Item: Unitrends
Rating: 9
Author: Verified User

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We currently use a single Unitrends 823s appliance for all backup across our organization.

All virtual and physical servers are backed up and restored using the 823s.

We put in our first Unitrends appliance (822) three years ago to protect us from single file deletion to complete disaster recovery.

Pros and Cons

Using data storage efficiently is always something I look for in a good backup system. Unitrends does a very nice job of making sure backup sizes stay small through different methods like de-duplication.
Being able to get data offsite is another feature that Unitrends has made available. We currently write to physical disk and take that offsite but Unitrends also allows you to sync with another appliance or write to the cloud for disaster recovery purposes.
Main reason we got the appliance to start with is so we can backup and restore and not have to worry if it will work in a crisis situation. The appliance has been very reliable for us and I have recovered full virtual servers without issue. When I need a single file recovered or a complete server the system always comes through for me.

I really like the new version of software that is currently running on my appliance, this is one reason I upgraded to the new appliance. That being said the interface has lost much of its functionally over the previous code level. I like the look and layout of the new interface but would like to have many of the options back that were in the old interface. The old interface is still available if you need something but would like to see it all in the new interface.
I like companies who have nice complete documentation and Unitrends does a very good job of it. I think that the documentation could be a little more detailed on a few of the options. Instead of having to go to the knowledge base to get details on this or that feature it could all be in the documentation.

Return on Investment

Moving to Unitrends has been a big positive for our organization. Instead of worrying if backups are working and systems can be restored we can put more time into other areas. Being able to rely on a backup system and its support team to help you in a crisis situation is critical.

Alternatives Considered

Altaro Hyper-V Backup, AppAssure, Symantec Backup Exec, arkeia and Arcserve Backup

The Unitrends appliance let us move to a single backup system that is reliable and pain free. It has an easy to use interface and quality hardware. They stay on top of bugs and issues and let you easily apply updates to the system when needed.

One of the biggest challenges today is getting great support and I have not been disappointed with the USA based Unitrends support team. There are many backup products out there and a few maybe equal or better then the Unitrends system but with the combined USA support I have yet to find anything better.

Is Unitrends a perfect system, no there are still issues but compared to issues I had before its a night and day difference.

Likelihood to Recommend

I think the appliance is well suited for most scenarios as long as the appliance can hold the data you need backed up.

The appliance may not be a good fit for you if you have some type of application that requires a specific agent that Unitrends does not support.

Support Rating

Top quality support and based in the USA.

One of the things I now look for is quality support. With all the products out there now support can be a great way to separate the good from the great. If they can't support there product the product is no good to me.

Unitrends Customer Support Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Quick Resolution Good followup Knowledgeable team Problems get solved Kept well informed No escalation required Immediate help available Support understands my problem Support cares about my success Quick Initial Response	None

Bug Resolution

Yes - yes by the time I reported the bug is was an already known issue and repaired with the next release of code.

Exceptional Examples of Unitrends Support

Just about every time I call support I would consider it exceptional for the following reasons.

USA support where there is no language barrier impeding the support process.
Get called back the same day I put in the ticket.
Usually takes one session to get issue fixed.
They keep in touch when working on your issue.
Friendly not judgemental staff.

Unitrends appliance 823s

Overall Satisfaction with Unitrends Recovery Series Backup Appliance