machine® to send Mac archives to a corporate file server, protected by Active Directory access rights. Backups from multiple clients are stored in a single server without the risk of compromising access rules. Acronis Backup & Recovery then centrally protects the Time Machine vaults within the enterprise infrastructure with the flexibility to store files to disk, SAN, tape or the cloud.

“Macs are a reality in the enterprise, and IT organizations must have workable solutions to avoid the serious legal and financial risks presented by unprotected Mac data,” said Dmitri Joukovski, Acronis vice president of product management. “Our architecture allows IT to finally say ‘yes’ to Macs with confidence, providing them with seamless integration of Mac files into existing data protection policies, processes and technologies – all without any negative impact on the end user or administrator. Regardless of where data originates, IT must ensure it is available, accessible and protected, making Mac file integration absolutely essential.”

The reference architecture can be downloaded here: http://www.acronis.com/backup-recovery/enterprise.html#

For pricing details for the combined solution or download a free trial please visit: http://www.acronis.com/solutions/enterprise/backup-mac.html