In addition to the Microsoft Windows 2000 Backup utility licensed from Seagate Software, other excellent options are available for enterprise-wide backup that parallel the capabilities of mainframe backup/recovery storage requirements. Going to automated backup with robotic libraries or storage area networks (SAN) requires specialized hardware and software but can provide increased availability and protection when large amounts of data are involved.
Six of the most popular backup applications and some of their individual characteristics are discussed here as alternatives to Windows 2000 Backup. These applications include the following:
This appendix is not a definitive description about backup options but is intended to provide guidance for the enterprise administrator searching for advanced backup solutions.