Exagrid EX Series vs. StarWind Virtual Tape Library

We have Exagrid [EX Series] in different environments and it has adapted very well to both. We have used it for larger environments and its scalability if properly and takes up little physical space. We also use it as a backup solution for smaller environments, such as our vessels.

I don't see where the adaptability of Exagrid [EX Series] can be bad or unadjustable.

Incentivized

Starwind VTL is a great solution for customers that want the benefits of a physical tape library without the hefty price tag and the manual intervention required when changing tapes as it is automated. In addition, Starwind VTL virtual tapes are "air-gapped" as they are in LTO format.

• High backup speeds
• Native Veeam integration
• Deduplication/efficiency savings
• Friendly management interface
• Native replication between Exagrid boxes

Incentivized

• Allows you to use Veeam and other software that uses Virtual Tape Libraries while getting rid of actual tape drives and tapes
• Backblaze B2 implementation is great - keeps storage costs low while automating backups to the cloud storage
• Low cost and great support by the Starwind technical team
• Feature-rich and in constant development

• I don't have much to add here. Overall, it has been a solid purchase for us.

Incentivized

• Set-up is confusing.

Their support is great and the interface is not as user friendly

The initial setup took some time, however, with the help of the Starwind technical team, we were able to set it up from start to finish including seamlessly adding it to our existing backup solution. After that, there was no need for any additional setup or troubleshooting.

Great and reliable product with little need for support

We used Symantec tape making the decision to move to Exagrid.

Incentivized

We've looked at physical tape backups, however, the infrastructure is too costly compared to Starwind VTL and it also requires manual changing of tapes that users will not want to do or forget to do. With VTL, it works exactly like a physical tape library with the same benefits and full automation.

• Faster data recovery speed
• Reduced backup tape costs
• Improve a backup standard for the entire company

Incentivized

• ROI was immediate as we got rid of expensive sneakernet backups with hard drives in a Pelican case
• One-time cost of the product is very cost-effective
• Support contracts are reasonable and we received excellent support throughout
• We have much better peace-of-mind with our data being protected better