We had the same decision to consider about 6 months ago, and we switched over to Veritas. We had issues with failed jobs, database corruption, software "fixes" that did anything but, invalid license keys, and stupid, clearly unknowledgeable technical support personnel with Arcserve. Additionally, there were some questionable business practices, and we didn't like the way they resolved any of the issues we had. But, we knew how to use it, and sometimes it worked right, so if we just kept at it, we would eventually work it out (we hoped). We weren't getting backups while we messed with this, so we decided to demo Veritas. We ran the 8.5 demo in production for 2 months, then ran the 8.6, installing it right over the top of 8.5. The GUI is cleaner, with information available in a more intuitive interface than Arcserve. Backup jobs are more configurable, with more options in the way things like SQL and Exchange are backed up. Veritas also has a useful little option that allows you to backup directly from Windows Explorer. Handy for small, quick backups. The jobs take about the same amount of time, and both software packages require remote agents on each server for performance reasons. Both use a windows explorer type display for backup/restore selections. Tapes have been easier to find when restoring because of labeling options, and generally just a better layout. Obviously, I'm pleased with Backup Exec. That said, there are some things Arcserve does better. You don't have the registry check box in Veritas like you do in Arcserve. You do have system state data. Job logs are broken down differently, too. There is no final total in Veritas. You've basically got to do the math yourself. It also doesn't drill down as far in terms of shares, etc, so you could see on paper what you've backed up. You actually have to go look in the restore area, or check your backup selections. However, Veritas allows you to run reports on your jobs that you can't do in Arcserve. I've found Veritas to be much more reliable for us, and easier to use. Either one of these is difficult to configure properly the first time. I'd highly recommend running the demo for at least a month. I took the full two (on both versions) to make sure we were ready. Also, I found Veritas' support to be much friendlier and better informed about their product than Arcserve. During your eval period it's free, which is very useful when configuring it. Now, the only reason I have to visit the server is to change tapes. If you want more specifics let me know.
Wade M. Walters Network Services GDS Engineers, Inc. [EMAIL PROTECTED] 713-295-4800 -----Original Message----- From: Daniel Burns [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Thursday, September 27, 2001 12:25 PM To: NT System Admin Issues Subject: ArcServeIT vs. Backup Exec I currently have ArcServeIT 6.61 Ent. Ed. w/ T.L.O. that I use for my backups. I'm either going to upgrade to ArcServeIT 2K or maybe switch over to Veritas Backup Exec. I haven't used Backup Exec since they were bought out years ago. I hear some of you slam ArcServeIT, why? I've had pretty good luck with ASIT but if one it better, I have no problem switching. What options, benefits does it have/not have when comparing it to ASIT. I don't want to hear alot of noise or crap like that. If you have experience with either or both please respond, if not, keep your thoughts to yourself. This list has enough crap on it already. Thanks, Dan Burns Network Admin. Houston, TX Want to unsub? Do that here: http://www.w2knews.com/rd/rd.cfm?id=unsub Need a good FAQ? Try this one first: http://www.ultratech-llc.com/KB/ Want to unsub? Do that here: http://www.w2knews.com/rd/rd.cfm?id=unsub Need a good FAQ? Try this one first: http://www.ultratech-llc.com/KB/
