With this release of Backup Exec, Veritas has included new features that add to the product's usability and effectiveness. The interface is a bit sluggish, but for a backup solution, it scales effortlessly from the small company up to the enterprise.

Backup Exec 8.6 supports both the Intel x86 and Alpha platforms. To install it, the target system needs at least 24MB of RAM and 45MB of storage space. Windows NT 4.0 (Workstation/Server) and 2000 (Pro, Server and Advanced Server) are supported.

New to this latest version is the ability to backup to disk, enabling administrators to make backups direct to RAID and NAS devices. Integrated SAN support is also included by default.

Web-based monitoring makes the administrator's role much easier in this release, adding the ability to control and monitor the backup process from any secure browser. Backup Exec 8.6 also allows for backup to be invoked from within the standard Windows Explorer interface.

The software supports almost every file type and system, including FAT 16/32, VFAT, NTFS, CDFS and UDF. An antivirus scanner is integrated and the protection of email servers and databases is also catered for.

Backup Exec 8.6 still reigns supreme in the backup software market. Being easy to use, and with the level of features and add-ons available, administrators will have no problems configuring and maintaining it. The base price is very competitive, but could get expensive once you start to add modules.

Contact

Veritas: Veritas Park, Bittams Lane, Guildford Road, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 9RG
Tel 01932 876876, Fax 01932 876855
www.veritas.com