CrashPlan...your backup plan.
February 02, 2016
CrashPlan...your backup plan.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with CrashPlan
We are using CrashPlan to backup all university owned laptops. It helps us keep track of data when someone leaves the institution, but also aids in laptop data migrations. CrashPlan is being used on a number of our servers as well.
- CrashPlan is a lightweight application that runs in the background. I don't even know that it is there.
- Data migrations are greatly simplified using CrashPlan. In the past we used the Windows Data Migration tool and had to wait for all the data to transfer from one computer to the other via an ethernet cable. With CrashPlan, we simply initiate a restore of data on the new computer and the user is on their way.
- For enterprise implementations, CrashPlan also has a web-based management console. This can help simplify management of users, but also can be used to initiate a restore for a user without them even needing to stop by our help desk.
- When it comes to our servers, sometimes the CrashPlan client can cause slowness, but it usually has to do with what else the server is used for. (e.g. SQL, File Server, etc.)
- While the management console is a great tool to have, the UI can be a little cumbersome. Links to information are not always obvious.
- With CrashPlan, the user is able to initiate restores on their own, with little to no help from IT staff. The client UI is quite easy to use, especially with their new client with release 5.1.
- CrashPlan has freed up time for both end users and IT staff with it's simplicity and seamless backup.
- The capability for a hybrid approach is useful when a large restore is needed quickly. You can have both on-site and cloud backup destinations.
- Metiix and Symantec Backup Exec
CrashPlan is far superior to both Metiix and Backup Exec in simplicity of use and management. They are continually releasing updates and new products, where Metiix has not released a new client in 3 years since we left them.
Using CrashPlan
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Technical support not required Well integrated Consistent Quick to learn Convenient Feel confident using Familiar | None |
- Setting up the folders to be backed up.
- Restoring to the "original location" on the current computer or a new one.
- Some aspects of the management console can be confusing, like the user and device management.
- Setting up a hybrid solution is not difficult, but seems to be a little cumbersome.
Yes - The mobile interface allows you to view and download files from your CrashPlan backup directly to your mobile device. If you need to view a document and don't have your computer with you, you can pull it up from CrashPlan on your mobile device.