Best incremental backup tool that allows restore to VM and Dissimilar HW?

[Thedog]

The one thing I hate about Windows (except the myriad of licensing options) is HAL. The old way of doing backups always requires to reinstall software, drivers etc even though there are some good tools that helps automatize a lot of it.

Ive used Sysprep in the past to configure new clients and also used traditional backup routines as well as imaging. My problem with all these type of backups are that they are time-consuming to get systems up and running etc.

Comparing this to Apple where you can basically make a time-machine backup that can be restored to any other Apple machine (as long as the OS is up to date), this just works so seamless compared to PC. I am looking for a way to do something similar with Windows:

I am looking for a tool that can make incremental image-backups of ALL versions of Windows and then being able to restore it to either dissimilar hardware or to a virtual machine. Anyone got any tips here?

Ive used things like parallell transporter tool (to virtualize for Mac) and Disk2vhd for Windows. The problem is that they do not have the ability to schedule incremental backups and the other problems being that they are simply not reliable, some migrations works perfect while some won't boot etc.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

My fave is StorageCraft....
Also have used Paragon...and Acronis.

 

[Moltuae]

I believe Macrium Reflect fits your needs too. Does full, incremental and differential backups and has a 'ReDeploy' feature:
http://knowledgebase.macrium.com/di...indows+to+new+hardware+using+Macrium+ReDeploy

Haven't had the need to use ReDeploy from physical to physical myself yet, but physical to Virtual worked well last time I used it.

 

[acscva]

I have used Storagecraft for over 10 years but over the past 2 years have switched to EaseUS Todo Backup. They offer a technician license that allows us to use it on as many systems as I want. Support is only via email but quite honestly that is the only support I got with Storagecraft too.

EaseUS does offer a reseller program but they offer discounts like every other week up to 50-70% off. I don't sell the software to my client as I use it as part of my managed services to the client. The problem if you sold the software and they went to their website they would see the huge discounted price specials advertised.

 

[Thedog]

I have used Storagecraft for over 10 years but over the past 2 years have switched to EaseUS Todo Backup. They offer a technician license that allows us to use it on as many systems as I want. Support is only via email but quite honestly that is the only support I got with Storagecraft too.

EaseUS does offer a reseller program but they offer discounts like every other week up to 50-70% off. I don't sell the software to my client as I use it as part of my managed services to the client. The problem if you sold the software and they went to their website they would see the huge discounted price specials advertised.

So Todo Backup Workstation for client machines and Todo Backup Server for servers?

I see that they have a tech license, http://www.todo-backup.com/business/technician-backup.htm but I don't see the terms? Could I use that at as many clients as I want?

Have you done restore to dissimilar hardware with it, is it intuitive etc?

 

[acscva]

This is the main page for it: http://www.easeus.com/backup-software/tb-technician.html

Yes you as one technician can use on as many systems as you want for the period of the license you bought. It is 1 year or 2 year. I own a previous version that is a lifetime license but they don't offer that anymore. I had to buy a new 2 year version so that I could upgrade to the latest version 9.0 which has a lot of new features.

Yes I have done restores to dissimilar hardware. You then can add the drivers for the new system.

Download the 30 day trial which is fully functional. One trick that I learned is after you download the trial you will get emailed for a better discount that what is listed on the website.

 

[nlinecomputers]

I'm pretty certain that you can't use the technician license for MSP clients. They have Backup Center for that kind of use.

 

[acscva]

Backup center is for remote monitoring of the client in their online dashboard. I utilize the email alerts as they don't write to system logs so I haven't found any way of getting reporting in MaxFocus RMM.

 

[acscva]

Actually if you look at their technician licenses it states the following: "For Unlimited Usage which allows unlimited usage within one company, and provides technical service to clients."

 

[nlinecomputers]

Backup center is for remote monitoring of the client in their online dashboard. I utilize the email alerts as they don't write to system logs so I haven't found any way of getting reporting in MaxFocus RMM.

You are missing my point. The Technician version is for you to use on multiple PC as they hit your bench. Not for you to give unlimited free backups to third parties. Else WHY would they offer Backup Center? Which doesn't work for the technician version.

 

[acscva]

Sorry but you are incorrect. I have talked to them and verified this over 3 years ago.

 

[KW Computer Services]

I have used Storagecraft and EasyUS todo backup and found them both to be fairly good products (for the Money).
However - although it's quite an expensive solution, I haven't found a better solution for restoring to dissimilar storage (including VMs) than Acronis.
I can't pinpoint the exact reason, but I just don't get that nice warm fuzzy confidence that a restore will be a guaranteed success when using EasyUS, that I do get when using Acronis !!??

 

[Vio]

+1 for EaseUS Todo Backup. It fits your needs and a technician's license lets you use it on an unlimited number of machines for an unlimited number of clients as acscva stated (so long as being deployed by only one company/technician). I have used it for years and have yet to have any sort of issue. Acronis is also a fantastic option, but at the price point, you can't beat EaseUS.