Software for backing up network data Used to protect and restore network information securely
Software for backing up network data Used to protect and restore network information securely
I’m searching for an inexpensive backup tool that supports backing up multiple computers to a central network server. Right now I have a Windows Server 2012R2 with a RAID 5 array offering 12TB of usable space, and I’d like to automate backups from all my PCs to this server. Manual backups are cumbersome, so an automatic system would be ideal. In an optimal setup, the software should follow specific rules—like performing full backups on Mondays, deleting old ones daily, running incremental backups weekly, and cleaning up after diffs—and ideally preserve Windows restore images for full system recovery. I’d also like the ability to manage backup schedules centrally from the server once installed. Currently, Acronis Backup is too expensive, but I’m open to more budget-friendly options that meet these requirements.
Have you explored the native backup options in Windows Server 2012? There are automated client backups available (image-based), giving you some flexibility over full or differential backups, though the level of control may be limited. This resource is tailored to the Essentials edition. It’s unclear how much variation exists between different versions of 2012 for client backups. If you’re running Windows 7 or later across all machines, the built-in Windows 7/Windows 8 backup utility might work, but it will likely offer even less customization.
I'm not sure about the built-in backup feature yet, since I didn't know it existed. However, I do have access to it. I'm currently running a 2012R2 Datacenter server, which is the top-tier model and includes all features. In this version, essential tools are grouped into a dedicated dashboard, and I only adjusted DLNA settings there. Backup wasn't part of my initial setup. I'll explore it further in the coming days and share my findings. Right now, I'm using Windows 7/8 backup software, but it needs manual execution and often results in complete data loss. Reading about Acronis made me realize its capabilities, but I can't afford such expensive solutions.
With Datacenter Edition available, I strongly suggest checking out the built-in Client Backup feature. I've only tried Essentials 2012 briefly. My own server uses WHS 2011. Although the equipment is aging, an upgrade seems necessary soon, and that could lead me to consider moving to Server 2012.