Businesses can utilize disaster recovery services to reinstate their data and applications, ensuring operational continuity post the disruption caused by a natural or man-made catastrophe. By opting for Disaster Recovery as a Service, companies can partner with cloud-based service providers to manage their disaster recovery strategies. This post delves into the top DRaaS providers to facilitate comparison and selection of the most suitable solution for your enterprise.
Comparison of Leading Disaster Recovery as a Service Providers
Displayed below is a comparative overview of some key features of top DRaaS solutions, along with details on the availability of free trials. The table also indicates the products’ overall ratings. For an in-depth analysis of my evaluation procedures, feel free to scroll down.
| Unitrends | |||||
| Acronis | |||||
| Druva | |||||
| Arcserve | |||||
| Zerto | |||||
| Microsoft Azure | |||||
| Kamatera |
Unitrends Backup and Recovery: Preferred choice for data backup and disaster readiness
Unitrends provides comprehensive backup solutions to streamline data and server backup processes with an intelligent approach aimed at averting threats. These offerings incorporate AI-powered analytics to identify, anticipate, and prevent disruptions prior to a disaster occurrence. Unitrends has the capability to notify users about potential ransomware attacks and hardware malfunctions. It is able to back up diverse environments, including storage solutions, hypervisors, and databases.
SEE: How to Establish an Effective Cybersecurity Awareness Program (TechRepublic Premium)
Reasons for Selecting Unitrends
In my comparison of disaster recovery service providers, Unitrends emerged as the top performer, offering a variety of features and supporting multiple backup environments. Moreover, it provides administrative features such as reports and caters to various operating systems and environments.
Pricing Details
- Contact Unitrends: For specific pricing information, reach out to the sales team.
- Free trial period: Available for 30 days.
Characteristics
- Centralized device management: Administrators can oversee backups for various devices with different operating systems from a single console.
- Global data deduplication: Unitrends eliminates redundant data in backups to enhance performance and efficiency.
- Advanced encryption using AES-256 bit: Unitrends administrators can activate encryption per client and configure end-to-end encryption for local or offsite backup replicas.
- Support for Pure Storage: Unitrends facilitates backup for Pure Storage flash environments.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| User-friendly interface featuring dashboards | Troubleshooting backup failures can pose challenges |
| Supports over 200 different operating systems, applications, and hypervisors | Some users perceive Unitrends as costly |
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud: Optimal choice for managed service providers
Acronis presents a distinctive DRaaS solution, Cyber Protect Cloud, tailored for MSPs to assist them in catering to their clients. As one of the premier backup providers, Acronis furnishes numerous enterprise-grade functionalities, such as recovery, DR planning, and DR testing. For enhanced DR capabilities, consider opting for the Advanced Disaster Recovery add-on.
Reasons for Opting for Acronis
My DRaaS evaluation revealed that Acronis delivered commendable performance, targeting a slightly different audience – managed service providers aiming to safeguard their clients’ data. It delivers advanced security features and is highly regarded in the backup provider domain.
Pricing
- Cyber Protect Cloud: Pricing options per workload and per gigabyte.
- Pricing calculator: Use this tool to determine the most suitable pricing method for your organization and clients.
- Contact Acronis: Reach out to the sales team for specific pricing details.
- Free trial: Duration of 30 days.
Characteristics
- Automated test failover: Service providers have the capability to automate failover testing scenarios and schedule them monthly for servers.
- Anti-ransomware: Acronis integrates automated ransomware recovery into its system and concentrates on zero-day threats.
- #CyberFit scores: Evaluate your clients’ IT security status using a metric-based score and receive improvement suggestions.
- Device and port controls: The MSP tool enables you to encrypt removable media and control user access to locally connected devices and ports.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Tailored to meet MSP requirements | Scope of network and data center coverage may be limited |
| Integrations with various storage products | It’s not clear if Cyber Protect Cloud is available as a service to MSPs |
Druva Data Resiliency Cloud: Ideal for SaaS and database backup
Druva Data Resiliency Cloud provides a DRaaS solution designed to deliver comprehensive and efficient data protection. It mitigates the risks associated with storing data in cloud applications for companies and users. The platform offers a centralized system for managing, governing, and recovering user data regardless of the storage resources utilized. Druva supports backups for various SaaS solutions such as Salesforce, as well as databases like SAP HANA and Oracle.
Reasons for Choosing Druva
I opted for Druva due to its suitability for teams with numerous SaaS applications or databases. Druva provides backup services for platforms like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Salesforce. It also supports backup for Nutanix infrastructure and Microsoft Hyper-V clusters and machines.
Pricing
- Public cloud and hybrid workload pricing: Based on credits per backend terabyte.
- SaaS applications and end-user pricing: Monthly per user charge.
- Pay per usage option: Accessible for backup storage.
- Free trial: Duration of 30 days.
Characteristics
- Air-gapped backups: Druva stores immutable backups that are isolated from the customer’s computing environment, increasing the difficulty for ransomware attacks.
- Integration with Exterro eDiscovery: Druva aids teams in managing the legal and compliance aspects of data, consolidating and simplifying business information.
- Compliance monitoring: The platform notifies you of any regulatory compliance breaches within your Druva-monitored workloads.
- Single management console: Manage applications, reports, and backups from one central location with Druva.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Extensive and adaptable data safeguard capabilities | Restricted integrations |
| Integrated system for overseeing backup across diverse environments | Limited security for networks and VMs |
SEE: How to Maximize Your Cloud Disaster Recovery Plan (TechRepublic)
Arcserve: Top Choice for data protection and DLP use scenarios
Arcserve places a strong emphasis on data protection, providing backup and recovery services along with deduplication and compression to enhance your storage efficiency. Among its prime options for teams requiring a comprehensive data security solution is Arcserve UDP. It accommodates multiple storage solutions for recovery points, including Amazon S3, Oracle Cloud, and Cloudian. Arcserve is an excellent pick for companies with data leakage prevention and backup requirements.
Reasons for Selecting Arcserve
I opted for Arcserve because it is another well-known backup service provider that offers various storage destinations, safeguards numerous SaaS applications, and features data loss prevention functionalities like imperishable cloud storage. I highly recommend it for teams exploring a variety of data loss prevention and data restoration alternatives.
Pricing
- Contact for pricing: Reach out to Arcserve’s sales team for tailored pricing.
- Free trial period: 30 days.
Characteristics
- SaaS data backup: Arcserve assists in securing your SaaS applications, such as Microsoft 365, Microsoft Entra ID, Google Workspace, and Salesforce.
- Data safeguarding: Arcserve UDP provides full system restore, VM recovery, and AWS-supported immutable cloud storage.
- Cloud repository: Arcserve presents a variety of storage endpoints, including Nutanix and Wasabi.
- Diverse backup and recovery options: UDP includes system restore, tape backup, and virtual standby, a backup method that transforms data into a virtual machine format.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Diverse backup and recovery options | Uncertain backup features for networks |
| Supports multiple storage recovery points | Restricted dashboard and reporting choices |
SEE: Top Identity and Access Management Solutions (TechRepublic)
Zerto: Ideal for straightforward and secure cloud data handling
Zerto has devised a solution for disaster recovery strategy and implementation crafted to eliminate the uncertainties and complexities posed by the diversity of hybrid, private, or public cloud setups. This software is user-friendly and provides continuous data security at scale to consolidate data mobility, backup, and restoration. Zerto is also very suitable for SaaS backup, empowering you to safeguard Salesforce and Microsoft 365 setups.
Reasons for Opting for Zerto
Zerto is a well-received DR and data security provider catering to both cloud and on-premises environments. It made it onto this list due to its support for SaaS applications and virtual setups, its DR capabilities like testing and compliance reports, and its administrative functions including dashboards.
Costs
- Get in touch with a partner or reseller: Pricing details are not published by Zerto, yet potential clients are advised to connect with a partner to gather information.
- Try it for free: Trial period of 14 days.
Characteristics
- Cloud-based backup and restoration: Zerto facilitates backing up cloud-based applications such as Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and Google Workspace.
- Continuous replication: Zerto replicates data within the hypervisor, using a hardware-independent approach.
- Recovery based on journal: Instead of keeping resource-intensive snapshots, Zerto logs continuous application activities and changes over time.
- Interconnections: Zerto’s links with third-party entities encompass storage solutions like Nebulon and cybersecurity providers such as Fortinet and Thales.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Migration of data centers is feasible | Possibly costly for certain enterprises |
| Prominent in ransomware recovery | Uncertainty regarding DR planning capabilities |
Special mention: Microsoft Azure Site Recovery
Microsoft Azure Site Recovery emerges as one of the premium choices for establishing a robust disaster recovery framework, providing plans that cater to businesses’ simplicity or advanced needs. This DRaaS software keeps applications operational during interruptions to guarantee consistency and copies workloads on both physical and virtual machines. Microsoft permits failing over to a backup location during emergencies and later returning to the primary site.
Charges
- Price: Varies depending on the number of instances requiring protection; $16-$25 monthly per safeguarded instance after the initial 31 days.
- Try for free: Trial period of 30 days.
Characteristics
- Support for virtual machines: Azure Site Recovery allows backup of VMs, including VMWare, and supports on-premises replication as well.
- Data resilience: When you replicate your application data to Azure, it remains in Azure storage for use in failover scenarios.
- DR drills: Your team can conduct disaster recovery exercises without impacting your replication operations.
- Recovery across regions: Microsoft Azure enables enabling site recovery between distinct Azure data center regions.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Simpler integration for current Azure users | Restricted integrations with other platforms |
| User-friendly interface | Insufficient backup support for certain environments |
Special mention: Kamatera
Kamatera functions as a cloud provider focused on solutions like cloud servers, desktops, and firewalls while also presenting basic disaster recovery options. Kamatera operates as an infrastructure-as-a-service platform, allowing clients to execute their disaster recovery setups on top of Kamatera’s infrastructure. While not the top pick for those seeking advanced DR characteristics or a conventional DRaaS strategy, it could be beneficial for cloud users searching for additional disaster recovery services.
Cost
- Price Estimator: Kamatera offers a tool that allows potential clients to input their specifications.
- Invoicing: Options for monthly and hourly billing are provided for server usage.
- Test Period: A trial period of 30 days is available.
Characteristics
- Server Regeneration: This enhancement utilizes electronic switching to circumvent a malfunctioning system and temporarily substitute it with a backup system that manages incoming traffic.
- Cloud Backup: Kamatera provides the choice to archive customer servers once daily for a fortnight, for an additional fee.
- Data Duplication: Kamatera duplicates customer data instantaneously and proposes recovery point goals in seconds.
- Clustered Servers: Kamatera’s overarching infrastructure approach keeps servers operational even during failures by incorporating redundancy, failure identification, and monitoring.
| Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Hosting on Kamatera’s infrastructure | Does not offer many of the DR features that competitors have |
| Good choice for current cloud users | Not available as a typical DRaaS solution |
5 important aspects of software providing disaster recovery as a service
If you are looking into a DRaaS vendor, seek attributes such as safeguarding files, encryption for stored backups, failover and failback capabilities, and protection against ransomware attacks.
Protection of Physical and Virtual Files
Aside from threats and cybersecurity issues, both companies and individuals face the risk of losing data due to natural disasters. Comprehensive disaster recovery strategies should incorporate a solution that facilitates backup data replication across virtual and physical servers. Hybrid solutions could also be viable as the infrastructure of organizations often depends on both.
Secure Storage with Encryption
Most entities utilize cloud storage for protecting records and other data; however, this data is often susceptible. Hence, DRaaS vendors are employing encrypted storage to ensure constant safeguarding of users’ information. AES-256 encryption stands out as a popular version, though there are other ciphers available.
Automated Transition in Failures
Failover refers to the shifting of an application to an auxiliary server during system breakdowns or disasters. This functionality is critical for organizations and individuals who wish to maintain uptime during unforeseen circumstances. Failover should occur automatically following the crash of a system or host server, alleviating concerns about manually transferring applications during outages or emergencies.
Capability for Failback
Failback pertains to the process wherein data is transferred from the disaster recovery site or the backup site supervised by the DRaaS provider back to the primary site post the incident that disrupted the entity’s operations gets resolved. Many of the top DRaaS solutions automate this process, easing the burden on IT or security teams during recovery operations.
Prevention of Ransomware
DRaaS can serve as a restoration mechanism for ransomware attacks and other cyber incidents that could impact data for individuals or enterprises. By opting for a DRaaS solution equipped with robust ransomware prevention features such as anti-malware tools and frequent file backups, users can enhance the overall protection of their files and computer systems.
How to select the most suitable software for disaster recovery as a service for my enterprise?
Various DRaaS solutions are available, specializing in different domains and offering diverse sets of functionalities. If you plan to make a purchase, carefully assess each provider and review their product features to determine the one that aligns with your company’s specific demands, prerequisites, and objectives.
The best DRaaS software places emphasis not only on backing up and recovering data but also on safeguarding business operations effectively. This involves reducing downtime and ensuring swift responses to crises.
An ideal DRaaS software solution should streamline the procedure while delivering protection across a range of virtual and physical servers against multiple incidents like natural calamities and cyber assaults. Furthermore, these products should employ contemporary encryption technologies to maintain the security of users’ data.
Integration of automation and AI technology can enhance the value of a DRaaS software product by providing valuable forecasts and streamlining responses during crisis scenarios to ensure continuous operations of businesses.
Approach
I evaluated and ranked the DR providers mentioned in this manual based on their functionalities, pricing structures, management functionalities, and support systems. To perform this evaluation, I employed a product assessment system focusing on specific DR features, accessibility of pricing details provided by vendors, and other key criteria that DRaaS clients seek. Each disaster recovery solution received a rating out of 5 based on their adherence to my stipulated criteria.
Evaluation Parameters
- Pricing: Vendor transparency and availability of trial periods influenced the overall pricing evaluation of the products.
- Winner: Microsoft Azure.
- Functionalities: I took into account important disaster recovery features such as strategies, testing scenarios, and replication techniques.
- Winners: Arcserve and Acronis.
- DR Categories and Varieties: This segment examined the environments supported by vendors, encompassing networks and virtual machines.
- Winner: Unitrends.
- Management Capabilities: I assessed features making products user-friendly, including dashboards, charts, and a consolidated console.
- Winner: Unitrends.
- Customer Assistance: This category encompassed support options around the clock as well as communication channels like phone, email, and chat.
- Winners: Unitrends and Acronis.
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