AppAssure

Recent Q&As

• What is the Replay 4 Backup Solution?
• Why do I need a backup solution?
• Why can’t I use tape or an external hard drive for backups? What are the benefits of a combined local and offsite backup solution?
• Why should I use software instead of a dedicated hardware appliance for my backups?
• How is the Replay 4 Solution different than other product offerings?
• Where are my images stored with Replay 4?
• Does Replay 4 help in retaining and reproducing data for litigation requests?
• What if I have more questions or want to see an online demo of Replay 4?

What is Replay 4?

Simply put, Replay 4 is the world’s fastest way to recover from a server disruption; and the only disaster recovery solution with application-level recall for high pressure recovery scenarios.

Why do I need a backup solution?

The fact is, equipment used for storing information ultimately fails. It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. Backup, whether it is local or offsite, maintains an extra copy of valuable data in the event of system failure or natural disaster. It also retains data in order to meet compliance requirements and litigation requests. An additional copy of any data gives the IT administrators easy access and allows an easy search and quick restoration of important files. A backup solution for data restoration is an integral part of disaster recovery plan.

Why can’t I use tape or an external hard drive for backups? What are the benefits of a combined local and offsite backup solution?

Tapes require manually managed backup scheduling and hard drives only create one instance of your data. Whether it is using tapes or hard drives, the stored data has no means of minimizing file duplications and also does not have revision ability to select the correct historical version to revert back to. Another downside to this is the need to regularly transport the data offsite for a secondary copy in the event of system failure or natural disaster.

In contrast, an integrated local and offsite backup solution, such as Replay Replication, is easy to manage. It features automated backups based on a set time or changes made to files, as well as the secure transfer of data to two geographically dispersed data centers for added redundancy.

Why should I use software instead of a dedicated hardware appliance for my backups?

There are several advantages to using software over a hardware appliance when conducting automated data backups and offsite replication. Software, such as Replay 4, is not only much more affordable, but also more cost-effective. It gives you unprecedented flexibility to recover servers to different hardware and to choose storage methods that are optimized for your environment.

With the distributed Replay Core configuration you have all the benefits of a hardware appliance created for backup, including centralized management of backup connections to multiple devices, local storage for last known good copies for immediate recovery/push button failover, and integrated, continuous updates of virtual machines or off-site storage.

Another benefit of using Replay’s off-host option is a dedicated processing power to increase efficiency through de-duplication and compression, as well as reduction of load on production servers by not having to run backup software on an application server, and also creation of a dedicated restore device on your local network.

How is Replay 4 different than other product offerings?

AppAssure built Replay 4 because there was a need to drive the costs and complexity out of Windows Disaster Recovery. Replay 4 is a unique offering in the Windows Backup Recovery, and Storage space. Built from the ground up with today’s best and most innovative features built right in, not stitched together from a series of failed products picked up from the trash bin. AppAssure’s focus is on recovering the entire application and the entire environment in contrast to most solutions which are only data protection.

Replay 4 is the only Application Aware solution that delivers unprecedented flexibility of recovery. Recover an entire data center to the cloud or simply retrieve a single item such as an email or file, each with only clicks. It’s this holistic approach with deep application integration that makes it possible for us to offer Enterprise software and functionality without the steep Enterprise price.

Where are my images stored with Replay 4?

Image backups are stored as compressed and deduplicated recovery points on either DAS, NAS or SAN storage. The Replay Core maintains the recovery points on the LAN, enabling rapid restores as needed. The Replay Core can also securely replicate the recovery points offsite and/or to virtual machines, where the images are stored redundant disk hardware for disaster recovery purposes.

Does Replay 4 help in retaining and reproducing data for litigation requests?

Yes, it does. Retention policies using Replay assist organizations in preparing for discovery requests by simplifying the retention and reproduction of electronic data. Replay 4’s flexible data retention options allow you to enforce specific policies regarding your various types of data.

What if I have more questions or want to see a demo of Replay 4?

For answers to additional questions or to schedule a demo, please contact AppAssure at 703-547-8686.