Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager (SCDPM) offers near-continuous backup and rapid recovery for environments centered on Microsoft technology. SCDPM provides small and mid-size organizations application-aware protection for key workloads such as Microsoft SQL Server, Exchange and SharePoint. SCDPM can be used to back up Windows and Linux virtual machines and supports VMs hosted on Hyper-V and VMware. SCDPM can back up and restore files, folders and volumes and can replicate and restore data between separate localities. For streamlined offsite backup, SCDPM can take advantage of Microsoft Azure Backup for temporary backup and the Azure Recovery Services vault for low-cost, long-term archival backup. (Learn about Progent's Microsoft Azure planning and cloud integration consulting services.)
Current versions of SCDPM include support for Windows Server 2019, SQL Server 2019, Exchange 2019, and SharePoint 2019. Current releases also feature greater storage efficiency, higher performance with tiered storage, support for ReFS volumes, offline Backup using Azure Data Box, and enhanced security.
Progent's Microsoft-certified consulting team can help businesses to plan, deploy, manage, and troubleshoot a backup system built on System Center Data Protection Manager. Progent can assist you to upgrade from prior versions of Data Protection Manager or from a different backup platform, and Progent can tune your SCDPM environment for on-premises, hosted, cloud-based, or hybrid deployment models. Progent offers remote or onsite consulting expertise and can deliver as-needed help in resolving your most challenging issues, or end-to-end project management or co-management services to ensure your Data Protection Manager initiative is successfully completed on schedule and on budget.
Data Protection Manager Architecture
Microsoft designed Data Protection Manager with special attention to protecting Microsoft servers and workloads. By supporting Volume Shadow Copy Services (VSS) and other key protection features built into Microsoft servers and applications, SCDPM can transparently back up and rapidly restore Microsoft-specific entities such as Exchange DAG groups, the distributed components of SharePoint farms, and Windows Hyper-V Clustered Shared Volumes (CSVs). This allows administrators who are not experts in any or all of these technologies to recover data easily and accurately. SCDPM continuously protects the core Microsoft server workloads to a SCDPM server, which then allows disk-based recovery and tape-based, long-term archival storage for a complete backup and recovery solution. A single SCDPM server can support up to 800 virtual machines of 100 GB each and 3,000 Windows client computers.
Using System Center Data Protection Manager with Microsoft SQL Server
SCDPM can protect Microsoft SQL Server including SAP workloads, and handles advanced SQL Server cluster configurations. For enhanced reliability and performance, SCDPM supports the use of clustered SQL Server nodes for its database. DPM supports SQL Server Failover Cluster Instance (FCI) using Cluster Shared Volume (CSV). SCDPM includes the ability to protect an entire instance of SQL Server so all new databases are protected automatically, expanded capacity to handle up to 2,000 databases, and a self-service restore capability that allows administrators to restore their own databases.
SCDPM can back up regular data files as well as the system state of a server, and it also works efficiently with servers that maintain databases/transactional log files. SCDPM is especially efficient as a backup and restore mechanism for Microsoft SQL Server because it intelligently integrates with the SQL Server VSS writers. Since SCDPM uses core VSS services, it will back up all files, open or not, to at least a snapshot recovery level. As a result, you never have to worry about open file issues. SCDPM can also protect SQL Server databases that use the AlwaysOn feature, including database clusters and SharePoint farm databases with SQL Server AlwaysOn enabled.
In between express full copy captures, the standard SQL Server transaction logging mechanism is used to offer up-to-the-minute protection. The log files themselves are replicated by SCDPM. In case a recovery is required, the most recent SCDPM differential backup can be combined with the most recent set of transaction logs to provide rapid restoration.
For information about Progent's Microsoft-certified support services for SQL Server, refer to Microsoft SQL Server Consulting.
Using System Center Data Protection Manager with Microsoft Exchange Server
Current versions of SCDPM support Microsoft Exchange Server 2019 and 2016, and can protect Exchange database availability groups (DAGs). SCDPM includes the ability to provide tailored, application-aware protection for Exchange Server and addresses a granularity problem that has historically been a major headache for Exchange administrators. Exchange backup APIs are designed to back up entire databases. However, if you want to restore an individual mailbox or public folder, you have in the past had two choices: either restore the entire database or switch to third-party mailbox-level backup tools. SCDPM allows you to protect one or more storage groups as a whole, while still giving you the ability to restore individual mailboxes.
SCDPM also offers 'lossless recovery' of Exchange Server data. This means that after SCDPM has restored your email databases to the latest recovery point, and updated all of the synchronized transaction logs, SCDPM can automatically reapply the surviving Exchange transaction logs from the production server to the very last committed email message, bringing the Exchange server completely forward.
SCDPM improves the performance of your Exchange Server by offloading the typical ESEUTIL operations that most backup applications impose on the production server. The SCDPM server takes car of this on the redundant data, conserving the bandwidth on the production Exchange Server.
To learn more about Progent's support for Microsoft Exchange Server, see Microsoft Exchange Server Consulting.
Using Data Protection Manager with Virtual Servers
SCDPM offers continuous protection for virtual machines (VMs) powered by Windows Server Hyper-V and through integration with System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM) can provide consistent protection even during a Hyper-V Live Migration process. For users of VMware, a way to reduce disaster recovery time drastically is to build an SCDPM server with enough CPU and RAM resources to create a system that allows you quick recovery from a failed virtual machine host server. Since the SCDPM server always has an exact replica of all the virtual machine guest files, in the event the virtual machine host fails, and by having a virtual server installed on the SCDPM server, you can choose to boot those replica images as running machines and take your time in restoring the original failed virtual machine host server. This means you could be up in minutes with all your virtual machine guests even with a complete failure of the original virtual machine host. Adding to the time savings, the entire operation can be accomplished remotely.
How Progent Can Help You Benefit from Microsoft Data Protection Manager
Progent's Microsoft-certified Data Protection Manager consultants can help you create practical recovery plans, design an affordable fault-tolerant network infrastructure, deploy a SCDPM-based backup and restore solution, thoroughly test your system, show your IT staff how to manage Microsoft SCDPM, or handle complete IT outsourcing services including off-site hosting of virtual or physical SCDPM servers in Progent's datacenter.
Progent's consultants can use industry best practices to help you:
Progent's cybersecurity experts have earned prestigious certifications from internationally recognized network security institutions. Progent can provide the support of CISA-certified security audit consultants, CISM-certified security management experts, CISSP-certified cybersecurity professionals, GIAC-certified information assurance consultants, and CISSP-ISSAP certified security architecture experts. To be awarded credentials from these organizations, security consultants must have both proven experience and demonstrated knowledge of industry best practices for business continuity planning and disaster recovery. For more information about Progent's security engineers and their services, visit Network Security Services.
Zero-Downtime Technologies Supported by Progent's Experts
Progent's Microsoft and Cisco consulting experts can help your company to build an affordable, zero-downtime information network that resolves major issues encompassing a broad array of networking technologies and operations such as:
Disaster Recovery Planning
Progent's business continuity planning professionals can show you how to create a workplace recovery plan so you can resume network functionality in the event of an IT network disaster. Progent can help you to create a comprehensive disaster recovery strategy that includes periodic disaster recovery evaluations and drills. Progent's Microsoft and Cisco-authorized consultants can also show you how to create an affordable, zero-downtime system solution that takes into account availability issues involving a wide range of network technologies and procedures. To read more, see Workplace Recovery Consulting.
CRISC-Premier IT Risk Control
The Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification program was established by ISACA to verify a consultant's skills to plan, deploy, and support information system control mechanisms to mitigate risk. Progent can provide the expertise of a CRISC-certified engineer to help your company to create and execute a workplace continuity plan based on industry best practices promoted by CRISC and crafted to match your organization's risk appetite, business goals, and IT budget. For details, go to CRISC-Premier network risk management specialists.
Microsoft Server 2019 High Availability Failover Clustering
Windows Server 2019 incorporated significant enhancements in scale, throughput, manageability, cybersecurity, application compatibility, Linux co-existence, Kubernetes technology, and hybrid combinations of on-premises and cloud-hosted resources. Top new features of Microsoft Windows Server 2019 are Windows Admin Center for unifying the management of hybrid on-premises/cloud deployments, System Insights for utilizing advance predictive intelligence to control on-premises environments, Windows Defender ATP Exploit Guard for host-intrusion prevention, container orchestration with Kubernetes, Cluster Sets for building and managing massive non-stop scale-out clusters, and Storage Migration Service for simplifying the upgrade process from legacy editions of Windows Server. To learn more, visit Windows Server 2019 High Availability Failover Clustering Expertise.
Microsoft Server 2016 Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity
Progent's Windows Server 2016 disaster recovery experts can assist you to plan and deploy a disaster recovery solution built around Microsoft's most advanced Failover Clustering technologies such as Cluster Operating System Rolling Upgrade for non-disruptive migration to Windows Server 2016, Storage Replica for zero-data-loss recovery, Storage Spaces Direct for enterprise-class storage clusters using industry-standard hardware, Virtual Machine Load Balancing for enhancing the performance and fault-tolerance of Failover Clusters while minimizing capital investment and operational expenses, and Cloud Witness for easy, economical creation of a stretch cluster quorum witness. To read more, visit Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Support.
VMware Site Recovery Manager (SRM) Disaster Recovery Solutions
VMware's Site Recovery Manager (SRM) is an extension to VMware vCenter that allows you to specify, automate and verify a repeatable workflow for recovering services rapidly after a breakdown. SRM supports centrally controlled and automated disaster recovery, application mobility, plus non-intrusive site relocation, failback and site re-protect. SRM also supports non-disruptive testing for disaster recovery, upgrades and fixes and can produce reports to confirm full service recovery, validate SLAs and demonstrate disaster recovery compliance. Progent offers the support of a VCDX certified VMware SRM consulting expert to assist you to plan, deploy, test and maintain a disaster recovery solution based on VMware SRM.
NetApp MetroCluster Disaster Recovery Platform
NetApp MetroCluster is a disaster recovery platform that combines array-based storage clustering along with replication to deliver rapid, zero data loss disaster recovery between datacenters located up to 185 miles apart. Progent offers online or on-premises access to a certified NetApp MetroCluster expert who can assist you to plan, configure, administer, update, test and repair a disaster recovery solution built around NetApp MetroCluster. Progent can assist you to choose a topology for your MetroCluster deployment that aligns with your technical needs and IT budget. Progent can make sure you follow best practices for configuring your MetroCluster solution by providing guidance with procedures like assigning shelf IDs, arranging aggregate and plexes layout, setting up FlexVol volumes, setting up NetApp Snapshot, provisioning switches, implementing a tiebreaker, setting up a TCP/IP configuration replication network, and verifying your MetroCluster disaster recovery system to prove compliance with industry standards and government mandates.
High Availability Load Balancing
Progent offers high availability load balancing support covering system load balancing, load balanced applications, LAN/WAN infrastructure routing, and content delivery products including F5 Networks 3DNS. Non-stop load balancing technologies for which Progent offers consulting services include Windows 2003 and 2008 Server Network Load Balancing Manager, Citrix Metaframe and Access Gateway, Cisco CSS, Cisco Content Engine and Cisco CDN Software, and F5 Networks BIG-IP. To find out more, visit High Availability Load Balancing.
High-Availability Internet Data Centers
Progent's Data Center professionals can help you select fault-tolerant data centers that match the particular requirements of your business. High availability colocation sites are particularly attractive to small and mid-size companies because of their affordability and simplified logistics compared to taking a do-it-yourself approach. Attempting to design an in-house data center that offers even a minimum level of fault tolerance is too expensive for typical small businesses. Progent is ready to help you reap all the benefits of non-stop data centers by offering a complete array of engineering and maintenance services. To learn more, go to High-Availability Internet Data Centers Expertise.
Fault Tolerant Branch Office Networking
Progent's interoffice connection engineers can help organizations create zero-downtime inter-site connectivity via redundant networks with automatic failover. Progent's Cisco-certified CCIE network engineers can design and deploy high-availability Inter-office connections based on fault tolerant EIGRP routers or zero-downtime OSPF deployment of Cisco routers. Progent can demonstrate how multi-path connectivity and transparent fail-over offers economical non-stop interoffice connectivity. To read more, visit Failsafe Interoffice Networking.
Fault Tolerant Internet Access
Progent's Cisco-certified IT consultants can show you how to build an economical, fault tolerant Internet connection architecture that can achieve 24x7 Internet access via a broad array of high availability Internet network solutions including non-stop BGP, transparent fail-over, and multiple ISPs. Progent can provide CCIE professionals to show you how to utilize the most up-to-date technology for 24x7 Internet connections to create an affordable, completely redundant Internet interface with automatic failover and other features to deliver non-stop Internet connections. To read more, visit Non-stop Internet Access Architecture.
Backup and Recovery Technology Consulting Services
Progent offers economical remote access to engineers skilled in a broad array of products and services that deliver solutions for backing up Windows, Apple Mac, and Linux servers and workstations as well as laptops and smartphones. Progent offers consulting support for all major data protection platforms such as Acronis, Backup Exec, BackupAssist Software, CrashPlan, Double-Take, Mozy, Retrospect, Apple Time Machine, vSphere Data Protection, and FLARs. Progent can assist your company to install, enhance, or troubleshoot backup systems for a range of architectures such as local, edge to datacenter, cloud-based, or a mix. To read more, see Backup and Restore Solutions Expertise.
Barracuda Backup On-premises and Cloud Backup and Disaster Recovery
Barracuda Backup is an affordable, subscription backup and disaster recovery service for small and medium-size organizations. A Barracuda Backup deployment can incorporate a purpose-built physical storage device built by Barracuda or a virtual appliance with similar functionality but which uses your existing storage hardware. Barracuda Backup protects critical company data generated on-premises, at one or more remote locations, or in the cloud. For disaster protection, you can replicate data to the Barracuda Cloud, to Amazon AWS, or to any site with a physical or virtual Barracuda Backup appliance. Progent is a certified Barracuda partner and Progent's Barracuda Backup consulting experts can provide a wide array of consulting support services to help you to design, integrate, manage and repair a BDR system based on Barracuda Backup. For more information, go to Barracuda Backup and disaster recovery consulting.
ProSight DPS Altaro VM Backup Solutions for Backup and Disaster Recovery
Altaro VM Backup offers small organizations a dependable and affordable solution for backing up and restoring Hyper-V and VMware-based virtual machines (VMs). Altaro VM Backup can be used for local, remote, distributed, and cloud-hosted architectures and also supports low-cost backup to Microsoft Azure Block Blob storage. Altaro VM Backup includes advanced capabilities such as Immutable Cloud Storage for enhanced protection from ransomware. Progent is an Altaro partner and offers a wide array of online or on-premises services to help you to plan, deploy, manage and debug a comprehensive backup/restore system based on Altaro VM Backup. With ProSight DPS Altaro VM Backup, Progent offers a fully managed backup/recovery service powered by on Altaro VM Backup. For details, go to Altaro VM Backup consulting.
ProSight DPS 365 Total Backup Solutions for Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 provides rudimentary archiving but does not have native support for vital data protection capabilities like Exchange backups or greater than 30-day point-in-time recovery for OneDrive or SharePoint Online. Hornetsecurity's 365 Total Backup (formerly named Altaro O365 Backup) delivers a feature-rich platform for automatic backup and rapid recovery of all your organization's M365 mailboxes, Microsoft Teams Chats, SharePoint sites, OneDrive data, and content on Windows endpoints. Progent is an authorized Hornetsecurity/Altaro partner and has designed ProSight Data Protection Services (DPS) 365 Total Backup to provide end-to-end managed services for Hornetsecurity's 365 Total Backup suite. ProSight DPS 365 Total Backup delivers an affordable backup-as-a-service alternative that defends M365 components against data loss or corruption caused by user or system error, malevolent sabotage, and cyber assaults such as ransomware. To find out more, go to ProSight DPS 365 Total Backup solutions for Microsoft 365.
Fully Managed Cloud Backup: ProSight Data Protection Services ECHO
ProSight Data Protection Services ECHO provide small and medium-sized businesses a low cost end-to-end solution for reliable backup/disaster recovery (BDR). Available at a fixed monthly rate, ProSight Data Protection Services ECHO automates your backup processes and allow rapid recovery of vital data, apps and VMs that have become unavailable or corrupted due to component breakdowns, software bugs, disasters, human error, or malicious attacks such as ransomware. ProSight DPS ECHO can help you protect, retrieve and restore files, folders, applications, system images, as well as Hyper-V and VMware virtual machine images. Important data can be protected on the cloud, to an on-promises device, or mirrored to both. Progent's backup and recovery consultants can deliver world-class support to set up ProSight Data Protection Services ECHO to to comply with regulatory requirements like HIPAA, FIRPA, and PCI and, when needed, can assist you to recover your critical information. Find out more about ProSight Data Protection Services ECHO managed cloud backup and recovery.
ProSight DPS 360 Backup Solutions
Progent can assist your company to create, deploy and debug a backup/restore plan based on MSP360 technology. MSP360 offers file or image-based backup/recovery for virtual machines and physical machines, supports all leading public clouds, and permits you to build a backup solution with a minimum RTO and a granular Recovery Point Objective (RPO). With ProSight DPS 360 Backup, Progent offers end-to-end monitoring and remote management of your backup environment to protect against data loss resulting from user miscues, computer errors, ill-intentioned users, and malware assaults such as ransomware. For more information, see ProSight DPS 360 Backup services.
Consulting for Double-Take Solutions for Data Backup
Double-Take Software offers a selection of tools designed to provide small and midsize companies a range of affordable solutions for replicating and restoring business-critical applications including Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft SQL, RIM Blackberry, and Microsoft SharePoint. Progent's disaster recovery planning consultants have extensive experience incorporating Double-Take products into small business IT systems to create a high state of availability and disaster recovery capability at an affordable cost. To learn more, go to Consulting Services Double-Take Software for Backup.
Why Pick Progent for Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity Planning?
Since Progent is a Microsoft Certified Partner and provides specialized application consulting for a wide variety of business applications, Progent is able to assist clients to find complete information technology solutions that optimize the productivity of your network. As a Registered Partner for Cisco, Progent offers the expertise of premier engineers and specialists with experience in designing, configuring and troubleshooting infrastructure environments built on Cisco products. The depth and breadth of Progent's IT experience and Progent's appreciation for the needs of small and midsize companies make Progent a great resource for building and running a cost-effective, high-availability information system.
How to Get Help from Progent's Consultants for Help with Fault Tolerant Computer Networks
If you wish to get in touch with Progent about professional assistance for high availability LAN design, phone