Asigra: Cloud Backup V13 for Converged Data Protection

Asigra Inc. unveiled converged data protection with the announcement of Cloud Backup version 13.

Features added in version 13 are DR-as-a-Service (DRaaS) enablement featuring vSphere replication, endpoint data loss prevention, open infrastructure support for FreeBSD on ZFS and CentOS, and integration with LTFS for low cost long term retention of backup data.

Data protection complexity remains a challenge for enterprises seeking broad protection of multiple operating environments across distributed locations. While some categories of data have short RTOs and frequent recovery point objectives (RPOs), others such as email archives have longer RTOs and infrequent RPOs. Managing a spectrum of data protection options to ensure end-to-end data recovery can be complicated and costly. Cloud Backup Version 13 offers a converged platform that delivers a single, comprehensive solution for all data located on physical servers, VMs, mobile endpoints and cloud applications.

“Simplifying data protection activities while actually improving service levels is a real priority for IT organizations,” said Phil Goodwin, research director, IDC. “Asigra’s converged data protection aims to make life simpler for IT staff by reducing the complexity of managing multiple backup, DR and archiving solutions. In addition, their recovery-based pricing and deployment alternatives can help make the acquisition cost more budget friendly.“

New in Asigra Cloud Backup v13:

• Converged data protection – Enterprises struggle to meet the convergence of data protection needs in a way that minimizes complexity and is cost effective. Cloud Backup version 13 addresses this need by including more integrated options for DR, backup/recovery, backup archiving and security.

• DR-as-a-Service enablement – Version 13 includes vSphere replication to meet rigorous RTOs. The capability allows for replication without backup to one or more warm, on or offsite replicas. Suitable for the most demanding RTOs, Asigra eliminates the need for 3rd party VM replication solutions or special skills to manage and maintain the alternate solutions. There is no additional charge to existing customers for this feature.

• Optimized support for open infrastructure – An evolving IT landscape provides enterprises with new opportunities, such as leveraging Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) or inexpensive new hardware if user infrastructure is flexible enough to allow it. Enterprises accustomed to using vendor specific infrastructure and storage struggle to keep infrastructure costs under control and do not have the budget to overhaul existing systems. To address this challenge, version 13 includes support for open infrastructure choices like FreeBSD on ZFS and CentOS running on commodity hardware servers and storage.

• LTFS integration – Long term retention of data held for compliance purposes needs to be managed cost effectively. Compared to disk, tape is cost effective with as much as an 84% cost savings compared to disk-based storage over 9-10 years. Version 13 provides automated parking of old backup data to LTFS tape via the BLM Archiver to make it easy for aligning the cost of protection to the value of data.

• Docker container backup/recovery – Addressing the popularity of Docker and the rapid deployment of applications on the open source platform, Cloud Backup provides a data recovery solution for application data in these environments, on-premise and in the cloud.

• Office 365 data protection – Using Cloud Backup, organizations can protect Office 365 data at all times, automatically. The latest integration allows companies to recover data beyond documents and spreadsheets to include Exchange Online, SharePoint workspaces and OneDrive repositories.

• Mobile device geo-location and remote wipe – Data on mobile endpoints needs better protection as hundreds of thousands of mobile devices are lost or stolen each year. For enhanced mobile device data protection, version 13 includes integrated geo-location and remote wipe at no additional charge to help enterprises close the mobile endpoint security hole. The feature allows users to find the location of lost or stolen devices quickly from the Asigra DS-NOC with a Google Maps interface and wipe data remotely if required.

• Microsoft SCCM integration – Allows IT administrators to easily and cost effectively deploy and configure Cloud Backup client software across thousands of Windows mobile endpoints not connected to the LAN.

• Chinese localization – Enables easier administration for Chinese IT administrators and expands market opportunities for Asigra partners in the world’s 2nd largest economy.

Cloud Backup v13 is a platform and device agnostic software solution that can be deployed as a public, private or hybrid cloud through a certified Asigra Hybrid Partner. Asigra’s device coverage includes storage, servers, desktops and mobile endpoint devices including laptops, tablets and smartphones. The solution, delivered as a service by IT service providers or as software for private cloud use, is for SMBs and enterprises challenged with data protection complexity or compliance concerns where data security is assured with NIST FIPS 140-2 certification.

“Version 13 provides the ability to recover data where it lives, more efficiently and at a lower overall cost and complexity,” said David Farajun, CEO and founder, Asigra. “Our converged data protection software is uniquely positioned to return organizations to productivity regardless of the environment, providing superior BC from the IT core to the edge.“

Cloud Backup Version 13 is available.

For IT service providers who want to evaluate the software, a 14-day free trial is available after registration

The Recovery License Model is a patent-pending performance-based pricing model that reflects the true business value of backup and recovery, while delivering cost savings in the range of 40 – 60%. With the Recovery License Model, organizations gain the control they need to keep their backup costs low and predictable even as data volumes rise. The model provides analytical insights into the data an organization recovers and ensures that as it recovers less, customers pay less.

“With VM Replication in Asigra Cloud Backup V13, we continue to meet our clients’ increased demands for faster RTOs by replicating a VM to one or more remote locations with the ability to have the replica up and running in minutes,” Terry Fields, CEO, Yotta280. “As a result, Asigra enables us to deliver a premium DRaaS service with very fast RTOs.”

“Asigra technology and Phoenix’s UK-wide IT recovery infrastructure enable us to deliver premium DRaaS solutions with very fast RTOs,” Michael Dale, head, BC Production Services, Phoenix. “With Asigra cloud Backup V13, we’re able to recover and restore systems from our highly available, secure datacentres to UK-wide locations at near wire speeds. The rapid recovery of data and systems whether on-premise, in the cloud, virtual or physical, has never been easier.”

“Asigra Cloud Backup V13 enables us to offer enhanced data loss prevention to organizations focused on protecting their corporate data residing on endpoint devices,” Matthew Grosso, EVP, CTO, Storage Corporation. “With features like geo-location and remote wipe, organizations can rest assured that if an employee misplaces or loses their laptop or mobile device, the device can be located and wiped to prevent corporate data falling into the wrong hands.”

“As the first enterprise-grade, comprehensive backup and recovery solution to protect Office 365 data, Asigra Cloud Backup V13 enables us to satisfy our customers’ business requirements for a secure, reliable cloud backup and recovery service for their data residing in third party clouds,” Oliver Mather, technical director, Databarracks. “As more and more organizations transition workloads to the cloud and the market embraces SaaS-based applications like Microsoft Office 365, working with Asigra strengthens our position to serve the growing market demand to protect physical, virtual, mobile and cloud computing environments.”

“The new modern, intuitive user interface included in Asigra Cloud Backup V13 makes it easier for us to create and manage multiple backup sets for various clients with greater productivity and efficiencies,” added Chris McDonnell, Solutions Delivery Manager, cloud Services, Techgate plc.