EMC offers continuous backup for enterprises

Product is part of a revamp of EMC's data protection software range

EMC launched a continuous data protection (CDP) system in November. The new EMC RecoverPoint backup software will allow firms to recover lost applications and data to previous points in time, according to the storage giant.

The product is part of a revamp of EMC’s data protection software range, which also includes a new version of its Legato Networker backup and recovery management suite.

The EMC RecoverPoint release comes just a month after rivals Symantec and Microsoft released their own CDP offerings: Symantec Backup Exec 10d and System Center Data Protection Manager respectively.

However, Mark Sorensen of EMC said its offering is the first enterprise-class CDP product and is aimed specifically at IT departments. The software captures every file or application change, and lets IT staff mark high-risk points in time – such as prior to adding a patch – that they may want to return to.

Sorensen said the product will suit firms in tight regulatory environments that need to back up all files. He added that a dashboard in future versions will allow end-users to recover lost files themselves.

Version 7.3 of Legato Networker, meanwhile, offers faster recovery; a new user interface; and tighter security. It integrates with EMC’s Backup Advisor, also launched today, which helps to detect potential vulnerabilities.

EMC has also agreed to acquire Captiva Software, whose technology converts paper documents into digital formats.