The GUI isn't the slickest, because Asigra has opted to focus on features and capability over a shiny interface. They do have an overhaul in the works, but I appreciate that their first priority is performance. Despite looking a little long-in-the-tooth, our customers are able to handle every aspect of adding and modifying backup sets, performing restores, and monitoring usage themselves vs calling us for help (which we're happy to provide). I'm holding out on that half star while they get that GUI update going, simply because it's a turn-off for first time users - trust me, that shouldn't hold you back.

I wouldn't describe it as a scalable solution.

The management could be a bit better.

The Asigra product on the whole is a fantastic solution and I would highly recommend this as it delivers everything our business and our subsequent customers required.

From my knowledge of the technical roadmap I can safely say Asigra listens to their partners feedback and are working hard to deliver on ongoing market leading solution. Below are two of the suggestions we recently made to Asigra from our experience.

Firstly, the introduction of a ‘DS-Updates’ system similar to Microsoft’s WSUS would be a much welcomed addition to the Asigra family. This system would automatically check Asigra for updates and hot fixes and download them to a DS-System. Administrators would then be able to approve the changes and distribute them accordingly and selectively from within the DS-NOC. At present, downloading the relevant files and placing them into a directory on the DS-System is a little cumbersome and open to error/malicious use. The system could also be used to get updates from upstream, rather than from Asigra, meaning that MSPs that go through a Partner for a private cloud can only get the updates that the partner wish to provide them.

Another area that could enhance the offering is within the DS-NOC. This is a very useful tool in its current state, but I believe it could be improved further with the introduction of a simple help desk function and an in depth knowledge base linked to the error codes received. The help desk would be useful to allow customers to log issues with Asigra from within the NOC environment, rather than having to connect to another system to do so. It would only need to capture basic info, and buttons could be placed against certain areas such as Backup Activities so these can be quickly raised by a customer as required. The knowledge base could be built and centralized at Asigra, but allow the ‘community’ to update it, similar to how Wikipedia works. This would allow the vast network of Asigra Engineers to help one another and help build a community of expertise across the world.

Although a fantastic backup system, it is very complex. Installation can take anywhere from 35 - 95 min (depending on the system resources) - prior to setting up any backup sets. Disaster Recovery is one area where Asigra requires some re-thinking. At this time the procedures for Disaster Recovery are even more complex then the initial installation. The DR set up must be the same as the original Backup Setup - naming conventions, unless well documented could increase the recovery time significantly. The constant checks and re-checks, although great for data integrity, affects recovery times - once installation of the recovery system is completed a database recovery must be started and then a synchronization of data files (which can take countless hours - depend on amount of data and available bandwidth). Only after all this is done the data recovery can begin. Bare Metal backup is great and works well, although recovery of systems to dissimilar hardware is difficult IF possible. Physical to virtual (only available to VMWare) is complex and requires VMWare tools be installed and configured...configuration can be difficult. For businesses that have Bandwidth issues Recoveries are difficult as interruptions or disruptions may require restarting the recovery of all files again and again until there are no network issues. Test recoveries on secondary systems are difficult - require stoppage of backup systems. Setting up a recovery server can be difficult as at times it may require stopping backup for a day or more depending on the tests run (for Disaster Recovery). For general test recoveries run of the original setup no extra setup is required.

The setup and configuration of this product is quite complex. There are too many adjustable parameters available. The options that must be configured and tweaked is also the reasons why this product is so powerful. However, I still think they should make their product easier to use.

For me it does what it needs to.

There are improvements required with the virtualization solution, I'm sure we will see a significant change in 2017.

The UI could do with a facelift.

Data encryption due to the speed of restoring multiple files

They should improve the malware scanning capabilities, extending it to protect cloud application data.

More integration with leading storage solutions.

I think the product needs more diversity in Hyper-V. I know it is coming in 13.1, but I have yet to see the exclusiveness as VMware has. When I went to the Asigra Partner Summit this year, a new, not yet in place, feature for Hyper-V was in the works. Right now, the product is more VMware centric when it comes to replication and ability to backup images.

Cloud-to-Cloud backups.

Some more work on reporting tools is required to help get better auto-generated information and analysis from the system.

The user interface is a bit outdated, but Asigra has acknowledged this and is working on a new interface.

They should have 24/7 support for customers in different time zones. They are slow to respond to requests, and I get the impression that the ServiceDesk is overloaded. However, I haven’t used the ServiceDesk that much.

I think Asigra still needs to simplify their GUI. I think Asigra really improved the GUI with their 12x release but there's still a lot of functions and options. During any installation we take time to sit down with the customer to ensure they understand how to navigate the GUI.

Personally speaking, I think the reporting should be more interactive.

Backup of databases like Oracle and SAP.