Microsoft Exchange Server is crucial for businesses and productivity. So, what are the best backup solutions for it? Exchange Server enables users to connect many everyday tasks. This server-based element keeps email, calendars, contacts, and scheduling in sync. The collaboration platform provided by Microsoft is one of the key components for any enterprise or business today.
However, another crucial element in this equation is the Exchange backup software. Many people use Exchange server backup software to ensure data safety and security. So, which are the best programs out there? Let's dive right in and find out.
Microsoft Exchange Server is a platform that ensures email, calendar, contact storage, scheduling, and collaboration. This Microsoft solution runs on the Windows Server operating system, enabling users to maintain the smooth functioning of these elements.
Ten stable versions have been released since Exchange Server 4.0 in 1996. Initially a successor to Microsoft Mail 3.5, it used X.400 directories but later switched to and has used Active Directory.
The Active Directory solution has been replaced by Microsoft Outlook. However, there is no difference in performance or operation for the user. Since these changes are mainly technical, users will see only the basic functionality.
Still, technical issues or hardware failures can sometimes lead to data loss. On top of that, Data Exchange servers have been at the center of zero-day exploits, where hackers exploited a software vulnerability to access millions of companies and their sensitive information.
Next come backup solutions to prevent data disasters, loss, or spyware attacks. However, not all backups are reliable since server/Exchange backups can be tricky to make. So, which programs fare best? Today, we'll explore ten such programs to help you find the one that suits you best. So, let's delve right in.
Picking the right backup software can be tough, but not impossible – especially when you know what to look for in a program that will back up your crucial Exchange files. So, how do you choose the right one for efficient Exchange backup?
To effectively back up Exchange databases, the software should have certain key features, such as:
This is just the tip of the iceberg, though – you should also look into licensing terms and pricing. Additionally, reviews can tell you what people think of a backup tool. Besides the opinion of professionals (like the one in this article), you can always rely on users' first-hand experience.
Now that we know the standards, we also know what to look for in a backup software. To find the best, we tested some of the best products in the industry today. So, here are the ten best backup software for Exchange servers right now:
Todo Backup Business is the best bet in town. It's not only good for Exchange servers, but for various professional/business-level use cases. The tool has been providing a “simple yet efficient” backup solution for 18 years, outclassing its competitors with the program.
With its enterprise-level tools that allow you to protect everything from the entire server to specific files and Exchange emails, Todo Backup is undoubtedly one of the best options out there. It offers several backup solutions, making it an ideal and all-around choice for your Exchange Server today.
System Requirements: Compatibility
Main Features: Reasons to Buy
Final Ruling: Rank in Class
Todo Backup Business stands out for its overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Other programs might entail significant expenses, but this tool offers a complete backup solution at almost half the price.
SolarWinds Backup is a competitive product in terms of performance and overall reliability. The program offers a network-related backup solution, so Exchange is a crucial element of what it streamlines.
With automated, scheduled, and centralized data storage configurations and quick recovery options, it has become one of today's favorites among Exchange experts. Hence, it is our second pick for the best backup solution for Exchange Server.
Supported Systems: Compatibility
Main Features: Reasons to Buy
The Ultimate Judgments: Status Quo Bias
SolarWinds is one of the more expensive server backup solutions out there. However, it justifies its price by offering top-notch solutions for its Exchange servers, placing it second on our list. The only downside is its value for money.
When we get to the budget-friendly part of the list, Stellar Toolkit for Exchange immediately comes into view. This fantastic toolkit has all the basic features one would need for an Exchange server. However, you should pay attention to its backup capabilities.
Ensuring the safety and complete recovery of EDB and Exchange backups, it's the most cost-effective option available. That's why it's our third pick for Exchange Server in 2022.
System Requirements: Compatibility
Key features: Reasons to get it
The Ultimate Judgement: Where You Stand in the Hierarchy
Stellar Toolkit for Exchange stands third in the list because of its reliable solutions for Exchange Server.
Quest Rapid Recovery is one of the fastest and best solutions out there for your Exchange servers. This great backup solution comes in many forms to provide full protection for your Exchange servers, which is why we placed it fourth on our list today.
In addition to providing oversimplified design, this tool also effectively saves recovery and backup time. Moreover, you can restore backups to a secondary platform or a brand new server installation.
Supported Systems: Compatibility
Windows Server 2008, 2012, 2016, 2019
Key Features: Reasons to Buy
Final Verdict: Place in the Hierarchy
Not only is it customizable for backup and recovery needs, but it's also customizable for pricing, making it scalable for businesses of different sizes. Instead of charging a flat rate, the website prices according to usage.
Acronis Backup and Recovery for Exchange is one of the leaders in the field, but it's ideal only if you don't mind paying up to $100 per month for a subscription.
It supports various server types and is one of the most advanced options for Exchange Server. Again, this tool is designed to meet the needs of various businesses, but the price tag might not be.
Supported Systems: Compatibility
Key features: Reasons to get it
The Ultimate Ruling: Where One Stands in the Hierarchy
Acronis performs great when it comes to backup and recovery, which makes it a favorite for many. However, it might not be the first choice for those on a tight budget.
However, this tool is not for the faint of heart and is best suited for experienced tech personnel, making it one of the leading, professional, and secure data recovery utilities out there.
Supported Systems: Compatibility
Key Features: Reasons to Buy
The Ultimate Judgement: Where You Stand in the Hierarchy
The tool's backup capabilities are beyond reproach, but it's not entirely user-friendly for beginners. As such, it's best suited to those familiar with Exchange servers and backups in general.
Handy Backup is a hybrid solution for both home and business computers. That is why this tool has all options needed to keep Exchange databases and related stuff safe.
The tool's marketing slogan about its diverse backup options and affordable pricing is true, making it a highly convenient choice on a budget. That earns it our “convenience” pick for today.
System Requirements: Compatibility
Key Features: Reasons to Buy
Final Verdict: Place in the Hierarchy
This tool deserves to be among the top Exchange backup and recovery tools, and your choice will ultimately come down to price and performance preferences.
ManageEngine Recovery Manager Plus is a bit of a mouthful, but it's a powerful tool. Its user-friendly nature makes it an ideal recovery and backup tool for Exchange servers.
This is a software that combines physics with online backup, aimed at making life easier for both IT professionals and end-users. From remote processing to effortless recovery, it's great for all types of Exchange servers.
Supported Systems: Compatibility
Windows Exchange 2012, 2012 R2, 2016, 2019
Key Features: Reasons to Buy
Final Verdict: Place in the Hierarchy
Pricing and other factors make it a solid choice for Exchange in small or midsize businesses.
CodeTwo Backup for Exchange is another great option, mainly because it's very user-friendly. Apart from being easy to use, the tool also ensures thorough checks are carried out daily.
This check generates a list of the tasks you need to perform and keeps you up to date on the backup issues you must address.
System Requirements: Compatibility
Key Features: Reasons to Buy
The Ultimate Ruling: Rank in the Hierarchy
With great backup options and advanced tech support, CodeTwo is a straightforward pick for this list.
BackupAssist has been around for years, and it shows. This excellent tool focuses on making strong backups as easy as possible, and it's one of the best value options you'll find today.
With its Exchange backup feature, it's one of the top choices today, thus landing at number 10 on our list.
Supported Systems: Compatibility
Key Features: Reasons to Buy
The Ultimate Ruling: Rank in the Hierarchy
BackupAssist is definitely one of the old-timers in the industry, and with its great options, it should be on your list to consider.
In short, here is a table to help you keep track:
Backup Tool | Price/Quotation | Value for Money | Backup Quality | Overall Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
Todo Backup Business | $199/year | 9.5/10 | 10/10 | 9.5/10 |
SolarWinds Backup | Upon Request | 8/10 | 9/10 | 8.5/10 |
Stellar Exchange Server | $999 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 |
Quest Rapid Recovery Backup | $1,600 | 6/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
Acronis Backup and Recovery | $99/year | 8/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 |
StorageCraft ShadowProtect | $99.95 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 7.5/10 |
Handy Backup | $149 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 |
ManageEngine Recovery Manager Plus | $475 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7.5/10 |
CodeTwo Backup for Exchange | $1,1019/year/100 users | 6/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 |
BackupAssist | $249 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 8.5/10 |
With the right software, backing up an Exchange server is easy. While we've discussed 10 of them, the standout tool among them is our overall best pick, Todo Backup Business.
So, how to use this wonderful tool to back up your Exchange Server and its crucial files? The method is as follows:
Step 1: Specify the name and description of the task/project.
Step 2: Choose a backup source. There are two ways to back up Exchange:
Step 3: Specify where to save the image file. Backup destinations can be a local disk, a network folder, or a tape drive. Click the down arrow to view a history of previous destinations.
4. Click “Proceed” to complete the setup. If no schedule was configured, the backup will run immediately.
As you can see, Todo Backup Business is not only fast but also efficient. The features it offers and the variety of options it provides make it one of the best choices for backing up Exchange Server today. Additionally, you can save your backups in several different formats.
Among the ten programs we tested, Todo Backup Business stood out for its price-to-performance ratio, backup quality, and overall performance. As such, it is not only the best option to keep your Exchange data safe, but also to ensure a swift recovery.
We suspect you may have more questions about this article. So, please check our FAQ section for assistance:
1. What is Exchange Backup?
Microsoft Exchange Server is an application that combines email, calendaring, scheduling, and productivity features. As such, backing up its data entails system protection, cloud support, file protection, system disk cloning, and protection settings.
How to back up Exchange databases?
3. What's the best way to prepare for an Exchange disaster?
The best way to deal with an Exchange disaster is to ensure that you have a backup in place to handle it. Without a reliable software backup, you can't expect to recover any lost data in the event of an Exchange disaster.
What are the four types of Exchange backups?
The four main types of Exchange backups are: full backups to disk, copy backups, incremental backups (or file backups), and differential backups with VSS.
5. Is Windows Server Backup free?
While some limited Windows Server backup options are available for free, this article looks at some of the most affordable solutions with the best cost-to-benefit ratio.