Best 9 Server Backup Software For Business (2026)

We reviewed the leading server backup platforms on backup window efficiency, restoration speed under realistic conditions, and encryption depth. Here's what we think is worth running in production.

Last updated on Oct 8, 2026
Caitlin Harris Written by Caitlin Harris
Craig MacAlpine Technical Review by Craig MacAlpine
Best 9 Server Backup Software For Business (2026)

Server backup software protects physical and virtual server data against failure, ransomware, and deletion, with restoration speed and reliability under load the primary variables that separate platforms in practice. A backup that takes hours to restore is operationally equivalent to no backup during a critical incident. We reviewed the top platforms and found NinjaOne Backup, CrashPlan, and Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud to be the strongest on backup efficiency and verified restoration performance.

Server backup is unglamorous until the day you need it. A corrupted database, ransomware encryption, or a bad patch can take down your entire business in minutes. The problem is that backup choices span a wide spectrum: appliance-based solutions requiring hardware, cloud-native SaaS platforms, MSP-focused tools for managing multiple clients, and niche solutions for specific workloads like VMware or Hyper-V. Choose wrong and you’re either paying for features you don’t need or scrambling during an outage because your backup doesn’t cover your environment.

The gap between an adequate backup solution and one that actually works during a crisis is substantial. Some platforms boast extensive features but hide complexity in configuration. Others keep things simple but lack critical recovery options. The cost difference between vendors can vary dramatically based on how you measure capacity, and some vendors exploit this through licensing tricks that catch you off guard during budget season.

We evaluated multiple server backup solutions across on premises appliances, cloud-native platforms, hybrid deployments, and MSP-focused tools. We evaluated automation reliability, recovery speed and granularity, deployment complexity, alongside ransomware defense capabilities and real world pricing. We reviewed customer feedback on where platforms delivered and where expectations fell short. What we found: the right choice depends heavily on whether you’re backing up physical servers, virtualized workloads, or a mix of both.

This guide gives you the testing insights to match the right server backup solution to your environment, team size, and infrastructure.

What is Server Backup?

Server backup software makes protected copies of the data, applications, and operating systems running on your physical and virtual servers, so you can restore them after a failure, ransomware attack, accidental deletion, or bad update. Backups run automatically on a schedule or continuously, and copies are stored locally, in the cloud, or both. The point that matters most is recovery: a good server backup tool lets you bring a server, a database, or a single file back quickly, and proves that the backup will actually boot before you depend on it. You pay per server, per socket, or by capacity, depending on the vendor.

Server backup tools capture data through agents or hypervisor-level integration, using full, incremental, or differential schedules, or continuous data protection (CDP) that journals changes for recovery point objectives measured in minutes. Image-based backup captures the whole system for bare-metal and dissimilar-hardware recovery, while file-level backup targets specific data. Mature platforms add deduplication and compression to shrink backup windows and storage, immutable or air-gapped copies to survive ransomware, and automated recovery testing that boots backup images to verify they restore. Recovery breadth is the real differentiator: full system, bare-metal, physical-to-virtual, virtual-to-virtual, instant VM spin-up, and granular file or application restore. Evaluate workload coverage (Windows, Linux, VMware, Hyper-V, databases such as SQL, Oracle, and SAP HANA), deployment model (appliance, cloud-native, or hybrid), multi-tenant support for MSPs, and how licensing is metered, since per-server, per-socket, and per-capacity models scale very differently.

Server Backup Solutions Compared

Here is how the 9 platforms compare on deployment model and the protection capabilities that matter most for server backup.

Product Best For Deployment Immutable Backups Ransomware Scanning Bare-Metal / Instant Recovery
NinjaOne Backup
MSPs and IT teams wanting unified management
Cloud / hybrid
No
No
Yes
Veeam Data Cloud
Mid-market and enterprise virtual environments
On-prem / hybrid
Yes
Yes
Yes
CrashPlan
Endpoint and server backup at scale
Cloud / hybrid / on-prem
No
No
No
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud
Backup plus security consolidation
Hybrid / cloud
Yes
Yes
Yes
Hornetsecurity VM Backup
Hyper-V and VMware SMBs and MSPs
On-prem / hybrid
Yes
No
Yes
AOMEI Backupper Server
Budget-conscious Windows SMBs
On-prem / cloud
No
No
Yes
Datto Endpoint Backup for Servers
Appliance-free cloud DR
Cloud
No
Yes
Yes
Druva for Hybrid Workloads
Compliance across hybrid infrastructure
Cloud (SaaS)
Yes
No
No
N-able Cove Data Protection
MSPs needing efficient cloud transfer
Cloud-first
No
No
Yes

How We Tested

We evaluated 9 server backup platforms covering physical servers, virtual environments, cloud-native deployments, and MSP-focused solutions. We combined hands-on testing with market research and customer feedback to validate vendor claims against real-world performance. This guide was written by Caitlin Harris, Deputy Head of Content at Expert Insights, with technical review by Craig MacAlpine, CEO and Founder, and is updated quarterly. Read our full methodology

NinjaOne Backup Logo
NinjaOne

Best for MSPs and IT teams wanting backup integrated with IT management

NinjaOne Backup is the backup and recovery module of the NinjaOne unified IT operations platform. It protects physical and virtual Windows servers from Windows Server 2012 R2 onward, as well as workstations and laptops. We think it’s a strong fit for organizations that want backup tightly integrated with endpoint monitoring, patching, and remote access in a single console.

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  • Image backups of Windows Server 2012 R2 and later support bare metal recovery and restoring to a VM
  • Incremental, block-level file and folder backups allow granular restores from the same console
  • Backups go to cloud storage in a region you choose, to a local NAS, or to both in a hybrid plan
  • Boot Verification test-boots Windows Server images every two weeks or monthly, and records a screenshot of each result
  • Hyper-V hosts are backed up at host level, with restores of the full server or individual guests
  • SQL Server and Exchange are backed up consistently through Volume Shadow Copy Service
  • AES-256 encryption, immutable storage, and MFA-protected deletion defend backups against ransomware
  • Conditional policies retry backups automatically when sleeping devices wake

Customers say onboarding support and training are strong, with several pointing to fast time-to-value for new teams. File-level restore from image backups gets repeated mentions as a time-saver during partial recovery. Some users report that alert threshold configuration requires trial and error to fine-tune notification behavior.

We like NinjaOne’s Boot Verification, which gives you screenshot evidence that each server image will boot before you ever need to restore it. We also like the MFA requirement on deletion and restore, which protects your backups if an admin account is compromised. It’s important to note that image backup covers Windows only; Linux servers are limited to file and folder backup, which is in early access. Also, VMware hosts aren’t backed up natively, so you back up VMware guests by installing the agent on each VM.

Overall, we recommend NinjaOne Backup for MSPs and IT teams running Windows servers that want backup in the same console as their monitoring, patching, and remote access. Standalone backup buyers looking only for server protection might find better value in a dedicated backup platform.

Strengths
Automated boot verification with screenshot evidence
Bare metal recovery from image backups
Immutable storage and MFA-protected deletion
Choice of cloud region, local NAS, or hybrid storage
Hyper-V host-level backup and VSS support for SQL Server and Exchange
Cautions
Image backup is Windows only, and Linux file backup is in early access
No native VMware host backup
Veeam Data Cloud Logo
Veeam

Best for mid-size and enterprise environments needing mature server backup

Veeam is a global market leader in data protection and resilience, holding the largest data protection market share worldwide. Veeam Data Cloud is their flagship product. In terms of server backup, the platform covers Windows, Linux, VMware, and Hyper-V servers, and enables you to manage your server backups alongside other hybrid cloud workloads.

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    • 25 recovery options, spanning full system restores to granular file-level retrieval
    • Backups store in native format, makes restoration much quicker compared to proprietary archive approaches
    • Automatic backup testing validates recoverability without manual intervention
    • Linux-based Veeam Software Appliance
    • Generates shareable, time-limited recovery tokens that allow users to connect to a Veeam repository to carry out bare metal recovery
    • Recon Scanner and Malware Analysis AI Agent provide real-time visibility into suspicious activity

     

Customers say backup performance is consistent across virtual server environments, and that restorations work smoothly and the interface provides clear visibility into key functions. Users also credit the sales team for having straightforward discussions about capability without overpromising. Some customer reviews flag that reporting and customization options may not meet detailed compliance requirements, and initial setup can feel unintuitive when configuring specific backup object selection.

In our hands-on review, we were particularly impressed by the platform’s role-based access controls, which allow you to create custom roles for each workload you’re protecting. We also rated its highly intuitive interface; although it offers lots of features and customization, the platform doesn’t compromise on usability. Overall, we think Veeam Data Cloud is a good fit for most mid-size and enterprise organizations needing mature server backup. Plus, its community editions make enterprise-grade features accessible to smaller organizations, which is a strong move for teams that want to start small and scale up.

Strengths
25 recovery options span full system restores to granular file-level retrieval
Linux-based architecture with RBAC, SSO, and high availability clustering
Automatic backup testing validates recoverability without the need for manual verification
Community editions make enterprise-grade features accessible to smaller organizations
Cautions
Some customer reviews flag that reporting and customization options may not meet detailed compliance requirements
Some users flag initial setup can feel unintuitive when configuring specific backup object selection
CrashPlan Logo
CrashPlan

Best for endpoint and server backup at scale with unlimited retention

CrashPlan delivers continuous server backup that is priced based on the amount of source data you protect, with no per-server licensing and unlimited retention and restores. If you have multiple servers, need long retention periods, and capacity planning isn’t something you want to think about, CrashPlan removes that overhead.

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  • Continuous backup runs automatically as files are created or modified, or backup windows can be defined
  • SaaS-delivered platform with cost-effective managed storage in CrashPlan’s own data centers or Azure, plus support for bring-your-own storage
  • Unlimited retention and file size support removes capacity constraints entirely
  • AES 256-bit encryption covers data in transit and at rest
  • Custom retention policies and BAA availability support long-term legal hold and HIPAA-regulated environments
  • Servers and endpoints managed from a single platform, suiting hybrid organizations with on-prem and cloud infrastructure

No per-server pricing and unlimited retention make CrashPlan an especially strong fit for price-sensitive organizations with larger server footprints and strict data retention mandates. But the lack of image backup and bare metal recovery means this isn’t a complete server disaster recovery solution, so consider your recovery requirements carefully.

Strengths
Pricing based on source data volume, not backup storage capacity, so costs do not rise with retention
No per-server license fee
Continuous backup runs automatically without fixed schedule management overhead
Option to choose CrashPlan-managed storage or bring your own cloud storage (Azure, AWS, B2, Wasabi, or other S3-compatible storage)
BAA availability and retention policies support HIPAA compliance requirements
Cautions
File-based only with no image backup or bare metal recovery option
4.

Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud

Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud Logo
Acronis

Best for teams consolidating backup with endpoint security

Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud combines server backup with endpoint security, email protection, data loss prevention and remote management, each licensed as a separate service. On Windows servers, continuous data protection backs up changed files between scheduled backups, which shortens the recovery point. If you want backup tightly coupled with security monitoring and ransomware defense, Acronis is one of the stronger options in this category.

  • Continuous data protection on Windows servers adds near-real-time protection on top of scheduled backups
  • Covers Windows Server, Linux, Oracle, SAP HANA, VMware, Hyper-V, Nutanix and Proxmox across more than 30 workload types (according to Acronis)
  • AI-based anti-ransomware blocks unauthorized encryption on protected machines
  • Entire-machine and disk backups of Windows servers can be scanned for malware in Acronis’s cloud before a safe recovery, with the security add-on
  • Instant Restore runs a server backup as a VM on VMware or Hyper-V, and Universal Restore recovers to dissimilar hardware
  • Immutable storage stops backups being deleted or changed during the retention period

Customers say the all-in-one model reduces tool sprawl and vendor management overhead. The multi-tenant architecture and flexible licensing suit MSPs managing diverse client environments. Based on customer reviews, feature density creates a steeper learning curve for teams new to the platform, and some users report that console pages load slowly when moving between sections.

We think Acronis makes the most sense if your team wants backup, endpoint protection and security monitoring in one platform. Continuous data protection on Windows and AI-based anti-ransomware are a strong combination for organizations prioritizing ransomware resilience. Storage options include Acronis-hosted and partner-hosted cloud, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, Amazon S3 and other S3-compatible storage.

Strengths
Continuous data protection on Windows between scheduled backups
AI-based anti-ransomware blocks unauthorized encryption
Immutable storage prevents tampering during the retention period
Universal Restore recovers to dissimilar hardware
Cautions
Reviews mention feature density creates a steeper learning curve
Customers note console pages can load slowly between sections
5.

Hornetsecurity VM Backup

Hornetsecurity VM Backup Logo
Hornetsecurity by Proofpoint

Best for SMBs and MSPs running Hyper-V and VMware

Hornetsecurity VM Backup (formerly Altaro) provides continuous data protection for Hyper-V and VMware environments. We think the CDP model and flexible offsite destination options are the real selling points here. If you’re an SMB or MSP looking for straightforward VM backup with strong support and data sovereignty controls, this is well worth considering.

  • CDP runs backups as frequently as every five minutes to minimize data loss windows
  • Multiple offsite destinations including local storage, Wasabi, AWS, or your own colo hypervisor
  • Customizable retention policies per VM with AES 256-bit encryption applied automatically to offsite backups
  • Immutable cloud storage blocks ransomware from modifying or deleting backup data
  • Monitors backup health and auto-repairs corrupted backups, with augmented inline deduplication reducing storage

Customers say the support team is a recurring strength, with average call pickup under 30 seconds getting repeated mentions. WAN-optimized replication for continuous VM replication to remote sites is valued by MSPs with distributed clients. Some users report that portal navigation became less intuitive after the Altaro to Hornetsecurity transition.

We think Hornetsecurity VM Backup fits well if you manage multiple client environments and need data sovereignty controls alongside strong CDP. The centralized portal and per-VM retention flexibility support compliance requirements. This is really beneficial if you’re looking for a backup solution alongside email security, since Hornetsecurity covers both from one vendor.

Strengths
Continuous data protection as frequently as every five minutes reduces recovery point gaps
Multiple offsite destinations including cloud storage and MSP-managed colo hypervisors
Immutable cloud storage prevents ransomware from tampering with backup data
Support team responds quickly with average call pickup under 30 seconds
Cautions
Some customers flag that portal navigation became less intuitive after the Altaro to Hornetsecurity transition
Based on customer reviews, offsite backup failures sometimes require manual restart rather than automatic retry
6.

AOMEI Backupper Server

AOMEI Backupper Server Logo
AOMEI

Best for budget-conscious small and mid-sized Windows teams

AOMEI Backupper Server handles backup, sync, and cloning for Windows server environments at a price point that undercuts most of the market. We think the clean interface and bare metal recovery to dissimilar hardware are the strongest selling points. If you’re a small or mid-sized team that needs reliable protection without enterprise complexity, this is a good option to consider.

  • Full, incremental, and differential backup with daily, weekly, monthly, or event-triggered scheduling
  • AES 256-bit encryption with destination flexibility across cloud storage providers
  • Bare metal recovery to same or dissimilar hardware via the universal restore module
  • Cloning features handle system migration and disk replication
  • Pricing starts at $149 per year or $249 for a lifetime single-server license

Customers say the interface is clean and intuitive, with most users getting running without extensive documentation. Installation is quick, and the GUI walks you through backup and restore workflows. According to customer feedback, the platform lacks anti-tampering protection, malware scanning, and MFA, which limits its suitability for compliance-driven environments. Some users also report inconsistent support responsiveness.

We think AOMEI Backupper Server makes sense for budget-conscious SMBs that need straightforward Windows server protection without the overhead of enterprise platforms. There are trade-offs. The lack of immutability, ransomware scanning, and MFA means this isn’t the right choice for regulated environments or organizations facing active threat exposure.

Strengths
Clean interface makes backup configuration and restoration accessible without training
Bare metal recovery to dissimilar hardware supports flexible disaster recovery scenarios
Event-triggered backups capture changes beyond fixed schedule intervals
Pricing starts at $149 per year, making it one of the most affordable server backup options
Cautions
No anti-tampering, malware protection, or MFA limits compliance suitability
Some customers report support responsiveness is inconsistent, with some tickets going unanswered
7.

Datto Endpoint Backup for Servers

Datto Endpoint Backup for Servers Logo
Kaseya

Best for MSPs and IT teams wanting appliance-free server protection

Datto Endpoint Backup for Servers delivers cloud-native, appliance-free protection for Windows server workloads. We think the instant cloud spinup for disaster recovery is the standout capability here. If you’re an MSP or IT team managing distributed environments and want backup without hardware overhead, this removes the friction.

  • Lightweight agent pushes backups directly to Datto Cloud with AES 256-bit encryption and no local appliance to rack, power, or maintain
  • Recovery options include full image restores, individual file recovery, and instant cloud spinup of entire servers for disaster recovery
  • Ransomware scans run automatically
  • Cloud Deletion Defense protects against accidental or malicious removal
  • Supports Windows Server 2022 down to 2012 R2, with Domain Controller and Active Directory recovery support planned for Q2 2026

Customers say deployment is fast, with the agent installing quickly and integrating well with Datto RMM and Autotask PSA. The Backup Portal consolidates client oversight into a single view. Some customer reviews note that backup frequency is fixed with no option to customize scheduling intervals, which creates friction for teams with tighter RPO requirements.

We think Datto Endpoint Backup fits best if you already run Datto RMM or Autotask PSA. The integrations tighten your workflow and reduce console hopping. Flat-fee pricing with no hidden storage costs keeps budgets predictable, which is a real advantage for MSPs managing margins across multiple clients.

Strengths
Appliance-free architecture eliminates hardware overhead entirely
Instant cloud spinup enables fast disaster recovery
Flat-fee pricing with no surprise overage charges
Ransomware scanning and Cloud Deletion Defense included
Cautions
Backup frequency is fixed with no custom scheduling intervals
Cloud-only storage with no local NAS or hybrid option
8.

Druva for Hybrid Workloads

Druva for Hybrid Workloads Logo
Druva

Best for organizations handling sensitive data across hybrid infrastructure

Druva for Hybrid Workloads delivers cloud-native backup for Windows, Linux, NAS, VMware, Nutanix AHV, Hyper-V, Oracle, SAP HANA, and MS SQL servers. We were impressed by the certification stack and the SaaS delivery model, which removes infrastructure management entirely. If you handle sensitive data like PII, PHI, or legal records across hybrid infrastructure, this is a very strong solution to consider.

  • Runs entirely on AWS with no hardware to rack and no software to install locally
  • Incremental forever model with automatic deduplication and auto storage tiering keeps costs predictable as data grows
  • Security controls include RBAC, MFA, activity monitoring, and immutable backups as standard
  • AES 256-bit and TLS 1.2 encryption protect data in transit and at rest
  • SOC-2 Type-II, HIPAA, and Privacy Shield certifications support regulated environments
  • 2026 update added protection for Azure Blob storage accounts with Public Network Access disabled

Customers say the SaaS delivery model eliminates infrastructure headaches and scales easily by adjusting subscriptions. Global text search for fast file-level recovery across large backup sets gets positive mentions. According to some customer reviews, initial backups and large restores run slower due to the cloud-only architecture. A few users note RBAC and reporting customization options could be more granular.

We think Druva fits best if you manage sensitive data across hybrid infrastructure and need compliance coverage without running backup infrastructure. The certification stack and immutable backup model support audit requirements cleanly. The pay-only-for-what-you-use pricing model with global deduplication is a real advantage for organizations watching storage costs.

Strengths
SaaS delivery eliminates hardware management and simplifies capacity scaling
SOC-2, HIPAA, and Privacy Shield certifications support regulated data environments
Incremental forever backup with deduplication reduces storage consumption over time
Global text search enables fast file-level recovery across large backup sets
Cautions
According to some customer reviews, initial backups and large restores run slower due to cloud-only architecture
Some customers note RBAC and reporting customization options could be more granular
9.

N-able Cove Data Protection

N-able Cove Data Protection Logo
N-able

Best for MSPs needing efficient cloud transfer and data sovereignty

N-able Cove Data Protection offers cloud-first backup and disaster recovery for physical and virtual servers, workstations, and applications. We think the multi-tenant console and global data center network are the real differentiators for MSPs. If you manage multiple client environments and need data sovereignty controls, Cove handles that well.

  • Incremental backups up to 60x smaller than traditional image backup products, enabling backups as frequently as every 15 minutes without burdening the network
  • Backups push to N-able’s private cloud across more than 30 global data centers, with storage location selectable for sovereignty
  • Retention extends up to seven years
  • Recovery options cover bare metal, physical to virtual, and virtual to virtual scenarios
  • AES 256-bit encryption at rest and in transit
  • 2026 update added Windows Server 2025 and Ubuntu 24.04 LTS support, plus Group-Based Data Protection for policy management across large fleets

Customers say the automated daily reporting is highly customizable and reduces manual monitoring overhead. Script-based deployment simplifies fleet-wide installation across diverse environments. Some users report that large data recoveries run slower than local or hybrid backup alternatives, and retention policy configuration during initial setup requires navigating multiple menus.

We think Cove fits well if you manage multiple client environments and value efficient cloud transfer with minimal bandwidth impact. The 30+ data center network gives you sovereignty options that most cloud-first backup tools don’t offer. The 60x smaller incremental backups are a real advantage for MSPs backing up servers over client networks with limited bandwidth.

Strengths
Multi-tenant console enables efficient backup management across multiple client environments
30+ global data centers provide flexibility for data sovereignty and compliance requirements
Incremental backups up to 60x smaller than image backup products minimize bandwidth impact
Now supports Windows Server 2025 and Ubuntu 24.04 LTS as of 2026
Cautions
Some customers report large data recoveries run slower than local or hybrid backup alternatives
Based on customer reviews, retention policy configuration during initial setup requires navigating multiple menus

Server Backup Pricing

Server backup is metered in several ways, per server, per socket, per core, or by capacity, and most vendors quote based on your environment. Only a couple publish list prices. The figures below reflect published starting prices where vendors disclose them; expect final pricing to depend on server count, workload mix, retention, and contract terms.

Product Starting Price Billing Link
NinjaOne Backup
Contact for quote
Per device, subscription
CrashPlan
Priced on source data volume; no per-server licence
Per device, subscription
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud
Contact for quote
Per workload, per GB, or bundled plans
Hornetsecurity VM Backup
Contact for quote
Per host / per VM
AOMEI Backupper Server
$149/year or $249 lifetime
Per server
Datto Endpoint Backup for Servers
Contact for quote
Flat-fee, via MSP partners
Druva for Hybrid Workloads
Contact for quote
Consumption-based
N-able Cove Data Protection
Contact for quote
Via MSP partners
Veeam Backup & Replication
Free Community Edition; paid contact for quote
Per workload / per socket

Server Backup Checklist

Once you've shortlisted a server backup platform, these are the steps we recommend to make sure recovery actually works when you need it.

Physical servers, VMware, Hyper-V, Linux, and databases such as SQL, Oracle, and SAP HANA all need explicit support, or you will end up running multiple tools.

File-only tools cannot rebuild a failed server from scratch, so image backups matter for true disaster recovery.

Continuous or 15-minute backups shrink the data-loss window that daily-only schedules leave exposed.

Ransomware targets backup data first, so copies that cannot be altered or deleted are your last line of defense.

A backup that has never been booted is unverified; tools that test recoverability automatically prove your restores will work before an incident.

Cloud-native is simpler but may slow large restores, while appliance or hybrid gives local recovery speed at the cost of hardware.

Restoring an infected backup reintroduces the attack, so the platform should identify the latest clean recovery point.

Regulated environments need SOC 2, HIPAA, or GDPR coverage and the reports to demonstrate it during an audit.

Per-server, per-socket, per-core, and per-capacity models diverge sharply as you grow, and hidden storage fees can blow a budget.

Service providers need a console that isolates each client's data with granular permissions, which not every platform offers.

The Bottom Line

Your ideal server backup solution depends on workload types, deployment model preference, and whether you need multi-tenant management.

For mid-market and enterprise virtual environments, Veeam Backup & Replication remains the market leader with proven reliability and extensive recovery options. Community editions make it accessible to smaller organizations.

For MSPs needing centralized multi-tenant management, NinjaOne Backup integrates with broader IT management, while N-able Cove prioritizes data sovereignty with global data centers.

For cloud-first deployments eliminating appliance hardware, Datto Endpoint Backup delivers fast deployment and instant cloud spinup for disaster recovery.

For ransomware defense and continuous protection on Windows servers, Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud combines AI-based detection with immutable storage. For compliance-heavy regulated environments, Druva brings a strong certification stack.

For budget conscious SMBs needing simple Windows server protection, AOMEI Backupper offers accessible pricing.

Read the individual reviews above to dive into deployment specifics, recovery capabilities, and pricing details that matter for your specific environment.

Everything You Need To Know About Server Backup Software (FAQs)

Backup and recovery is the process of creating copies of your data and writing them out to a secondary storage environment so that you can restore them should the original versions be compromised, deleted, or destroyed.

Backing up and restoring your data manually can be challenging, time consuming, and expensive; it requires you to build and maintain the architecture of your backup environment, manually schedule and test your backups regularly, and deduplicate backups as they’re created.

Because of this, we recommend investing in a third-party backup and recovery solution that will do this for you. Third-party backup tools also often come with added security features built in, such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, role-based access, and ransomware protection. Some also offer compliance-specific features that make it easier to ensure you’re backing up, storing, and recovering your data in line with data protection and privacy regulations.

There are three main ways in which a backup and recovery solution may create backups of your server data:

  1. The solution creates full backups, making a new backup of every piece of data each time you run a backup. This enables you to restore your data fully and quickly from a single backup, but creating those backups takes a long time and uses a lot of storage space.
  2. The solution creates differential backups, creating one full backup and then only backing up data that had changed since that full backup. This improves backup speed and means you’ll have less duplicate backups, but slows down restoration as you have to restore the full backup, then the latest differential backup on top.
  3. The solution creates incremental backups, creating one full backup then only backing up data that has changed since the last backup of any kind. This is the fastest way to backup your data and it requires the least storage space, but it takes the longest time to restore data as you have to retore the full backup, then each incremental backup on top.

Once the backup solution has used one of these methods to create copies of your server data, it writes that data out to a secondary storage facility. This could be in their own private cloud server, in a public cloud server such as Azure or AWS, or on-prem on a local hard drive, disk, or physical server. Some providers also offer hybrid storage options, which allow you to create multiple backup copies and store them both in the cloud and on-prem. This means that no single incident will be able to destroy all of your backups.

You can find more information on the types on backup storage in our market guide to cloud backup and recovery.

The first reason that you should consider backup up your server data is ransomware. Ransomware is a form of malware that holds data hostage by encrypting it, or locks users out of that data. When a threat actor successfully seizes an organization’s data using ransomware, they demand a sum of money for its return. However, it’s important to remember that you’re dealing with a cybercriminal here; paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee you’ll get your data back, nor does it ensure that the attacker will clear the malware from your systems afterwards.

The most effective and efficient way to recover from a ransomware attack is to completely wipe all your systems and storage devices, then reinstall your applications and restore your data using backups. Of course, you can only do this if you’ve created those backups in the first place *pointed look*.

The second benefit to server backup solutions is that they can help you restore data in the event it’s accidentally deleted. The best server backup solutions not only allow you to carry out full system restores, but also offer intuitive search and discovery tools that enable you to easily find and restore individual items.

Backing up your servers can also help you mitigate server downtime caused by natural disasters and hardware failures. While natural disasters are only responsible for 5% of business downtime, almost 25% of organizationsassociate old and inadequate server hardware with reliability issues and downtime. Downtime doesn’t necessarily mean permanent data loss, but it can still cause major disruptions to business operations. In the event of extended downtime caused by a flood, fire, or even just faulty server hardware, a server backup solution can help keep your business productive.

Finally, your organization may be required by federal or industry data protection standards to backup your server data. HIPAA and SOX are among those regulations that explicitly require backups, and there are many others that recommend it as a means of safeguarding your data. If you are looking for a server backup tool for compliance, it’s important that you know exactly what is required of you and find a tool that will enable you to achieve it; for example, you may need to retain backups for a specific period of time, secure them in a certain way, or store them in a certain location.

When comparing server backup software, there are a few key features that you should look out for:

  • Automatic and on-demand backups that create copies of your data multiple times a day, or whenever a change is made to a file (continuous data protection)
  • Non-destructive, flexible restoration options that allow you to choose which data to restore, to which location it should be restored , and in which format it should be restored
  • Granular search and discovery capabilities with filters and a keyword search tool, which let you find the specific data you want to restore
  • User authentication that ensures only verified, authorized users can access the backup repository
  • An activity log of all user and admin activity within the backup repository and management console
  • Compliance with any data protection standards that your organization must comply with, e.g., retention periods, data sovereignty, and security requirements such as encryption

Note: while all these features are important in a server backup tool, you need to prioritize them according to what’s most important to your organization. To do this, you should create an implementation strategy that outlines your main requirements before you start comparing solutions. This should include details such as your storage, retention, and data sovereignty requirements, as well as any other security and compliance needs.

Backup And Recovery Resources

Further reading on backup and recovery from Expert Insights — buyers' guides, comparison articles, and platform-specific shortlists.

Written By Written By
Caitlin Jones
Caitlin Harris Head Of Content

Caitlin Harris is the Head of Content at Expert Insights. As an experienced content writer and editor, Caitlin helps cybersecurity leaders to cut through the noise in the cybersecurity space with expert analysis and insightful recommendations.

Prior to Expert Insights, Caitlin worked at QA Ltd, where she produced award-winning technical training materials, and she has also produced journalistic content over the course of her career.

Caitlin has 8 years of experience in the cybersecurity and technology space, helping technical teams, CISOs, and security professionals find clarity on complex, mission critical topics like security awareness training, backup and recovery, and endpoint protection.

Caitlin also hosts the Expert Insights Podcast and co-writes the weekly newsletter, Cyber Weekly.

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Craig MacAlpine CEO and Founder

Craig MacAlpine is CEO and Founder of Expert Insights. Before founding Expert Insights in August 2018, Craig spent 10 years as CEO of EPA Cloud, an email security provider that rebranded as VIPRE Email Security following its acquisition by Ziff Davis, formerly J2Global (NASDAQ: ZD) in 2013.

Craig is a passionate security innovator with over 20 years of experience helping organizations to stay secure with cutting-edge information security and cybersecurity solutions.

Using his extensive experience in the email security industry, he founded Expert Insights with the singular goal of helping IT professionals and CISOs to cut through the noise and find the right cybersecurity solutions they need to protect their organizations.