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For instance, automated backup reporting helps backup administrators uncover
incidents like failed backups so they can be resolved before they cause a problem.
Wizard-driven scheduling and policy-based retention make it easier to set up and
apply backup policies for multiple systems simultaneously, and they reduce the
potential for human error. Centralized management makes it possible to control all
of your computing resources from a central console.
Cut your data storage requirements
Backup can become more of a challenge as storage requirements invariably seem to climb in virtualized
environments. Many third-party backup solutions aimed at virtual machine users lack tools like data
deduplication, high-performance data compression and sophisticated synthetic full backups. Fortunately,
there are solutions that use these tools to successfully address the issue of VM storage sprawl. Employing them
can reduce storage by at least 50%, and often much more.
Seek a solution for all the platforms in your server population
Most VM platforms offer the option of using their own no-frills backup/recovery software to get you started, but
continuing with them may trap you into establishing a separate and parallel backup and recovery structure for
each virtual platform you use. This approach complicates recoveries and increases administrative headaches.
If you still have a significant physical server population, where perhaps dedicated servers run major applications
like Microsoft
®
Exchange
™
or function as a domain controller, you will find that it’s easier and safer to protect
them with the same software that’s protecting your virtual machines. While some third-party solutions have
begun to address the issue of protecting both a specific virtual platform and physical servers from a single
console, it is prudent to avoid those that lack the tools needed to efficiently manage a mixed environment. A
full-featured solution can cost less in the long run by leveraging rich feature sets and high levels of automation
to reduce or eliminate repetitive administrative tasks.
Oxford School District
Oxford School District is one of Mississippi’s ‘High Performing’ K-12 districts, with a National Blue Ribbon
school and two Mississippi Department of Education award-winning Level 5 (Superior-Performing) schools
among its three elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. To fulfill its commitment tofirst-in-class
education, the district has used Acronis backup and recovery software to protect 32 servers in a mixed virtual/
physical environment that represent eight terabytes of data.
Recently it augmented those purchases with Acronis
®
Backup & Recovery
™
10 Advanced Server Virtual Edition
to take advantage of three additional features designed to save money without compromising performance:
• Agent-less backup to reduce administrative overhead
• Built-in data deduplication to cut data storage requirements
• Single-license price per physical server, supporting unlimited virtual machines
