BRIGHTSTOR ARCSERVE BACKUP 11

According to Computer Associates, maker of BrightStor ARCserve Backup (£349 ex. VAT for 10 users), many companies back up desktop PC data automatically but ignore data stored on laptops. Instead they rely on individual users to copy their files when in the office. Perhaps backing up data from laptops is considered too difficult, as laptops tend not to be left switched on and plugged into the network overnight. However, as laptops are constantly moved from place to place, their data is at greater risk of being lost or damaged.

As laptops are generally connected to the network during the day, backing up data can cause problems. Having large amounts of data flying across the network uses up valuable resources, and can make for an unresponsive laptop. The new version of BrightStor ARCserve Backup manages the flow of data in the background, so you can get on with your work while backups are taking place.

One trick up the software’s sleeve is the File Change Recorder (FCR). This algorithm constantly monitors files, noting when a user changes, deletes or creates a file. When you next connect your laptop to the office network, the algorithm knows which files to back up without having to do a pre-backup scan.

The client laptop will then back up data when it’s idle, to avoid slowing its performance. It will even send data between keystrokes or pause a backup and resume later, and can be used over a dial-up connection. The FCR algorithm works at block level, so if you modify a 3MB file it will re-save just the portion that has been altered. It can also work with open files.

In theory, the restore feature is used to refresh all user data in one batch, as you would when replacing a laptop. However, a user can also replace single files or folders that they’ve accidentally deleted. Restore operations can be password protected, so someone can’t steal data simply by initiating a restore.

This release integrates with the standard BrightStor Backup for Windows, allowing data on a server to be sent to a tape drive for archiving. There’s also an analysis and repair tool that helps spot potential problems with the server data before starting a backup. As an administrator you can set up policies for individuals and departments. You can specify file types, which is useful for preventing users’ MP3 files clogging up the backup drives, and you can specify how many versions of a file to save and how long to keep them.

All mobile volumes are treated as one large server, and you can operate on them as a whole, such as backing up all mobile data less than two weeks old to a tape drive. The package includes Computer Associates’ Unicenter Software Delivery for automated distribution, eTrust Antivirus and encryption. BrightStor ARCserve Backup benefits from wider product set integration and user-feedback usability enhancements, but it’s the inclusion of special strategies for laptops that makes it ideal for companies with a modern mix of mobile and desktop computers.

RATING: 9

PRICE: £349/£410 (EX/INC. VAT) FOR 10-USER PACK
OS: SERVER – WINDOWS 2000 SERVER/2000 ADVANCED SERVER/SERVER 2003 + IE 6 SERVER EXPLORER (GUI): AS PER SERVER PLUS WINDOWS 2000 PRO/XP PRO
CLIENT: WINDOWS 98SE/ME/NT 4.0 SP6A/2000 PRO/XP PRO/XP TABLET PC+ IE 5
PROCESSOR: PENTIUM OR EQUIVALENT
MEMORY: 64MB MINIMUM
HARD DRIVE: 7MB + BACKUP SPACE
CONTACT: 01753 577733 WWW.CA.COM/UK