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Sneakernet backups with Pelican cases is terrible! StarWind VTL to Backblaze B2 FTW.
February 18, 2019

Sneakernet backups with Pelican cases is terrible! StarWind VTL to Backblaze B2 FTW.

Kevin Sipma | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with StarWind Virtual Tape Library

We are using Starwind's VTL to Backblaze B2 software which augments Veeam's ability to offload existing backups to a tape library. This allows for easy de-duplication and compression of backups to a virtual tape library. Starwind's software basically makes a bridge between Veeam and B2 storage by acting as a VTL middleware. It's very effective. We were able to get rid of costly and headache-inducing sneakernet backups of shipping hard drives on a rotating basis in Pelican cases. We have lost drives and the reliability wasn't very reassuring - especially since shipping drives can result in losses, damages, and all sorts of issues. Something had to change and we are so glad to start using Backblaze B2 for our Veeam offsite/GFS requirements.
  • 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
  • Implementation and deployment is highly technical - could be easier & faster
  • Backups Management is somewhat tricky - could be refined further
  • 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
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.

StarWind VTL Feature Ratings