Backup Exec Vs Arcserve 2000. Which is better? 1

[IS300]

I am evaluating both Backup Exec vs Arcserve 2000. We are currently running Arcserve right now, and thinking about getting another tape loader for a different server.

What are some options on which one is better? Arcserve seems to run faster and has better software compression, but is more flaky.

Backup Exec seems to have much more features and functionality, however, runs much slower.

I am not using the drivers that Backup Exec provided for the tape drive, as I am afraid that might interfere with Arcserve as that is the license product we have now. We just have the trial version of Backup Exec. Curious if that would make a difference as to the performance.

Any suggestions on which product is better would be great.

Thanks,

 

[mhiney]

The Veritas drivers will definitely improve performance. I've always found Backup Exec to be incredibly flaky in certain scenarios, and wouldn't recommend it unless you're stuck with it for some reason. If you've got internal DLT drives on your servers (with 1 drive per server), then you won't go wrong with the Veritas stuff, but as soon as you start trying to back stuff up over the network you're gonna hit trouble.

 

[escargot]

Arcserve hands down!!!!
I ran both the old/new versions of arcserve and compared them to BE 9.0 and 9.1
BE is not very reliable and the program isn't matur enough
to be in the corp. arena.

Arcserve is by far a better choice.

By the way Arcserve doesn't rely on drivers to talk with
scsi devices. This means it is much faster and more robust
when it comes to upgrading and replaceing devices tape drives.

 

[mattjurado]

If Arcserve has worked fine for you, then why change? Personally, I like both packages. Backup exec tends to have a few more bugs, but I use it fine all the time.

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.

 

[IS300]

Thanks guys,

I believe we will stick to Arcserve. Although it is flaky at times, I know it almost inside out. I have been able to fix any problems that have shown up pretty quickly.

The drawback about Backup Exec for us is we have to purchase a remote agent for each individual server on the network we want to backup. This feature was already included in the version of Arcserve we have installed.

We will probably move to a networked attached storage for a backup system and just perform the tape backups from there.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[zoeythecat]

I have no problems with Backup Exec version 8.6. I backup over 4 servers. Never had a problem backing up or restoring. One thing I can offer in regards to the Backup Exec product is the knowledgebase on the veritas website is outstanding

http://support.veritas.com/

any error that I have encountered I have found a user friendly and graphical resolution.

 

[geeklad]

I'm replacing all of my installed Arcserve accounts with Backup Exec for one simple reason. Arcserve's tech suppport sucks! CA probably has the worst support in the business.

Let me clarify this. Their support is pretty good once CA knows who you are, and what and when you purchased. But if you don't have agreement numbers - forget it!

 

[SQLBill]

Veritas is the same way. If you don't have the license - forget it.

I bought my Veritas BE through a third-party reseller (DELL) and called Veritas about a severe problem I had. They told me to call the vendor that sold me the product. I told Dell about it (they have their own section that deals with Veritas), then they called Veritas and finally called me back with the solution.

-SQLBill

 

[shirty]

I had to make the same choice between CA and Veritas 9.1. I choose Veritas 9.1 but now regret this sooo much. I've had nothing but problems for the past 2 weeks. We have Veritas installed in 5 locations around the world all backing up remote servers and its crap! I can guarantee at least one backup will fail somewhere. I've used Backup Exec 8.5 in the past and found it to be fairly reliable so suggested it to my boss and now I look like a complete idiot because 9.1 has to be one of the worst pieces of software ever to be developed and the support is below what I would expect. I spent 142 minutes on a call to India for tech support to say re-install backup exec again. This all-very well but I can’t just start re-installing Veritas in remote offices during the day I need some sort of backup in case anything happens.
I currently have around 7 open issues with Veritas
I’m now looking at buying CA and spending another couple of thousand.
I had Veritas crash my AD DC due to a tape driver it loaded which was nice.
If you value you personal time i.e. weekends and evenings choose CA

 

[SQLBill]

And then there's me....I have both BE 8.6 and 9.1. The only problems I've had with either (with one exception) was my fault.

Except for Veritas and the vendor I bought BE from not telling me about the issue with 8.6 and SQL Server, I haven't had any other problems where I needed to talk to tech help.

-SQLBill