Exploring Nakivo Backup & Replication 10.9: A Game-Changer for Data Protection

Nakivo Backup & Replication 10.9 has arrived with a set of features that make it a compelling option for businesses that want flexibility without locking themselves into expensive, dedicated hardware—all while offering robust recovery and security options. In this detailed overview, we’ll delve into what makes version 10.9 an attractive choice, the real-world deployment on popular hardware like Qnap NAS systems, and the trade-offs that come along with its versatile architecture.

A New Breed in Backup Solutions​

While many backup solutions require a dedicated Windows Server host, Nakivo’s latest iteration shatters these constraints. The software is designed to run on virtually any platform, including:

• Windows and Linux hosts
• Virtualization platforms such as VMware vSphere and Hyper-V
• Nutanix AHV, AWS EC2, and even Raspberry Pi
• Leading NAS appliances like Qnap and Synology

This diversity in supported platforms offers businesses enormous flexibility. Whether you’re running a small office environment or managing a large-scale data center, Nakivo’s commitment to running ‘where you want’ makes it an attractive option for organizations looking to avoid vendor lock-in. In fact, small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) that want to avoid the overhead and complexity of a dedicated server environment will find this solution especially appealing.
Key points:

• Versatile platform support minimizes dependency on specific hardware.
• Perfect for SMBs seeking cost-effective and flexible backup solutions.

Architecture: Three Pillars of Reliability​

Nakivo Backup & Replication 10.9 is built on a modular architecture that combines three core service components:

• Director:
• A web-based management console where you configure, monitor, and manage your backup tasks.
• Transporter:
• The component responsible for handling backup, replication, and recovery operations.
• It gets pushed to protected endpoints, whether you’re safeguarding physical servers or virtual machines.
• Repository:
• Dedicated storage for your backup data.
• Repositories can be created on local storage, network shares, or even cloud stores, giving you plenty of options to suit your storage needs.

This clear separation of roles not only simplifies initial setup but also makes ongoing management more straightforward. Administrators can quickly identify and troubleshoot issues in the specific area that might be experiencing hiccups. The streamlined web interface (Director) ensures that even those less familiar with command-line operations can efficiently manage backup operations.
Key points:

• Modular architecture ensures ease of management and troubleshooting.
• Each component plays a distinct role, improving overall system reliability.

Deployment: A Walkthrough on Qnap NAS​

In one illustrative test scenario, the team deployed Nakivo’s NBR on a Qnap TS-855eU-RP short-depth 8-bay rack NAS running QuTS Hero. This choice highlights the capability of NBR to run directly on network-attached storage, bypassing the need for a dedicated server. Here’s how the process unfolded:

• Repository Setup:
  The Qnap appliance came with a default local repository on its system SSDs. However, to maximize storage capacity and performance, an additional repository was created on a large-capacity RAID5 pool.
• Note: When creating the repository, users must manually provide the absolute path, which requires accessing the system via an SSH session and running a Linux List command.
• Integrating with Inventory:
  The software automatically discovered various systems:
• For physical Windows hosts and workstations, the transporter service was pushed seamlessly.
• For virtualization platforms such as Hyper-V and VMware vSphere, the setup was equally straightforward. While Hyper-V required a simple transporter agent deployment, vSphere backups leveraged an agentless approach—only requiring the host’s credentials for monitoring and backup.

The deployment on a Qnap NAS showcased not just ease-of-installation but also underscored the product’s ability to work on non-traditional platforms, making it ideal for environments where using a dedicated Windows Server isn’t feasible.
Key points:

• Deployment on Qnap illustrates the flexibility of running on NAS appliances.
• Simple repository creation and inventory integration make setup accessible even for non-experts.

Backup Job Creation and Schedule Management​

Creating backup jobs in Nakivo Backup & Replication 10.9 is a streamlined process that hinges on its intuitive design:

• Backup Job Configuration:
  Users begin by choosing which systems from their inventory need protection. Whether it’s a set of physical servers, VMs running on Hyper-V, or the entire VMware vSphere host (with new VMs automatically added to the schedule), the options are extensive and user-friendly.
• Scheduling Flexibility:
  The solution offers detailed scheduling options—daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly recovery points can be configured to align with your organization’s recovery point objectives.
• Additional Features:
• For environments where malware poses a threat, a separate “scan server” is designated where third-party antivirus software is installed.
• Protection extends to all MS365 components, including Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, and even Microsoft Teams.

This granular control over backup schedules means that businesses can tailor their data protection strategies precisely to their operational rhythms and risk profiles. The automated handling of VM backups further reduces administrative overhead, ensuring that any newly introduced systems don’t slip through the cracks.
Key points:

• User-friendly backup job creation simplifies protecting diverse environments.
• Detailed scheduling options ensure effective data retention and recovery planning.

Integrating Malware and MS365 Protection​

A noteworthy enhancement in version 10.9 is the integrated malware protection, a move that resonates strongly in today’s cybersecurity landscape:

• Malware Protection:
  The software now integrates with various third-party antivirus products. This synergy means that when a backup is taken, it can be “scanned” for potential malware threats—all without needing to run separate security processes.
• MS365 and Cloud-Based Protection:
  Recognizing the growing reliance on cloud productivity tools, Nakivo has extended support to protect MS365 components. This integration isn’t just about file backup; it includes granular restoration for:
• MS365 emails
• SharePoint documents
• OneDrive files
• Microsoft Teams data

There’s a caveat, though: MS365 licenses require a separate subscription model (for instance, ten users cost around £252 per year). Additionally, the backup for these components necessitates a special SaaS repository. In one test scenario, users noticed that this repository wasn’t natively supported on QuTS Hero 5.1. However, Nakivo’s support suggested a clever workaround—creating an iSCSI target on the Qnap appliance and mapping it to a Windows system running the transporter service. While not the most elegant solution, it indeed did the job.
Key points:

• Integrated malware scanning enhances security during the backup process.
• MS365 component support is comprehensive, though it may require extra configuration and cost considerations.

Recovery: Fast, Flexible, and Failure-Proof​

When it comes to recovery, Nakivo Backup & Replication 10.9 stands out from the pack with its robust, multi-faceted approach:

• Bare Metal Recovery:
  With the new Bootable Media Wizard, users can restore entire physical Windows or Linux servers directly from selected backups. This capability is critical in scenarios where hardware failures demand quick and full system restoration.
• Granular Restoration:
  Beyond full system recovery, the software supports granular file and folder restorations. This feature extends to:
• MS365 items down to individual documents or emails
• SQL databases where precise point-in-time recovery may be needed
• On-premises Exchange objects for targeted restores
• Disaster Recovery and VM Replication:
  Flash Boot jobs allow for the speedy creation of new virtual machines directly from the backup repository. Furthermore, the solution facilitates VM replication by cloning backups—a key feature for organizations that need to minimize downtime during catastrophic failures.

In a world where data breaches, malware infections, and hardware malfunctions can occur at any time, having a backup solution that can quickly revert to healthy states is invaluable. By combining traditional backup techniques with modern disaster recovery practices, Nakivo 10.9 ensures that businesses are well-prepared for the worst-case scenarios.
Key points:

• Fast bare metal recovery supports rapid response during hardware failures.
• Granular restore options reduce downtime and data loss during targeted recoveries.
• Disaster recovery features like Flash Boot jobs minimize disruption.

Licensing and Cost Considerations​

One of the biggest selling points of Nakivo Backup & Replication 10.9 is its flexible licensing model. This product is available in five different versions, with options covering both perpetual licenses and per-workload subscriptions. The pricing structure is transparent enough to be navigated via an online cost calculator—a tool that helps prospective customers understand their investment immediately.

• Licensing Options:
• Perpetual licenses for businesses that prefer a one-time investment.
• Subscription-based models ideal for environments with fluctuating workloads.
• Versatility for Diverse Budgets:
  The multiple licensing options mean that whether you’re a small business with limited IT resources or a large enterprise requiring extensive backup protection, there is a model that fits your financial and operational needs.

For organizations mindful of budget constraints, especially SMBs, this flexible approach not only helps control costs but also avoids the pitfalls commonly associated with backup software that is only available through expensive and rigid licensing agreements.
Key points:

• Flexible licensing models cater to both small businesses and large organizations.
• Transparent pricing, aided by an online cost calculator, simplifies the budgeting process.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Trade-offs​

Every backup solution has its strengths and trade-offs, and Nakivo Backup & Replication 10.9 is no exception. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Pros:
• Extensive platform support eliminates the need for dedicated hardware.
• Modular architecture simplifies management and troubleshooting.
• Comprehensive recovery features, from bare metal to granular restores.
• Integrated malware protection improves overall cybersecurity.
• Flexible licensing models and transparent pricing enhance its appeal for diverse organizations.
• Cons:
• Mac clients still lack native support, limiting its use in heterogeneous environments.
• MS365 backup configuration may require creative workarounds, particularly on non-standard operating systems like QuTS Hero.
• The manual creation of repository paths via SSH may present a learning curve for less experienced administrators.

These pros and cons help paint a clear picture, enabling IT decision-makers to balance their operational needs with the potential challenges of adopting a new backup solution.
Key points:

• The flexibility and feature set outweigh the minor caveats in most use cases.
• Informed tweaks and workarounds can mitigate most of the identified limitations.

Final Thoughts: A Versatile Solution for Modern Data Protection​

Nakivo Backup & Replication 10.9 clearly demonstrates that backup solutions don’t have to be restricted by traditional hardware or operating system boundaries. Its ability to run on myriad platforms—from dedicated Windows and Linux hosts to NAS appliances like Qnap—opens up a world of possibilities for businesses of all sizes. Coupled with robust recovery options, advanced malware protection, and comprehensive support for cloud-based applications such as MS365, this version packs a serious punch.
For businesses looking to modernize their data protection strategy without being bound by legacy constraints, Nakivo 10.9 presents itself as a strong contender. It is especially notable for SMBs that value both flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Sure, there may be some bumps along the road—like the workaround for MS365 SaaS repositories and the current lack of support for Mac clients—but these are minor issues when compared to the overall functionality and potential of the solution.
In an era where data protection is paramount and downtime can be devastating, having a backup solution that is both versatile and reliable may well be the ace up your sleeve. Nakivo Backup & Replication 10.9, with its smart architecture and thoughtful integrations, is poised to deliver on that promise, ensuring that your data is as secure as it is accessible.
Key takeaways:

• Versatility and flexibility make Nakivo 10.9 suitable for diverse IT environments.
• Robust recovery features secure business continuity in the face of unforeseen events.
• Thoughtful integrations—including malware and cloud application protection—offer a modern solution to evolving cybersecurity challenges.
• While some complexity exists in setup and configuration, the benefits far outweigh the minor challenges.

For IT professionals evaluating modern backup solutions tailored to a dynamic environment, exploring Nakivo Backup & Replication 10.9 could very well be worth the close-up inspection.

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Source: TechRadar Hands on: I tried the Nakivo Backup & Replication 10.9 - see what I thought of this backup solution