TSM for Windows Review
Updated March 30, 2018

TSM for Windows Review

Anonymous | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Tivoli Storage Manager

Tivoli Storage Manager is being used across the whole organization to provide backup at the file level backup. This protects the business by including all the users My Document level files, which are mapped to a central file sharing server. In the unlikely event a user deletes a folder or file(s), we can rely on TSM to quickly and effectively restore the deleted file(s) or folders. Very reliable system. Tivoli support is also good and has assisted when needed.
  • Good Support
  • GUI interface is straightforward and easy to navigate.
  • CLI is also an option to check on health or status of Tape Library.
  • I do not see anything at the moment that requires change or adjusting. TSM works great for what we need it to do.
  • Note worth mentioning: We never had the opportunity to explore the VM backup functionality, as we are currently using VMware snapshots. This data protection solution came highly recommended to any business environment running VWware / virtualization.
  • ROI has been good.
We are an IBM shop. TSM was bundled into the mix when we purchased new IBM equipment for new ERP project.
Well suited for file level backup, data recovery needs 30, 60, or 90 days, or perhaps the last 3 iterations of a file change. Version we are running not suited for VMware backups, but IBM does have a VMware TSM version that will accommodate. Assess and be aware of what exactly the business data recovery requires.

IBM Storage Protect Feature Ratings

Instant recovery
9
Recovery verification
9
Business application protection
Not Rated
Multiple backup destinations
Not Rated
Incremental backup identification
9
Deduplication and file compression
Not Rated
Flexible deployment
Not Rated
Management dashboard
9
Platform support
9
Retention options
9
Encryption
Not Rated

Using Tivoli Storage Manager

2 - The business functions they represent are IT Administrator, Database Administrator, Network Administrator, and Systems Administrator.
1 - System Admin, Database Admin, and Network Admin skills. Knowledge of the Microsoft servers, systems, and files. Must have detailed knowledge of software and applications used on servers, wherever TSM is installed, in order to correctly identify files, folders, etc, that require backup. Understanding of business need for backup system utilizing TSM.
  • Part of Disaster Recovery solution.
  • Supports backup of file level backups.
  • Also supports VM level backup.
  • We used the software as intended with the expectation it works when needed.
  • TSM is a great product, but unfortunately will no longer be required for the organization I worked for. They have closed, data is no longer relevant, unless required by Chapter 7 trustees, then recovery of data may be required, in which TSM will be needed to restore.
Not required, company closed.
TSM is not used in my current role at my current job.

Evaluating Tivoli Storage Manager and Competitors

Yes - When I started in the organization, the file level backup for Windows and Linux servers was non existent. The SQL and Oracle Databases were protected and backed up by HP Data Protector, file level protection was required and the need to protect the new ERP servers. The organization had purchased IBM Tivoli Storage Manager, installed the application, but never configured or setup to use as intended: backup to Windows servers hosting ERP applications. Once configured and setup, TSM role was firmly established as the primary Windows Server go to for backing up file level only on not only Windows ERP application servers, but elsewhere on the organization's Windows servers.
  • Product Features
  • Product Usability
  • Product Reputation
  • Vendor Reputation
  • Existing Relationship with the Vendor
I was not present or involved the decision making process for reviewing, evaluating, purchasing, acquiring, and installing TSM. The purchase was done through a trusted IBM partner, along with the IBM hardware required for the ERP production project. I was part of the implementation and trained on using and supporting the TSM.
Keyword is Sizing. Understanding how much data is required to protect, how far back the organization requires the data protected. Must plan according to the organizations needs, and also consider future growth. TSM is powerful product once sized, configured, and implemented. Strategize and plan according to the strengths of TSM to get the most out of it.