OpenText Data Protector Reviews

• VMware level backup
• Exchange integration
• Flexibility
• Cost

We now have a common enterprise backup product across all our infrastructure and services. We have also extended this by deploying HP Data Protector VMware level backup capability VEPA, (Virtual Environment Protection Agent) across both Data Centre and Divisional services.

For me, the main weakness of Data Protector now is the Granular Recovery integrations, as they just don’t work as smoothly as they could.

I've used up since March 2013.

Not really. However, I have extensively used HP Data Protector in other roles with other organisation so I know the product very well. This was key consideration in the initial selection as it reduced costs and risks for the deployment.

We did experience a major issue when we first deployed Data Protector 8.10, but HP support were able to help.

No, we still two Data Protector installations, (known as Cells in in DP terminology). One cell manages the Data Centre backup/restores and the other the divisional side of things. At some point in time, we will probably consolidate into a single cell, (or manager of managers) configuration, but we have no current technical or business driver for this move.

It's excellent.

It's excellent, very prompt and professional.

In autumn 2012, we had two important backup issues in our enterprise data centres. The organisation was about to deploy MS Exchange as our corporate email system, (replacing Novell GroupWise) and our portfolio of VMware guests was increasing. We needed MS Exchange integration and NDMP backup capabilities to meet our data centre backup needs. At that time our IS organisation had a split between remote sites, (divisions) and the enterprise server data centres. We used Symantec NetBackup in our Data Centres and Symantec Backup Exec in divisions to meet our backup requirements.

The cost to license Symantec NetBackup for MS Exchange and NDMP was too large. So, we looked for alternatives. I had used HP Data Protector in a previous organisations and I knew it was a cost effective drop in replacement for NetBackup. So we looked at HP Data Protector and EMC offerings and eventually chose HP Data Protector and cost and functionality. This is just for the enterprise/data centre environment. Data Protector did all we wanted for our data centre backups.

As stated earlier, our technical IS had two teams/areas, data centre and divisions, (remote sites/hospital). The divisional team supported site based infrastructure and local services, (file & print etc.). The divisional servers were backed up using Symantec Backup Exec, and following an upgrade to Backup Exec 2012 we had several critical issues with backup at our divisions and the team evaluated HP Data Protector as replacement for Symantec Backup Exec and selected HP Data Protector.

For us, it was easy, as I had extensive previous experience of the product. I first used the product when it was called Omniback I, (not Omniback II). And, as stated we deliberately built the initial deployment as a drop in replacement for NetBackup in the Data Centre.

Just me.

It's difficult to calculate this as we didn’t have a plan to implement an enterprise backup infrastructure, we just used the cost and in-built flexibility of the product to meet our needs.

Initially in the data centre our first quote for NetBackup licenses for exchange integration and NDMP was about AU$200,000. Our complete Data Centre HP Data Protector deployment was AU$46,000.

Since our deployment HP has introduced capacity based licensing for Data Protector. I would advise any potential customer to look at this option, it may work better for their organisation. On balance if deploying today I would tend to prefer the capacity based licensing model. But do the sums and make sure it work for your organisation. The other point is even traditional Data Protector licenses is very flexible and relatively inexpensive, this allow an organisation to build an Enterprise backup architecture over time and allows in to evolve to meets changing requirements.

Plan, and call in outside help if required. Get the production evaluation mode and try it (it comes with a complete 60 day trial license). Get to know the product and plan. One other really nice feature of HP Data Protector that I haven’t mentioned up to now is Reporting. Data Protector has a whole load of built-in configurable reports, it really covers most use cases and when it doesn’t Data Protector has an extensive CLI, for when you just need that extra special something.

We use Micro Focus Data Protector to back up all our infra servers, plus file share and some VM backup.

The normal file system backup is easy to manage, and our success rate is quite high.

The scheduler setup could be better. We are facing some issues scheduling the job based on our requirements. Furthermore, if we want to change something, we have to run it through all the policies one by one. They don't have a central place to modify and apply it to all the policies. The virtual environment backup could also be better.

I have been using Micro Focus Data Protector for four years.

It's a stable solution, but every upgrade is such a headache. For example, we currently have to upgrade to a new version, but somehow the connection to storage isn't happening because there are issues with the library.

Micro Focus Data Protector is scalable. It's quite simple as we can just add on more media to fulfill all the requirements. Right now, a few thousand people use this solution in our organization.

We had a few cases through email, but one pain point is that they always go through to level one, go to level two, and so on. They spend a lot of time explaining what's going on before the problem is solved. 

Previously, we used Veritas Backup Exec. So, compared to Veritas Backup Execs, it's a little bit cheaper.

The initial setup is quite straightforward, like Master Media Server. 

Our licensing is on a capacity basis.

I wouldn't recommend Micro Focus Data Protector to be used as a cloud backup. But for on-premise and file share use, it's quite okay.

On a scale from one to ten, I would give Micro Focus Data Protector a seven.

 We primarily use the solution for data backups.

On the interface level of managing the backup, especially the history of the files that we are backing up, Data Protector is pretty good.

Implementation is pretty easy, depending on the number of clients.

The data deduplication is great.

The solution offers easy device detection. It's great for detecting devices you attach to the network. It doesn't matter if it's HPE StoreOnce or Data Domain, this solution will pick it up.

The catalog if very complete. Even if your file is eight years old, you'll be able to see it there.

Data Protector is very good at automation. From the time of the backup, verification, and copy to tape, it is very good. I don't need to touch it, it will do it by itself. 

It's annoying that you actually have to pay for the deduplication feature in order to use it.

Starting at around 2010, they haven't really changed their interface or added many new features. The console is dated. they need to make it more modern, add colours and better UI to make it more user friendly and attractive.

If you compare the solution with the same specific features and enhancements on another solution, Data Protector is expensive. This is especially true when compared to, for example, Veeam.

They are starting to create a cloud version of the Data Protector. The thing is, it's very hard to convince an administrator like me to switch to it, due to the fact that they are basically a hardware designed software. It was designed by a hardware engineer, that's why it looks and feels and operates like hardware. To change it to a software doesn't sit right. In comparison, when you use Veeam, you feel like you are managing a cloud. You feel that you are managing something on the top. When you're using Micro Focus Data Protector, on the other hand, you feel that you are directly communicating with the device. It's just as bumpy and not as satisfying as compared to Veem, which is compact and light.

Every time there is a backup running, I cannot predict anything, so I cannot say if it will back up the first time. Data Protector has a status bar. You need to wait and see.

Their flexibility of their reporting needs improvement. You cannot save. You need to copy/paste. It may have appeared flexible in the 1990s, however, it's 2020 now. We need a flexible reporting of all that is happening on the Data Protector. We don't need to focus too much on the data, we need to focus on the maintenance of the machine. There needs to be a focus on analytical reports. We need answers to questions like: "Am I going to lose capacity?" "Do I still have enough space?" "Do I still have enough capacity for the cloud?" Data Protector should analyze these things for you, and alert you if you need to increase capacity.  

The solution needs more mobile capabilities. If I cannot see your product on my mobile, you're not worth considering. Nowadays, that's a basic requirement for an administrator.

There is no place in the world that is not connected to the internet or IoT. There is a lot to be done that the competitors are already doing for the last four years. 

The solution needs to change their support agreement. It was changed from traditional to capacity. That means the product is now only targeting big companies. As it stands now, they cannot really market to smaller organizations because their capacity is not that much. Licensing should be flexible for small businesses all the way up to enterprise-level businesses.

Once you perform a backup for a huge amount of data, you cannot browse it. You cannot browse a specific characteristic of that data on the database in order to find a file. If the file is large, you need to restore it. With Veem, you can view it even if it's inside the archive. It gives you the assurance it's actually there. The solution needs to have a good explorer for administrators. I need to have the flexibility of viewing where I put my data. When it is going to the tape, the tape is totally encrypted. You need to restore it before you know what is inside. It's a big waste of time.

I've been using the solution since 2007. It's been well over a decade.

When the Micro Focus acquired this product, they changed the way it was supported. Before, when HP was doing it, technical questions were handled by after-sales support. Usually, they would take three days, at the minimum, to get help if you have of any trouble. 

The good thing about Data Protector is that they now have levels of support. They have three levels and you can request it personally. Basically, if the first agent doesn't detect your problem or solve the issue, the customer can take the initiative to say to the agent, "Now, we want to go level two". The agent does not make that call for the customer. 

As of just this year, technical support has really stepped up their game. They've changed. They're amazing.

We have had backup solutions before, with another vendor, before we started with this solution in 2007

The initial setup is mostly straightforward. An example of a complex installation for me, would be Microsoft Exchange. Micro Focus Data Protector is still a bit of a gray area, but it's easier. It's not modular. You always need to copy the whole SAN in order for you to achieve success.

It's an easy deployment. It's a basic server from the client to the device. It's a little bit of a two-step pattern compared to the Symantec Back Exec deployment, which is the simplest way to install your backup solution. With Data Protector, there are a few additional steps. That said, implementation is easy once you know what you're doing.

The length of time it takes to deploy is approximately 45 minutes for a single server. With clustering, it might take two hours. Now with SAN storage, it might take you a half-day, due to the configuration.

Give me a basic set up, and I can do it within 30 to 45 minutes. I can set the servers up, install the binary, have it detect the media, and then I can deploy the agent and backup any machine.

I don't have the storage inside my server, the storage is connected somewhere else. Connecting the configuration, depending on how I presented the device to the Data Protector, could be 30 minutes to half a day.

For maintenance, ideally, one site should have three engineers. However, in our environment, I am the only backup administrator for five sites. I would say that's understaffed for the solution.

Recently, we've seen a huge improvement in the licensing team. They're now phenomenal.

I've also looked at Veem and have downloaded both solutions for free.

We have a service level agreement with Micro Focus.

I cannot say that Data Protector is the perfect tool for my aim. Data Protector is losing to the competition day by day due to the fact that there are so many other features on the market. Data Protector doesn't need to copy their competition, but they at least have to have an offering that's equivalent. Especially now, looking at the console, there's been no money put into updates or UI, especially if you compare it from 2007 until the present day.

The technology itself is proven and it is working fine. 

I have a lot of machines, so I have room to play with the solution. Data Protector is great, however, after using Veem, I can see now where it could be improved. I'd rate it overall seven out of ten. If Data Protector offered a cloud version with better graphical interfaces, plus more analytics and reporting, I'd give it higher marks.

The simplicity of the software since when it was deployed makes the training easy for the backup operators (there is a big rotation of employees in this area).

The file system backup (by far, the most used) is the most valuable feature.

Integration with the market applications must be improved, such as MS Exchange, MS Active Directory, SAP and Oracle. Other backup tools are more efficient with the integrated backups.

We encountered some stability issues. Before 2014, the system run over HPE-UX platform when some software issues were recurrent. After it moved to the x86 platform, these were reduced a lot (almost to zero).

There were some scalability issues. In the older version 7.0, we reached the clients limit (500, if I'm not wrong).

I would rate the technical support a six out of 10. The ticket takes too long to be forwarded to the superior levels of support.

Since I have been working in my company, we have been using this software.

The setup was simple, i.e., both the setup and the administration are simple. That's one of the advantages (maybe the only one) of the HPE Data Protector.

Before, we did not look at other solutions, but now we are analyzing other solutions, e.g., probably Veeam, Commvault and Veritas.

The HPE Data Protector may not be enough to support your RPO/RTO needs, specifically for application integrated backups. Possibly, some complementary solutions will also be needed.

• Customers have been able to utilize multiple data protection schemes to be implemented with a single point of contact.
• Utilizing a single point of control has helped to maximize all current data storage technologies (AIT, LTO, DLT, etc.)
• Allowed for the leveraging of the latest methodologies such as snapshots, dynamic mirrors, hypervisors, deduplication, compression (in-line, hardware and/or software), and encryption (with or without PKI integration).

• Ability to automatically detect and secure new data sources without requiring manual configuration intervention.
• Has an extensive support base for most data formats.
• Natively allows the solution to be a ‘one-stop-shop’ for any enterprise data security requirements.
• Seamlessly integrates database security (i.e., Oracle, Sybase, Microsoft SQL server).
• Utilizes product APIs: Allows for the leveraging of the latest manufacturer product innovations without compromising data security or recoverability.

Data Protector's main single point of weakness is its GUI. While being very easy to use and intuitively constructed to present users with a minimal learning curve, nonetheless:

• It can occasionally be inaccurate in its backup/recovery time estimates
• It can sometimes reflect incorrect data quantities for a specific source stream

There have been some stability issues. As with any product remaining on the cutting edge of security and protection trends, utilizing the newest features comes with its share of caution by the user.

HPE Data Protector product support is always on the lookout for customer issues and provides patches and hot fixes immediately if presented with an undiscovered flaw.

It does have some issues better left behind. I am specifically thinking of Data Protector, Version 8, which went ‘off the rails’ fairly quickly and is best avoided.

Upgrading from Version 7 directly to version 9 is supported and strongly recommended.

We did not have any scalability issues. One of the shining attributes of Data Protector is its scalability.

Data Protector can easily coordinate and maintain any user's storage deployment, regardless of the complexity. This includes:

• Backing up a single server with a hand loaded DDS tape
• Entire multi-petabyte data centers with remote site coverage
• On-site/off-site storage duplication

Customer Service:

HPE support (Tier 1) can be a bit frustrating (as with virtually all vendors) with their reliance on keywords gleamed from user support calls.

More often than not, they can point a user quickly to patches or support documentation to alleviate the issue at hand.

Backline support provides individual customer assistance with an amazing level of familiarity with any given user need.

This often leads to developing enduring lines of communications with the best and brightest developers anywhere.

Technical Support:

I would rate technical support as follows:

• Tier 1: 6.5/10
• Tier 2: 8/10
• Tier 3: 9.5/10

We previously used Backup Express and Alexandria. They were both file products. One lacked the breadth and depth of source compatibility, and the other had almost insurmountable configuration implementation issues.

The installation was very straightforward. You simply:

1. Point to a source to be secured
2. Define a pool of media
3. Define a backup device
4. Create a schedule

Poof! You’re in business.

Vendor interaction for basic to moderately complex deployments is usually not needed. For complex multi-site, multi-vendor, deployments, HPE provides a wealth of assistance to attack and resolve even the most convoluted enterprise environments.

For the most extreme, complex environments (FIPS, Tempest, DoD, etc.), HPE consulting provides excellent support from the initial design to complete overhaul/upgrade.

This is not a simple answer. ROI is almost immediate for basic, single data center deployments.

However, for complex multi-site, multi-vendor, encrypted, de-duplicated, WAN tuned deployments, ROI can be an ongoing challenge. Retention requirements can change quicker than IT budgets can be formulated.

Pricing/licensing is Data Protector's single best offering. In its most basic environment, the only license required is for whatever target device is required.

If time and quantities permit the use of a single tape device, then there is no license cost above and beyond the initial base product purchase. (This includes a single tape drive license).

As your data environment grows, you can add as many sources as you like with no additional costs.

It is only when expanding the number of backup devices (tape drives/arrays, disk targets, etc.) that additional licenses are needed.

I personally have deployed this product at many customer sites and I only needed the basic, out-of-the-box license to protect an entire data center.

Other products (i.e., Backup Express, Alexandria) were pre-existing solutions which had become inadequate for the task at hand and required replacement.

I cannot recommend a better solution for enterprise-wide data security and retention.

One of the most valuable features is its integration with 3PAR and StoreOnce. The integration is more important than the features.

The integration of the tool benefits our organization. The support is unified from one company for all data, storage, and backup processes.

In the next release, I would like to see more integration with VMware and HPE Recovery Manager Center (RMC). We don't have RMC, unfortunately. We are planning on getting it.

I have asked about the Data Protector and its integration with RMC. It is only integrated for managing and doesn’t go much deeper. This tool is also missing some configurations and functionalities that I want.

The tool and its functionalities are stable. You can find more features with other products, but they will be adding more features in the new version.

This tool is scalable.

We were using NetBackup. Although it has more features, we switched to this tool because it has single integration and single support.

I was somewhat involved with the setup. It was in-between straightforward complex. The initial configuration takes time, as does the customization and fine-tuning of the jobs.

We're doing a huge backup for SAP. We do a backup every 10 minutes of very critical data. We don’t do the whole backup, but rather the database log backup. This data is really huge. It took us time to fine-tune it and make it better. HPE assisted us with this process a year and a half ago.

I would suggest finding out what features you need before buying.

We run all of the bank applications on it. 

The solution allows us to be able to backup and exchange directly to backup Microsoft Exchange.

The solution is not intuitive enough. I think they should work on the user experience and the graphical interface. These can be a lot better.

I would give the stability a rating of seven out of ten. There are still some improvements to be made in terms of ensuring stability in the product.

Scalability is very good. Right now, we have ten users, including backup administrators, compliance, and audit. The backups run every day.

I would rate technical support as six out of ten. They don't respond in a timely manner when you report issues.

The initial setup was complex. It's because it's not user-friendly. I think they can work a lot harder at making the solution more intuitive. Deployment took about two weeks. For deployment and maintenance, we only needed two people.

We used a reseller that helped with the deployment. They were fantastic. I liked them a lot.

For us, the solution is bundled with other HP licenses, so I can't say how much the licensing is exactly. There are no other costs above the standard licensing fee, however.

We are using the on-premises version of the solution.

In terms of advice that I would give to those thinking about using the solution, I'd say this: it's a very good application. It does the job. It can be better, but it does the job. It does everything any basic backup application should do. The interface could be more intuitive and more colorful to help with its ease of use.

I would rate the solution seven out of ten.

It is really helpful in giving us a great backup and restore environment, and it's especially a great help in doing the granular recovery for VMs, SharePoint, and Exchange servers.

It is very reliable on the server side for providing a trustworthy backend. The installation was simple and provided an easy way to install even on Unix servers. It has excellent features like deduplication.

Reporting on scheduled backups via the advanced scheduling option are non-existent, and this needs to be available.

VM backups needs to be improved. They need to make it similar to the way Veeam and Commvault are doing the virtual backups.

We've had no issues with its stability.

There have been no issues scaling it.

Customer Service:

It's not good and needs to be improved.

Technical Support:

It's not good and needs to be improved.

We were using EMC previously, and switched because this is easier to manage and it's cheaper.

It was easy and there were no major difficulties.

A vendor team came and performed the implementation. I recommend that you get a professional services team come and do it for you.

The ease of use for operators provides a quick response when restores are needed by the business.

The licensing structure provides cost savings to business.