Software: Storage and Restore
DEMAND
In recent years, Rachel Gehrke
Technologies Company (RGTC) has experienced countless misfortunes with data
loss and corruption, due to Microsofts’ Windows product.
It was mentioned by the founder of RGTC, Rachel Gehrke, that
a dire need for a data storage management solution is desperately becoming apparent.
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“Why are the files not
being backed-up every week?!”
-
Rachel
Gehrke
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SOLUTION
Much research has been carried out to obtain the following solution.
The software was carefully selected to meet RGTC management requests. The
need for two major requirements were made: 1) Full back
up 2) Incremental 3) Optional -- Differential backup.
It was also requested that a summary of each products main
features, along with strengths and weaknesses, financials, failed alternative
products, and ultimately a professional recommendation in product selection.
Eleven Microsoft Windows
compatible backup software products were examined.
Two of the eleven chosen programs were deemed most beneficial in meeting RGTC
needs.
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SOFTWARE CHOICE 1: Simple Data
Backup
DEVELOPER BACKGROUND
The first top rated product, chosen from the ten, was a backup software
developed by Chris Long. In his work,
Simple Data Backup, Long (2003) wanted a program that would carry all the
functionality of high-end backup software’s but with the utmost simplicity kept
in mind. This train of thought was implemented into his product to aid in a
market of fickle computer users, who wanted a product that was stable and
boasted many features but without any interface confusion. In other words, the
user would not need special training to operating the software or to achieve its
full potential (Long, Finn, & Fofanov, 2020). The developer holds a
Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems. Long also worked in
“IT related technologies such as programming, user interface, design, home
automation, hardware building, and technical support.” He also operates a product
called SSE Setup, which allowed developers to manage program installation (Long,
2003).
FEATURES
This backup software offers an abundance of features, which aided its
selection.
Simple Data Backup
allows for a full backup, which
includes the creation of an Image file. Included in the image file are the
registry and applications files. The folders and files can also be backed up
individually, without having to go through an entire ‘full’ backup. The backup
software can also preform incremental and differential backups, after the
initial full backup is carried out. The incremental and differential backups
can also be scheduled by the day, date, and time.
Other features include the ability to have multiple backup schedules
for different backup types. The software will accommodate most storage medium
types. The approved types include flash, solid state, optical, hard disk,
shared, and cloud--server. The ability to copy folders, files, and images from
one drive to another is also an option. The software has been in use for 15
years and has most of its bugs resolved, however, if any backup errors occur,
the administrator may be notified through a text message, E-Mail, or
in-software service. Lastly, Simple Data Backup comes with detailed help instruction
list, a simplistic graphical user interface, state-of-the-art encryption and
compression.
The above mentioned features are
deemed suitable in meeting the requirements of upper management to RGTC.
PRODUCT MERITS AND DOWNFALLS
When focusing closer on the software features shown to us, researchers
examined the specific traits which lined up well to meet the specific needs
under RGTC management. Some of the mentioned features were not required but may
increase user productivity, with inflicting no dismay. There were five positive
and productive strengths chosen. The first being financial burden. Simple Data
Backup software is very low in price. As of November, 2020, the price for a
professional server edition of Simple Data Backup is a onetime fee of 250.00
USD. The second strength being that
Simple Data Backup provides full and incremental backups for data. This feature
can be customized down to the day, date, and time. The third point for merit is
in Simple Data Backup’s flexibility for platforms. The software is Windows
Server ready; all the functionality which come as a requirement to carry out
functional work through a server to workstation, can be performed. Fourthly,
this backup software allows for the support of a diverse range in medium compatibility.
From flash storage to optical disk burning, the software cares not what it
transfers data from or to. This leads to the fifth point of praise, the restoration
process is very straight forward and can be done so without an operating system
installed on a given machine. Bootable disks can be made and used restore the
entire disk image onto an empty system.
When looking the downfalls to Simple Data Backup, there were three that
stood out the most. Differential backups were not supported. While this is not
a full-fledged requirement by management, it is a feature that would be
beneficial to have, should the opportunity for its use arise. The next weakness
was brand recognition; no ‘large’ corporation notorieties have been directed to
Simple Data Backup. Lastly, research has discovered a lack in customer support
via live helpline. If there is a need for immediate communication between the
developer and RGTC IT administrators, there may be an indefinite waiting time.
SOFTWARE CHOICE 2: AOMEI
DEVELOPER
BACKGROUND
The second top
rated product, chosen through my research, is a company called AOMEI
International Network Limited. Based out of North Point in Hong Kong, the
company was founded in 2010, where it thrives under the corporate philosophy of
protecting their customer’s data from being lost through patented technologies
their company pioneered (AOMEI, 2020). The
company offers an abundant number of backup services, from armature home PC
users to professionals working under large servers within fortune-500 companies
(AOMEI & Stanojevic, 2020). The company is trialed and purchased by many
users, as it boasts millions of downloads spread across 180 countries, making AOMEI
a truly global brand that’s well respected (AOMEI, 2020).
FEATURES
Required by
upper-management of RGTC, a product must contain the following five (5)
features: full backup, incremental backup, differential backup (optional), backup
of file(s), backup of registry, and backup of application(s). Because AOMEI
offers a large number of software solutions to a wide range of end-user
implications, I will be focusing on the company’s All-In-One Backup Toolkit
for Enterprise and Service Provider and Multi-Manager product. While there
are similar products offered by the company, I believe this backup program will
deliver the most beneficial features to RGTC systems.
This backup software offers features of full backup, incremental backup, and differential
backup. The program also offers the user to backup files, registry files, and
applications in-between scheduled backups of full, incremental, and differential
sessions (Fisher, Shychenko, AOMEI, & Stanojevic, 2020). With meeting the
basics, there is an additional nine (9) other saleable features which are highly
beneficial for the system administrator(s). Since this software is specifically
designed for server usage, features were designed accordingly (Stanojevic,
2020). Such features include the ability to create unlimited backup images for PC
and server system drives. This includes operating systems and installed programs.
Another feature is creating partitions, for added security. Files can also be
restored on-demand. Files and folders can be synced in real-time every second (Fisher,
2020). The programs allows for cloning entire hard drives, partitions, and specifically
individual operating systems, settings, and installed programs (Jacobi, 2020).
When looking at restoration of this software, the program provides high speed
data restoration from backup images. The software also allows for bootable WinPE
and Linux media creation. The feature for image deployment to multiple
computers over networks, is also high desirable. The options for massive PXE
booting is present too; the ability to machines over a network and restore
machines without bootable media remotely (Fisher, 2020).
PRODUCT MERITS
AND DOWNFALLS
Of the many
features presented in the above section--Features, specific services
stood out more than others. In this section, I will provide a feature examination
for the currently reviewed backup software. One of the primary strengths this
backup software exhibits are the ability to provide full backups, incremental
backups, and differential backups. The program also allows for the backing up
of files, the registry, and applications. This software also allows for backups
to be carried out from different servers within the network. There is no discrimination
towards which backup medium data is coming from or going to. The company also
provides a customer service help line that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a
year. The company carries a reputable reputation, as being used by many major corporations,
such as BOSCH, GM, CITI, UNITED, McDonalds, FedEx, Costco, to name a few. The
brand is also recognized internationally as being reliable (AOMEI, 2020). The
company is offering its services and product for a one-time payment of 2,198.00
USD. The only true weakness of the product chosen is the location for usability.
The software was designed to operate on server specific operating systems,
though, there is no requirement towards which brand of operating system chosen.
Alternative Companies: Examination
Runner up to the
two companies chosen for this report, five other backup software products were
deemed only acceptable because they either did not meet all RGTC management
requirements or the software carried obstructing burdens that would interfere
with administrative productivity. First was Personal Backup; which allows for
full, incremental and differential backup, it runs on both windows desktop environment
and Windows server but the graphical user interface has no organization for
settings. Next was BackUp Maker; provided only full backup and no password is available
to protect the program itself. Then MiniTool ShadowMaker; Allows for full and
incremental backup but charges a fee on services used each time. Followed by
GFI Backup; Provides full, incremental, and differential backups but software
only works through a terminal interface, specifically FTP. Lastly, DriveImage
XML; full and incremental backup is available and the program is Windows Server
ready, however, backups start with little warning, when scheduled.
Administrators also can’t restore a backup to a drive that’s lower in capacity
potential than the original drive copied from.
CONCLUSION
Of the two
companies discussed in this report, one must be chosen under professional
opinion.
In comparison to
Simple Data Backup, I have concluded
that AOMEI’s All-In-One Backup Toolkit
for Enterprise and Service Provider and Multi-Manager product is best
suited in which RGTC management requires. The software meets the minimal
requirements needed and carries many additional features that are seen as
highly beneficial for system administrators. While Simple Data Backup did meet
the necessary requirements needed to qualify, their lack in reliability in
communication through customer service and the overall market-share presence,
is of dire concern.
RGTC is a company
that should invest with AOMEI, to protect against future data dismay and to
increase administrative efficiency.
Works
Cited
Fisher, T. (2020, November 18). 34
Free Backup Software Tools: Ranked and Reviewed. Retrieved from www.lifewire.com/free-backup-software-tools-2617964.
Stanojevic, M. (2020, October 14).
5 Best Windows Server Backup Software. Windows
Report | Error-Free Tech Life, WindowsReport. Retrieved from
windowsreport.com/windows-server-backup-software/.
AOMEI. (2020). AOMEI Partition
Assistant. AOMEI Partition Assistant -
A Safe Partition Manager for Windows PC and Server. Retrieved from
www.aomeitech.com/aomei-partition-assistant.html.
Long, C. (2020). About Simple Data Backup.
Retrieved from www.simpledatabackup.net/about.html,
Shychenko, Vitaliy. (2020, April
29). 16 free backup software tools put to test. Retrieved from https://thinkmobiles.com/blog/best-backup-software/
Long, C. (2020). Home. Retrieved
from http://www.simpledatabackup.net/index.html.
Jacobi, J.L. (2017, July 18).
Aomei Backupper Standard 4 review: A versatile free backup program. Retrieved
from https://www.pcworld.com/article/3203247/aomei-backupper-standard-4-review.html
Major Geeks
https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/simple_data_backup.html
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