Best Server Backup Software

Numerous incidents in the past demonstrated how organizations have to bear loss due to inefficient data backup systems. There are many reasons for data loss; it could be human error, software updates, cyber-attacks, device failure, etc. A robust data backup system can act as a contingency plan when such disasters strike. However, with the emerging digital trend, the data-backup is no longer about just producing a second copy. In fact, there are more critical elements involved in it, such as quick data retrieval, data protection, and no duplicate data. Robust server backup software can be quite handy in data recovery and protecting valuable data. It is capable of taking data backup in any format and integrates well with any platform. It is recommended that users select the best server backup software and ensure that it aligns with their backup requirements.

This buyer guide on server backup software is designed to help business owners, stakeholders, and organizations to explore the software from various dimensions. It discusses the server backup software features, price, benefits, and latest trends. This information can turn out to be very beneficial for customers in deciding the best server backup software.

Businesses that do not have a proper data backup plan can impact their operations.  As per one of the research papers, it is stated that business finds it difficult to resume operation on the full scale due to an insufficient or unreliable data backup. Another research claims that data breaches can affect the company’s overall performance.  These studies clearly indicate that data security and continuous data access are critical for business functioning.

Businesses are becoming data-driven, and they have learned to utilize the data for enhancing business performance. Organizations use data in various ways- they use them to make important decisions, analyze customer needs, predict market trends, plan future projects, etc.  However, these data are valuable, and losing them can directly impact the business.  Everything from hardware failure and weather attacks to ransom attacks, the database system can easily become prey to these vulnerabilities.  Data backup is mission-critical and timely data backup can save an organization's resource and money both. Interestingly, besides knowing the role of data in shaping the organization’s growth, many enterprises lack in implementing a solid data backup plan or do not take the right approach for data backup.  It is imperative for a successful business to put a data backup server in their priority list and not fall back during data failure.

One thing that organizations and business enterprises learned while using a computer system is that it can crash anytime, and data can vanish in no time if not secured. The only way to deal with this disaster is to have a robust data backup system that supports fast restoration time.

The early form of data backup included tapes, floppy disks, and hard drives; these devices were pretty helpful in taking the data backups; however, they have limitations such as storage capacity, weak security measures, and higher managing costs.  But there is one more critical aspect of the data backup process where these devices failed - "data recovery." The main difference between data backup and recovery is that data backup is a copy of an original database, whereas recovery means restoring the database to its original state. Along with data backup, organizations should also consider a data recovery plan. Data stored on hard drives and floppies are fragmented, and therefore it is not helpful in the data recovery process.  In addition to that, these devices are prone to security risks.  If the device comes into the wrong hands, they can exploit the data for their benefit.

But as data backup technology progressed, it offered a better alternative in the form of server backup software to take data backup securely and fast restoration. Server backup software is turning out as a useful piece of technology. It assures up-to-date recovery of all crucial data and successful disaster recovery.  It automates the data backup and does not miss out on any of the data. Server backup software proposes the best backup solution in the digital world. The software team provides all the technical assistance and eliminates all the roadblocks in data backup. Users who do not want the hassle of managing the on-premise server backup software can even choose cloud infrastructure for their organization. Online server backup software allows taking data backup from anywhere and promises high security.

Users either use on-premise or online server backup software. At the same time, there are few who prefer using both by implementing the 3-2-1 backup rule. In the 3-2-1 backup rule, the user creates three copies of data, two of which stay on different media (disk and tape), and one copy is offsite ( on a cloud, separate data center, separate office building, etc.).  It assures more safety and minimizes the risk of complete data loss.  Depending on the organization's size and type of operations, an individual can select the server backup software.    

Whether the data resides on-premise or in a virtual environment, robust server backup software can safeguard the database and ensure successful restoration during a system crash. It can protect everything from laptops to the largest enterprise data centers through a single interface.

Server backup software is a tool that helps the organization to store and retrieve server data easily when there is a system failure or a data breach. It ensures that the organization remains functional and achieves business goals during unexpected data loss. The reason for data loss could be a natural disaster, human error, or cyber-attacks.

• Online backup software: Online backup software allows users to take data backup on a remote server through the internet.  In the online backup, software providers manage everything on behalf of clients, including maintenance and security. Most online backup software offers a pay-as-you-go model, and therefore, it can turn out as the cheapest server backup software. It also exhibits low data redundancy.  

• Server backup software: Server backup software allows users to backup server data on local or on-premise devices such as disks, tape, hard drives, servers, etc.  Users that seek more control over their data usually opt for server backup software (on-premise software).  The data can be backed up without the internet.

• Full Backup:  Full backup involves taking backup of all the folders and files. This method is simple, easy, and has a higher data recovery speed.  Since it takes a full backup, the files are larger in size and require more storage space. Before taking a full backup, the admin has to check the storage space availability for uninterrupted backup.
• Differential backup: In the differential method, backup of only those files are taken that have changed since the last backup.  It includes data that has been created, altered, or updated. The storage requirements for the backup are pretty low. Over time, the data size can grow in differential backup, and it is advisable to perform a full backup at regular intervals to keep the differential data backup size low. In short, the differential backup involves taking the most recent full backup plus differential backup.
• Incremental backup: Incremental backup is focused on the changes made in the last backup. It is pretty much related to differential backup; however, in the differential method, it takes the snapshot of all the changes between the present system and the last full backup, whereas in incremental backup snapshots only specific changes that occur between the present system and last full backup.  It takes less storage space and runs much faster.
• Mirror backup:  As the name indicates, Mirror backup is the exact copy of the files or folders backed up from the source.  It is the fastest backup type but requires more storage space than any other backup method. The users have to be careful while using mirror backup; if any original file is deleted, it will also delete a file from mirror backup.
• Image backup: Image backup enables users to take full disk backup of an entire system, including the operating system, applications, and all the data.  It is also known as a disk image or system image backup.  It is often saved as a single file and referred to as an image.

Businesses today produce a massive amount of data, and they continuously communicate with the data servers to perform various business operations. Data servers hold a key position in the IT infrastructure, and their failure could lead to an unbearable loss to the organization.  Most organizations follow standard practices and install anti-virus to avoid disruption in their data servers. However, in the dynamic work environment, this strategy is not efficient, especially when a server crashes down.  It requires a unified platform that manages data failure and minimizes the risk of a data breach. Server backup software can be quite helpful in mitigating data failure issues.  It can support files of any format and easily integrates with the existing database.   It can even identify and eliminates duplicate data. The best server backup software provides a centralized solution for maintaining and managing server data. The backup software also supports rule-based backup and enables users to schedule the backup on a specific day and time.  Thus, backup software helps users in many ways to streamline the backup process and make it efficient.

There are three ways most organizations deploy server backup software in their infrastructure.

• On-premise: Users who want to have complete control over their data usually deploy an on-premise backup or in-house backup.  It is more costly than other deployment methods but ensures that users can have data access even if there is no internet.
• Cloud: Cloud-based backup offers great scalability and requires no onsite hardware.  Server backup software on the cloud can be accessed from anywhere.  Deployment on the cloud is cost-effective, and users usually pay for the resources they use. Some popular public cloud providers are AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.
• Hybrid: Hybrid server backup software involves both onsite local backup plus offsite cloud backups. This model provides a better protection strategy and offers the additional assurance of having a solid data backup plan.

Technology is re-inventing new models and approaches to enhance the efficiency of server backup software, and to harness the power of this software; it is recommended that users explore the benefits of server backup software.

• Automatic backup:  Automatic backup software provides the advantage of scheduling the backup without the client's intervention.  It gives them the flexibility to choose the data backup on a daily basis, monthly or quarterly.
• Less work for I.T department:  With automatic backup, the I.T department can reduce its workload and can focus more on other core issues.  
• Saves time and resources: Server backup solutions provide a centralized system to deploy and manage backups.  It helps the organization to reduce the time and resources required to manage backup across all the devices in an organization.
• Reduce data management costs: Best server backup software reduces data management costs.  Laptops or computers can crash anytime, and retrieving data from the crashed system is expensive and complex. However, these costs can be controlled with top backup software.
• Enhances data recovery capabilities: Server backup software allows users to retrieve files of any size, and users do not need to worry about the files that are accidentally deleted.  It enhances the data recovery capabilities and is able to deal with any threats leading to data loss.

• Automatic backup
• Backup to disk, tape, and cloud
• Real-time data transfer
• Automated conflict resolution
• End-to-end encryption
• Version history control
• Remote file access from any device
• Reports and data analytics
• Data compression
• Physical-to-virtual recovery

• Support deduplication:  Storage space is crucial in data backup, and if the server backup tools fail to identify the duplicate records, it can impact the storage capacity and add extra costs for buying excess space. It is recommended that users should select the best server backup system that supports deduplication. It helps to identify and eliminate duplicate records.
• Scalability: Best server backup software helps users to scale the software as the business grows.  It is not feasible to buy new software to accommodate the increasing data volume; also, it is a time-consuming process to integrate new software into the business infrastructure. Therefore it is recommended that the user select the server backup software that is scalable.
• Smooth restoration: Best server backup system should have a user-friendly interface and facilitate the smooth restoration of data. 
• Customer Support: Setting up server backup software can involve some complex setup and require inputs from technical experts.  Also, for the continuous performance of server backup software, strong customer support can be pretty helpful.
• Robust security: High security is mandatory for server backup software.  Database is the prime target for hackers, and only strong security can eliminate the security threats. 
• Software pricing: Pricing is the critical factor for businesses to decide on buying server backup solutions.  It is essential that the clients are aware of the hidden costs of server backup software.  Users should clarify with the software vendors about the storage, training, licensing, and maintenance costs.

Yes, cloud-based server backup software is safe and effective to use.

As per one of the leading market surveys, the cloud backup market is projected to reach 10.25 billion by 2025.  It means cloud-based server backup has immense growth potential.

The cloud server backup software is completely responsible for maintenance and back-end support.  It reduces the risks of data failure and allows users to store data on multiple cloud storage. In fact, the cloud server backup tools are the answer to the old adage, “There are only two types of hard drives. Those that have failed, and those that will fail.”  It is not a good idea to rely simply on an onsite server backup solution; they can crash at any time, and in such a scenario cloud-based server backup software solutions are pretty helpful.  It maintains the version history and allows users to recover data from any point of time.  Automation is another advantage of using cloud-based server backup tools.  It automatically takes the backup as new files are generated or updated and notifies the users about the backup completion.

Cloud-based server backup solutions facilitate large file backups, and users don’t even have to think about server downtime. The software vendors perform a regular scan to ensure that the client’s files, workloads, applications, etc., are protected.  Most cloud server backup tools offer a high level of encryption and double-factor authorization for secure access of the data. Some of the software vendors are also turning to AI to protect client’s data. The AI algorithm is used to identify the potential vulnerabilities in the data backup system. Besides that, they maintain the client’s data on many different data centers, so in case if any one server fails, the other server quickly replaces the failed server.  In this way, it ensures that there is no redundancy in data backup. Since cloud-based server backup solutions immediately move data off-site, it can be restored rapidly. Some of the best server backup system providers are also optimistic about blockchain technology to enhance security measures.

Cloud based server backup tools are taking big strides in securing client’s data and with emerging technology, it is anticipated to get even better. Clients should also look at the latest trends that are influencing the server backup tools.

• IoT for disaster recovery:  IoT is best-in-class technology, and it helps devices to communicate real-time data without human intervention.  IoT sensors collect and process a fair amount of data while communicating with other systems or software.  IoT is usually found in a supportive role and is not linked directly to business transactions. So when a system crashes, these devices can remain unaffected and retain some of the valuable data.  It cannot act as a traditional backup system but certainly helps to recover the last known state.  Besides that, these devices could give alerts on fire breakouts or electrocution, which can be helpful for the prevention of disasters.
• Multi-cloud data backup: Enterprises are becoming more conscious about their data backup, and it is reasonable because of the increasing risks of data loss. Most organizations follow the 3-2-1 backup rule;  it is a viable solution for data backup, but this traditional method takes ample time to restore the data. To overcome this limitation, modern workplaces are adopting a new approach of multi-cloud data backup.  With reasonably priced cloud storage, multi-cloud is not just fast but also cost-effective.  A multi-cloud backup system is undoubtedly a good option, but few people also prefer hybrid cloud backups.
• Blockchain-based backup:  Blockchain has been a controversial technology, but its decentralized concept has surely taken the world by storm. Blockchain blocks are difficult to hack and alter. It makes blockchain technology a perfect solution for server backup. There are server backup software already using blockchain technology, and more adoption is anticipated due to the authenticity, immutability, and integrity of stored data.

The costs of server backup software can vary e, and users can get a wide range of options on software selection. The software price varies based on features, software deployment, storage capabilities, and services ( customer support, training, etc.). The average cost of server backup software could be anywhere from around $4.99/month to $49.95/month or more. Some software vendors also offer free server backup software, but usually, it comes with limited features.

• Best server backup software for startups and small-scale business: Startups and small businesses often deal with a smaller budget, fewer resources, and limited customers.  A budget-friendly server backup can add value to the organization and ensures that there are no obstacles in delivering business services.  Carbonite, at the price of $4.99/month, is the best server backup software for small-scale businesses and startups. The software provides unlimited backup, remote file access, and secure access of data.  Users can even consider Blackblaze at the price of $6/month. The software claims to be one of the easiest cloud backup solutions. Strong security features and unlimited file backup are some notable features of the software.  Startups and small-scale businesses can strike a fair deal with this software, but there are ample options available in the market. Other server backup software solutions that fall in the same slot include Iperius Backup, Plesk, UrBackup, etc. 

• Best server backup software for mid-size and large enterprises:  Mid-size and large-scale businesses need a full-fledged server backup software that meets their unique needs and accommodates maximum users.  AOMEI Backupper, at a price of $49.95, is the best server backup software for mid-size and large enterprises.  The tool's ability to take backup of various storage devices and rich feature lists makes it ideal for mid-size and large enterprises.  V2 Cloud at a price of $40/month is a good alternative to AOMEI Backupper. The software is flexible in pricing and offers basic, business, and enterprise plan, which users can choose based on their requirements. The software provides individual and team cloud desktops to manage their off-shore data servers. There are no long-term contracts and offers a free trial.  Other tools that qualify as the best server backup software for mid-size and large businesses include Vinchin,IDrive, MSP360, etc.  Some of these software offers free server backup software.  For users that are keen on high-end features and deploy effective server backup across all the sites, then a premium range backup server such as Morro CloudNAS is the best option.

• Free and open source server backup software:  Free and open source server backup software is gaining popularity among organizations, especially those that lack in-house experts. Free and open source server backup software solutions are valuable assets for startups and small businesses as it is not expensive, and can be freely distributed.  

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Businesses have enhanced their capacity to process huge amounts of data, and along with that, the risks of data loss have also doubled. Data that holds valuable information about the organization must be protected and recovered when the primary server fails. Data loss can disturb the organization’s operations and sometimes even cause irreversible damage. A stitch in time saves nine, and this proverb quite resonates with data backup technology.  Businesses have been using various data backup technologies to avoid data loss, but some of these technologies are either too slow or do not match the current trend.  Fortunately, server backup software is integrated with features that quickly respond to data loss.  It can send alerts to users about the potential risk and reduce the data management costs by eliminating duplicate data. Integrating server backup software in their IT infrastructure users can ensure data consistency and keep business running during a system failure. If the fear of data loss haunts you and seeks a permanent solution to it, then do not fail to check the list of best server backup software prepared by GoodFirms’ expert team.