Best Server Backup Software

Any data that is on the web server is vulnerable as it contains important information. To ensure your data is securely stored, you need the right tool. For this purpose, many companies have started implementing server backup software.

If you’re looking to purchase server backup software or want to understand how it works, this guide will help you at every step.

What Is Server Backup Software?    

Server backup software, an indispensable software in technology, serves as a safeguard and repository for the data accumulated on servers. This particular software functions by creating copies of the data on servers and then securely storing them in an alternate location, often on an external device or within the cloud.

Such sophisticated software is bestowed with the capability of scheduling and initiating automatic backups of the data present at specific time intervals or, on the other hand, executing manual backups as deemed necessary.

The software can also be programmed to undertake complete backups of all data or incremental backups, which only capture and store changes made since the last backup. It's without a doubt that server backup systems assume a crucial role in ensuring the protection and preservation of data against all forms of loss due to failures in hardware, software, or any other unexpected events.

Through the periodic execution of data backup, enterprises can guarantee the existence of data copies to serve as fallback options in times of disaster, restoring normalcy to their systems with ease.

How Does Server Backup Software Work?

Backup tools for servers function by creating and storing copies of the data stored on servers in a secure location, separate from the original. The software can be programmed to automatically create data backups at set intervals or perform manual backups when required. These backups can be full backups of all data or incremental backups that only capture changes made since the last backup.

In the event of hardware failures, software errors, or other unforeseen circumstances that result in data loss, this backup software serves as a safety net. By regularly backing up data, organizations can rest assured that they have a copy of their data that can be used to restore their systems to normal operation following a disaster.

Overall, server backup software is a crucial component in data protection and disaster recovery planning for businesses of all sizes.

Who Uses Server Backup Software? 

Many individuals and organizations use server backup tools to protect their critical data and ensure business continuity. Some of the common users of server backup software include -

1. Government agencies

   Government organizations use server backup software for various reasons, including disaster recovery, compliance, security, and efficiency. Securing the continuation of their operations during a natural disaster or another unforeseen incident is crucial. 

   Server backup software can assist government organizations in such situations by promptly recovering vital data and systems essential for upholding public services and guaranteeing public safety

2. Non-profit organizations

   To further their goals and assist their communities, non-profit organizations rely largely on their data. These businesses must use server backup software to safeguard their data and guarantee the continuation of their operations during a disaster or other unanticipated incident. 

   Non-profit organizations may swiftly recover from any data loss or system failure and carry on serving their communities by regularly backing up vital data and systems

3. Educational institutions

   Educational institutions have vast data critical to their operations, including student records, financial information, and research data. To protect this data, educational institutions use server backup software. 

   This software helps ensure that data is safe and secure against loss or corruption, which is essential for the smooth operation of the institution. Server backup software also helps educational institutions ensure the continuity of their operations in case of a disaster or other unforeseen event.

4. IT professionals and system administrators

   IT professionals and system administrators use server backup software to ensure the availability and integrity of critical data and systems. They use this software to create backups of important data and configurations to recover quickly from system failures or data loss. Server backup software allows IT professionals and system administrators to automate the backup process and schedule backups at regular intervals to minimize the risk of data loss.

5. Businesses and industries

   Server backup software is used by businesses of all sizes and sectors to safeguard their crucial data and maintain business continuity. Businesses can use the program to make backup copies of crucial data and configurations, which can then be utilized to restore operations quickly in case of a system crash or data loss. Businesses may minimize downtime by automating the backup procedure to ensure their data is safe and secure.

Comparing Different Types of Server Backup Software

Server backup software is crucial for safeguarding vital data and maintaining business continuity. There are numerous varieties of server backup software on the market, each with special features and advantages. Below are three different kinds of server backup software: 

1. Free vs. Paid

   Software for backing up physical and virtual servers that is available for free is a popular option for small organizations or those on a tight budget. Although some of the more sophisticated capabilities of commercial software may be missing, this kind frequently provides fundamental backup and recovery features.

   While offering features like continuous data protection, bare-metal recovery, and centralized management, paid server backup software provides complete backup and recovery choices

2. Local vs. Cloud vs. Hybrid

   Local server backup software stores backups on local hardware, such as a hard drive or network-attached storage device. This backup software provides quick access to data but may be vulnerable to physical damage or theft. Cloud server backup software stores backups in the cloud, providing an off-site backup solution accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. Hybrid server backup software combines local and cloud backup solutions, providing both benefits.

3. Open-Source vs. Proprietary

   Open-source server backup software is free and typically has a community of developers contributing to its ongoing development. This type of software is highly customizable and can be modified to suit specific needs. A company owns proprietary server backup software and often requires a license fee. It typically offers a more user-friendly interface and may have more comprehensive features than open-source software.

Benefits of Using Server Backup Solutions

By using server backup solutions, businesses can benefit from various advantages that range from cost savings to competitive advantages. In the following sections, the benefits of using server backup solutions are described: 

1. Disaster recovery

   One of the significant benefits of using server backup solutions is disaster recovery. Disaster recovery refers to the ability to restore critical data and systems after a disaster or an outage. With server backup solutions, businesses can quickly restore their data and systems to minimize downtime and ensure business continuity.

2. Cost savings

   Server backup solutions can help businesses save money in various ways. Businesses can avoid costly data recovery services or loss by having reliable backups. Additionally, some backup solutions offer cloud-based backups, which can save businesses the cost of purchasing and maintaining physical hardware.

3. Compliance

   Many industries require businesses to comply with specific data retention and privacy regulations. Using server backup solutions can help businesses meet these compliance requirements by ensuring data is securely stored and easily retrievable.

4. Data protection

   Server backup solutions offer businesses robust data protection by providing multiple backup options, including local and offsite backups. This redundancy protects critical data from loss, corruption, or theft.

5. Flexibility

   Server backup solutions offer businesses flexibility in terms of backup options and scheduling. Businesses can choose the backup frequency, location, and type of backup that best suits their needs.

6. Scalability

   As businesses grow and expand, they require backup solutions that can scale to meet their needs. Server backup solutions offer businesses scalability by providing the ability to expand backups as needed.

7. Competitive advantage

   Having reliable server backup solutions can provide businesses with a competitive advantage by ensuring they can maintain business continuity, comply with regulations, and protect critical data better than their competitors.

Key Features of Server Backup Software

Sever Backup software provides a way to back up data to a safe location, such as the cloud or an external hard drive, and recover it quickly in case of a disaster. Below are the key features of server backup software that make it a must-have for any organization.

1. Diverse file-type coverage

   Diverse file-type coverage is one of the key components of online backup software. This function enables the software to back up all types of data, independent of size and format, including documents, photos, videos, and audio files. You can be certain that all of your important data is safeguarded and can be recovered in the event of a disaster thanks to this function

2. Backup location determination

   Determining the backup location is a key component of server backup software. This function lets you decide whether to store your backups locally on your hard drive, remotely on a network-attached storage device, or in the cloud. Using this function, you can ensure your data is secure and reachable from any location with an internet connection.

3. Scheduling and automation

   Other crucial components of server backup software are automation and scheduling. You may ensure your data is always current by scheduling backups to execute automatically at predetermined times, such as after business hours. You may also configure alerts to inform you when a backup fails or has a problem.

4. Backup management

   Additionally, server backup software provides backup management tools to track and control your backups. You can manage backup sets, see backup reports, and monitor backup job progress. Thanks to this functionality, your backups will function properly, and your data will always be safeguarded.

5. Partition selection

   Partition selection is another important feature of server backup software. This feature allows you to select specific partitions or drives to back up, allowing you to save time and storage space. With this feature, you can prioritize critical data and ensure it is backed up first.

6. Data compression

   Server backup software often includes data compression, a feature that reduces the size of data being backed up. This feature allows you to save storage space and reduces the amount of time it takes to back up data.

7. Backup type selection

   Server backup software typically offers multiple backup types, including full, incremental, and differential backups. This feature allows you to choose the type of backup that suits your needs, whether you need a full backup of all data or incremental backups of only the changes made since the last backup.

8. Scaling

   Another critical feature of server backup software is scaling. This feature allows you to scale up or down the backup storage you need as your organization grows or changes. This feature ensures that your backups are always sufficient to meet your organization's needs.

9. Encryption

   Encryption is a critical feature of server backup software that ensures your data is safe and secure. This feature lets you encrypt your backups using various encryption algorithms, such as AES or Blowfish, to protect your data from unauthorized access

10. Reporting and analytics

    Server backup software often include reporting and analytics features that provide insights into backup jobs and history. This feature allows you to monitor and analyze backup performance, track trends, and identify potential issues or improvements. This feature ensures that your backups run smoothly and your data is always protected.

How To Choose the Right Server Backup Solutions?

Data is one of the most crucial assets for any organization in the modern digital era. To guarantee the security and continuity of your data, you must have an efficient server backup solution.

Choosing the best server backup solutions can be difficult because several criteria must be considered.

1. Ease of use

   One of the primary considerations when choosing a backup solution is its ease of use. It should be user-friendly and easy to set up and configure. The solution should have a simple and intuitive user interface that allows you to perform backups and restores quickly and efficiently. The backup software should also offer automation and scheduling features to simplify the backup process.

2. Reliability

   A trustworthy backup solution should meet your data backup demands. It ought to deliver reliable, consistent, and accurate server data backups. It should also have a backup validation procedure to guarantee that the data is accurately backed up and is simple to recover when necessary.

3. Affordability

   When selecting a backup strategy, the cost is crucial. The answer must be reasonable and match your spending plan. To save money, don't, however, skimp on the quality of the backup solution. Select a backup solution that fulfills your backup needs and delivers the most value for your money.

4. Reporting tools

   The backup solution must include thorough reporting capabilities that let you keep tabs on the backup procedure and guarantee a successful backup. It should include reporting capabilities that give comprehensive backup-related details, including backup time, size, and status. You may rapidly discover any backup difficulties with the aid of these reports and then take the required steps to address them.

5. Integration

   The backup solution should work in unison with your server setup and the programs you employ. It should support the backup of all important data kinds and be compatible with the server's operating system. It should also allow connectivity with well-known cloud storage services like Amazon S3, Azure, or Google Drive to simplify backing up and accessing your data.

Top 5 Server Backup Software With Pros & Cons

Many server backup software solutions are available in the market, each with unique features and capabilities. Choosing the right one for your business can be challenging. Below is the list of the top 5 server backup software solutions to help you make an informed decision.

Name	Free Trial	Demo	Pricing
Veeam	30 Days	Yes	Starts at $428/year
Acronis	30 Days	Yes	Starts at $59
IDrive	15 Days	Yes	Starts at $6.95
Unitrends Backup	30 Days	Yes	Starts at $349
NinjaOne	14 Days	Yes	Starts at $3

1. Veeam

Veeam is the best server backup software that bestows and recovery solutions to servers and other virtual environments. Their premier article, Veeam Backup & Replication, is an all-encompassing data protection solution that bolsters corporations in securing their critical data and ensuring business continuity in the face of system malfunctions or calamities.

Veeam's software has been formulated to be user-friendly, efficient, and scalable, with a broad spectrum of platforms and technologies encompassing VMware, Hyper-V, and Nutanix. 

Features

• Comprehensive data protection
• Backup scheduling
• Encryption
• Cloud backup
• Backup log
• Third-party integrations

Pros

• User-friendly software
• Accessible 
• Highly scalable, suitable for businesses of any size
• Supports a wide range of platforms and technologies

Cons

• Costly
• Complex interface
• Limited support for physical servers

Pricing

• On request

2. Acronis   

Acronis is a software company that provides businesses and individuals with server image backup software, disaster recovery and data protection solutions. Their flagship product, Acronis True Image, offers comprehensive features, including full image, incremental, and hybrid backups.

Additionally, the software includes ransomware protection and blockchain-based data authentication. Acronis serves various industries, including healthcare, education, and financial services, and is committed to providing fast, efficient, and secure data protection solutions.

Features 

• Full image backup
• Active disk cloning
• All-in-one recovery drive
• Microsoft 365 backup
• File and folder backups
• Dual Protection
• Cloud restores

Pros

• Offers hybrid backups 
• Includes ransomware protection 
• Blockchain-based data authentication
• Easy-to-use interface
• Supports a wide range of platforms and technologies
• Offers fast backup and recovery times

Cons

• Expensive for individuals or small businesses
• Some users have reported issues with slow performance
• Limited support for Linux systems

Pricing

Acronis True Image-

• Essentials: $49.99/per year
• Advanced: $89.99/per year
• Premium: $124.99/per year

3. IDrive  

IDrive is one of the top server backup software, cloud-centric data storage and backup system that offers various functionalities to individuals and commercial entities. This software provides its users with numerous replication and synchronization capabilities across various devices and advanced encryption alternatives to ensure the data's security and welfare.

Furthermore, IDrive guarantees the safe keeping of data by providing automatic backup scheduling, versioning, and document allocation features. With support for multiple platforms and mobile devices, IDrive is a versatile and reliable solution for data storage and backup management, amenable to any data stewardship pursuit.

Features 

• Data storage and backup management
• Multiple device backup
• Cloud Drive
• Clone/computer backup
• Google workspace

Pros

• User-friendly interface
• Strong security features
• Multiple device backup
• Incremental backups
• Affordable pricing

Cons

• Slow upload speed
• Limited sharing options
• Limited customization options
• Limited customer support
• Limited mobile app functionality

Pricing

• Idrive cloud: $23.56 per year

4. Unitrends Backup

Unitrends Backup is an all-inclusive software intended for data security and recovery purposes that caters to the diverse needs of businesses across varying sizes. Its functionality spans a wide range of features, such as safeguarding both virtual and physical environments, cloud continuity, shielding against ransomware, and instant recovery, to name a few.

The user-friendly application offers a streamlined process of managing and preserving data. It is accompanied by a flexible deployment model that enables businesses to choose between virtual, physical, or cloud appliances based on their requisites.

Features

• Proactive ransomware detection
• Flexible deployment model with virtual, physical, or cloud appliances
• Physical and virtual file protection
• VMware vSphere hypervisor-level protection
• Unitrends cloud
• Global deduplication
• NAS protection (File Level & NDMP)

Pros

• Comprehensive backup and disaster recovery software
• Offers a wide range of features, including cloud continuity and ransomware protection
• Provides instant recovery for quick and efficient restoration of data
• User-friendly interface for ease of use
• Flexible deployment model with virtual, physical, or cloud appliances
• Can cater to businesses of varying sizes

Cons

• Suitable for businesses with very specific or unique data management needs
• Require training
• Depending on the deployment model chosen

Pricing

• Starting from: $349 one time

5. NinjaOne

NinjaOne, an ingenious software crafted for businesses, offers a holistic approach to safeguarding critical data and facilitating disaster recovery. Boasting a plethora of functionalities, such as automated backups, and versatile scheduling options, NinjaOne can effortlessly back up and reinstate folders, files, and even whole server systems while minimizing downtimes. 

Besides, it incorporates advanced security measures like encryption and two-factor authentication to bolster data security and privacy. NinjaOne is, without a doubt, a dependable and efficient backup and recovery software tailor-made for businesses looking to secure their servers.

Features

• Automated backups
• Flexible scheduling options
• Multi-platform support
• Minimal downtime
• Advanced security features

Pros

• Comprehensive data protection
• Automated backups
• Versatile scheduling options
• Multi-platform support
• Advanced security features

Cons

• Cost is higher 
• Learning curve when implementing
• Limited customization available

Pricing

• Custom pricing

Software and Services Related to Server Backup Software

Data is one of the most valuable assets for any business, and it's essential to have a reliable backup solution to ensure its safety and continuity. Various software and services are available in the market to provide different backup solutions to meet the diverse needs of businesses. Below are two types of software and related services:

1. Database backup software

   A specialist backup solution called database backup software offers backup and recovery alternatives for vital databases enterprises use. These remedies are made to safeguard the information kept in databases like Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.

   To guarantee that the data is always preserved, database backup software offers capabilities like automated backups, point-in-time recovery, and database integrity checks. It also offers sophisticated features like cloud integration, data compression, and encryption.

   SQL Safe Backup, Oracle Recovery Manager, and Veeam Backup for Microsoft SQL Server are examples of database backup software.

2. SaaS backup software

   With businesses adopting Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions such as Microsoft Office 365, G Suite, and Salesforce, the need for SaaS backup software has become crucial. SaaS backup software provides backup and recovery options for the data stored in SaaS applications. It protects against data loss due to accidental deletion, corruption, or malicious attacks.

   SaaS backup software provides features such as automated backups, point-in-time recovery, and data encryption to ensure that the data is always protected. Some examples of SaaS backup software include Backupify, Datto SaaS Protection, and Spanning Backup for G Suite.

Challenges in Windows Server Backup Software

Windows Server Backup Software is essential for safeguarding a company's data and IT infrastructure. However, employing this software might present several difficulties for businesses. Below are 5 Windows Server Backup Software issues in this response and their effects.

1. Security and encryption

Security is a top priority for any backup software. The backup data must be protected from unauthorized access and potential data breaches. Encryption is a crucial security feature that protects the backup data. However, implementing encryption can be challenging as it requires additional hardware and software resources. This can lead to longer backup times and slower performance.

2. Support

Windows Server Backup Software may not always be compatible with all hardware and software configurations. Incompatibility issues can cause backup failures or errors, resulting in data loss or corruption. Additionally, organizations may require technical support to troubleshoot issues or recover data, and the support quality can vary among vendors.

3. Complexity

Windows Server Backup Software can be complex to configure and manage, particularly for organizations with multiple servers and large data volumes. This complexity can lead to misconfiguration, errors, or backup failures, impacting business continuity.

4. Compatibility

Compatibility issues can arise when the backup software is incompatible with the operating system, applications, or hardware. Incompatibility can result in backup failures or errors, leading to data loss or corruption.

5. Performance impact

Backup processes can impact server performance, particularly during peak usage. Backup processes require significant hardware and software resources, which can slow down system performance and cause disruptions. The impact can be particularly significant for large data volumes or high transaction rates.

Latest Trends In Server Backup Software

Staying current with the most recent developments in server backup software is crucial to ensure the most effective and efficient data security measures. Below are the most recent trends in server backup software in this response.

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can potentially boost the effectiveness and efficiency of backup software. To optimize backup procedures, enhance data compression, and improve data deduplication, AI may examine data trends and make data-driven judgments. ML algorithms can also forecast and stop data loss, identify probable backup failures, and improve data recovery.

2. IoT for disaster recovery

IoT is expanding quickly and is emerging as a critical technology for disaster recovery. IoT devices can monitor and identify potential disasters, alert backup software, and automatically start data backup procedures. IoT can also aid in disaster recovery by giving the backup software real-time data to aid in the planning and execution of disaster recovery.

3. Multi-cloud data backup

Multi-cloud data backup is becoming increasingly popular because of its adaptability and scalability. Businesses can store their backup data across different clouds using multi-cloud data backup, which offers a safe and highly reliable backup option. Multi-cloud data backup also provides increased redundancy and failover possibilities, guaranteeing that data will always be accessible when required.

4. Blockchain-based backup

Blockchain technology is revolutionizing how data is kept, secured, and verified. Blockchain-based backup solutions provide a decentralized backup option to guarantee data storage and verification through the immutability of the blockchain. Additionally, to enhance data integrity and lower the chance of data loss or corruption, blockchain-based backup can help.

Conclusion 

Server backup software is an essential tool for every business that wishes to guarantee that its sensitive data is safeguarded and retrievable in the event of a catastrophe.

A reliable and effective backup solution is needed to safeguard data from various dangers, including hardware malfunction, software mistakes, cyber-attacks, and natural disasters. This is because of the growing volume of data generated every day.