HPE StoreOnce vs. StarWind Virtual Tape Library

Vm backups are the fastest I've ever had with this unit for any backup software system. Agent backups are the fastest ever to this device too. Veeam supported HPE StoreOnce for file backups way back. However, we discovered you cannot do this for large network drive scenarios. So, we have to have a separate backup system for file based share backups. it would be great to resolve this at some point in the future. Also, replication of a primary SO to a DR SO works amazing now based on the 52x0 series HPE StoreOnce units. The older 5100 series just could not cut it to copy to another backup target fast enough for large data backup consumers.

Incentivized

We are only using the Veeam to StarWind VTL for Backblaze B2 functionality but for what it is intended for, it does the job well and we are very pleased with how time and money saving this solution is. Be prepared to spend a good amount of time going over the implementation documentation and reading the manual several times to get it right. We received top-notch support during the implementation and deployment process though, so that made the process a little easier.

• We really like the deduplication feature of HPE StoreOnce. It helps reduce storage footprint by 1:3 to 1:10 depending on type of files being stored.
• It's easy to manage files on HPE StoreOnce servers using command line options.
• We use Veeam Backup Server software to manage our backups on HPE StoreOnce.

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

• For fastest performance and best dedupe, ISV software supporting Catalyst required
• VTL capability requires more overhead and space due to aging policies, etc.
• Use of CIFS/SMB for backups is significantly slower than Catalyst.

Incentivized

• Set-up is confusing.

It just works and the support contract we have is good enough for the company needs

Incentivized

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

My team who are currently administering HPE StoreOnce do not come from a storage background. We still didn't had to struggle much configuring and using HPE StoreOnce. Of course, HPE team was very helpful in smooth technology transition. For critical errors, we already have phone home feature enabled and HPE support team has been excellent and their response time in dealing with technical errors/incidents.

Incentivized

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.

We had couple of incidents so far and HPE support team was very proactive through the process until the incident was closed satisfactorily.

Incentivized

Great and reliable product with little need for support

It was pretty smooth, at least smother that a Dell EMC Unity we set it up last week

Incentivized

NetApp is a great product and very well established in market. But HPE StoreOnce features like scalability using disk based duplication that lowers the backup footprint. It is very well coupled with HPE Recovery Manager Central provides backup protection and backup efficiency. We were also offered a nice discount while choosing HPE StoreOnce.

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.

• HPE StoreOnce doesn't require a lot of technical knowledge for day to day administration and management. This helps reducing IT support staff cost.
• It provides an amazing compaction ratio and saves you a lot on the storage side.

Incentivized

• Great ROI for small organizations.
• Affordable for any size business.
• Met the requirements of the companies backup requirements.