Most Cost-Effective Alternative to Veeam: BDRSuite Backup & Recovery

BDRSuite stores the backup data blocks in smaller chunks(each 100 MB by default but configurable) for both full and incremental backups. The metadata to access the blocks is stored in a relational database. This is a patent and unique approach that provides several benefits for our customers.

Some of the key use cases for this approach include:

Faster restores: BDRSuite’s RDBMS-based approach allows for quick access and restoration of backup data blocks in emergency situations.

Ready-to-boot full virtual images: Customers can instantly boot/recover backed up VMs and physical machines into various virtualization platforms(VHD, VHDX, VMDK, IMG) without merging data.

Efficient retention/merge: BDRSuite streamlines the retention process by removing specific deleted blocks and reconstructing the chunk file, saving time and resources.

No additional storage needed: BDRSuite’s approach to merge/retention does not require extra storage space, reducing costs and overall TCO.

Reduced impact on storage hardware: BDRSuite’s method does not require intensive IO operations during retention/merge, extending the life span of storage disks.

Veeam offers Microsoft 365, AWS and few other products as standalone modules which doesn’t provide a complete centralization.

BDRSuite offers centralized management for all workloads (Virtual, Physical, Cloud & SaaS) through a web console. This provides you with complete access and control of your backup infrastructure with extensive reporting capabilities and email notifications.

BDRSuite supports the where-it-left-off functionality for image backup and file backup. BDRSuite is the only backup software in the market that supports resuming image-level backups after any interruption.

If the backup is interrupted due to network issues, user intervention or any other reasons, Veeam resends the backup data from scratch. As the entire schedule is restarted, Veeam not only uses more bandwidth but also delays the backup completion.

On the other hand, BDRSuite intelligently resumes backup from where it left off during the last schedule. So in the next run, BDRSuite does not re upload the entire data and will continue to backup only the remaining data. This saves backup time and significantly reduces the data uploaded every time after an interruption and also reduces bandwidth usage.

Veeam uses different consolidation methods such as Forward Incremental, Reverse Incremental, Forever Forward Incremental, for creating backup chains. However, these methods still take merge time and also complicate things for you because each has advantages and disadvantages that you should be aware of before selecting the best method.

The right consolidation method should help you reduce the merge time, save storage space, and achieve faster recovery. Understanding this, BDRSuite uses its own file system – “VembuHIVE” to expose every incremental as a virtual full backup. i.e. restoration of a backup from any point-in-time will not require the merging of all the changes to a previous full backup. A full backup recovery point is available for every schedule during which an incremental backup was done. These backup versions can be instantly restored without any tedious merges.

With BDRSuite, you need not select any consolidation method, all you have to do is simply select the backup type you want to run – Full, Incremental, Synthetic, etc and you will simply have a virtual full backup for all restore points and quickly recover from any point in time without involving merge time.

Read more about BDRSuite’s approach to Forware/Reverse Incremental here

Veeam stores the data of each machine in a separate file in the backup repository. When it comes to data retention, Veeam removes old data by rewriting the entire file. This process can be resource-intensive, as it requires additional storage space and may cause I/O overhead. It can also be time-consuming, as the entire file needs to be rewritten in order to remove the old data.

On the other hand, BDRSuite stores data in small, manageable chunks. This allows BDRSuite to easily access the specific data blocks it needs and quickly restore them without having to deal with large, cumbersome files. This unique method of storing data offers several benefits. One of those benefits is that when retention takes place, BDRSuite simply marks the blocks that need to be removed and immediately deletes them during the cleanup process. This makes the retention and cleanup process more efficient and simpler compared to Veeam’s method of rewriting the entire file.

Veeam currently doesn’t support storing the primary backup data directly on object-based cloud storage. Veeam only supports to use object storage as additional tier of storage when you are running out of space or for archival.

BDRSuite supports Object Storage to store primary backup data, secondary backup copies, and offsite backups. Object Storage supported by BDRSuite are: AWS S3, Azure Blob, Google Cloud, S3 Compatible storage such as Wasabi, MinIO, Backblaze, etc. Recovering from object storage targets is similar to recovering from local storage targets and supports all major types of recovery, such as granular and complete VM restore.

Following Insight Partners’ acquisition of Veeam, it now primarily targets Enterprise Businesses, which makes their software complex and increasingly challenging to use. Veeam requires steep learning curve and certified professionals to use the software. The BDRSuite user interface is clutter free and user friendly. You can quickly & easily get adapted to the BDRSuite software. The initial setup and configuration of BDRSuite takes only less than 15 mins.

While Veeam does offer some reporting capabilities within the Veeam Backup Server, these capabilities are limited. To access more advanced reporting and centralized monitoring, you must purchase an additional tool. This can significantly increase the cost of your backup solution.

BDRSuite, on the other hand, provides a range of advanced reporting and notification features directly within the Backup Server console. These features include VM level reports, job level reports, recovery reports, offsite copy reports, and more. You can easily set up email notifications and integrate with third-party tools like ConnectWise without the need to purchase additional licenses or products. This can help you save on expenses and streamline your backup process.

Remote backup is useful for businesses who need to backup their data remotely, such as to a cloud storage service. Remote backup involves transferring data over a WAN, which can sometimes be prone to interruptions. When the backup data transfer was interrupted for image-level backups, many backup vendors handle it by simply starting the full backup process over again from the beginning. This can be very time-consuming, especially for large backup processes.

To address this scenario, BDRSuite has introduced a feature called “where it left off”, that allows the backup process to resume where it left off after an interruption, rather than starting over from the beginning. This can save a significant amount of time and make the remote backup process more efficient.

Overall, BDRSuite’s remote backup capabilities are designed to make it easy and effective to backup your data, regardless of your location or where you need to backup to.

Businesses may find it difficult to reach Veeam’s technical support and receive a timely and satisfactory response from a real person whereas BDRSuite ‘sTechnical Support delivers 24/7 Customer Support with Industry best SLA. BDRSuite’s technical support provides swift responses by a real-person with turnaround time in minutes.

Read more about BDRSuite Technical Support here.

If you’re looking to save on backup expenses while still protecting your data effectively, BDRSuite is the right solution for you. As one of the most cost-effective backup software options on the market, BDRSuite offers maximum savings of up to 70% for existing Veeam users. This means that you can significantly reduce your backup costs without compromising features or performance.

Whether you’re a small business owner, a large enterprise, or anything in between, BDRSuite can help you achieve your backup goals while keeping your expenses under control.

View detailed pricing here.

The “CPU Socket & Perpetual” licensing options has now been phased out by Veeam with its most recent switch to Universal Licensing (VUL).

BDRSuite offers flexible licensing models – Subscription and Perpetual and you can purchase licenses on Per VM, Per CPU-Socket, Per User, Per Endpoint and Per Instance basis.

BDRSuite also offers multiple editions – Enterprise, Standard and Free. Each edition is designed in a way to cater for the backup requirements of Small, Medium and Enterprise Businesses.