Retrospect has always been good for small to medium businesses as it delivers a range of unique features at an affordable price. It comes in four versions. Reviewed here is the server version, which includes a 100-client licence and a free Exchange 2000 agent.
Version 5.6 supports both Windows XP Professional and Home editions - Windows 95, 98, ME, NT 4 and 2000. NetWare and Unix don't appear in Dantz's big picture. Unlike ARCserve or Backup Exec, the core components of Retrospect are not tied to NT/2000 platforms but can be run on any Windows system. Tape drive, autoloader and library
support is extensive but Retrospect works with any removable drive that can be accessed via Windows Explorer.
Instead of using a file's archive bit to determine whether it needs to be secured, Retrospect compares the files it has already copied with those on the hard disk; if the exact same file already exists on the backup media, it will not be copied again. Called IncrementalPlus, this feature allows Retrospect to take as many backups of files as desired, which is handy for making extra copies for off-site storage.
The client software can be installed locally or from a shared directory on the backup server. You can't submit on-demand backup jobs although you can request a backup to be run as soon as possible, during the normal schedule or after a specified time. The client also lets users set a local priority to minimise the impact of backup operations on workstation performance.
Retrospect doesn't come with predefined backup strategies but offers a sophisticated scripting tool for creating various schedules; plenty of wizard-based help is at hand.
The main interface is neatly organised into tabbed folders so you can quickly select an immediate backup, restore lost files or access your backup device and prepare media. After selecting the source files you want copied, choose your backup device and leave Retrospect to get on with it. Our only complaint was that Retrospect still doesn't allow you to direct a backup to a specific unit, so you'll have to unload the tape drives you don't want it to use.
Snaphots are used to allow individual files or complete hard disks to be restored to their original condition. The snapshot contains a list of the directory structure and all files and is taken every time a backup is run. Data restoration tools have also been improved with a bootable CD image creator for disaster recovery. Retrospect is an ideal choice for small to medium businesses as it runs on any Windows platform, offers good value, broad device support and disaster recovery tools.
Installation 4/5
Ease of use 3/5
Features 3/5
Performance 4/5
Value for money 5/5
Overall 4/5
Contact Dantz 020 8358 5857
www.dantz.com
