Microsoft DPM vs Synology DSM comparison

Microsoft and Synology are both solutions in the Backup and Recovery category. Microsoft is ranked #39 with an average rating of 7.8, while Synology is ranked #51. Microsoft holds a 0.9% mindshare in BRS, compared to Synology’s 1.4% mindshare. Additionally, 73% of Microsoft users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Synology users who would recommend it.

Microsoft DPM

Read 21 Microsoft DPM reviews

3,314 Views
2,949 Comparison Views

73% willing to recommend

Synology DSM

Read 10 Synology DSM reviews

3,747 Views
3,672 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Microsoft DPM

Synology DSM

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Jan 25, 2026

Microsoft DPM and Synology DSM are competitors in data protection and management. Synology DSM is generally seen as superior due to its rich features, making it worth the investment.

Features: Microsoft DPM integrates deeply with Microsoft products, offering robust backup support for SQL servers, Exchange, and SharePoint. It has strong integration through the System Center suite, enhancing its Microsoft ecosystem capabilities. Synology DSM provides comprehensive NAS functionalities, extensive third-party app compatibility, and advanced data protection tools, with features like the Btrfs file system and "Active Backup for Business."

Room for Improvement: Microsoft DPM could enhance its usability outside the Microsoft ecosystem and improve its file system reliability. It may also benefit from better synchronization and support for non-Microsoft platforms. Synology DSM could reduce its initial costs and enhance native support for enterprise environments and integrations. It might improve its performance for more extensive datasets and refine its documentation for broader configurations.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Microsoft DPM integrates smoothly within Microsoft environments, simplifying deployment but can pose challenges outside of it. Its customer service is noted for responsiveness. Synology DSM offers user-friendly deployment across platforms and has extensive documentation and community support. It supports diverse ecosystems and offers numerous deployment options, making it versatile.

Pricing and ROI: Microsoft DPM is cost-effective for organizations within the Microsoft ecosystem, offering a favorable ROI through reduced complexities. Synology DSM may require a higher upfront investment but offers long-term value with scalable solutions and adaptability across diverse environments, balancing its initial costs with extensive features.

To learn more, read our detailed Microsoft DPM vs. Synology DSM Report (Updated: April 2026).

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft DPM vs. Synology DSM

April 2026

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Microsoft DPM

Ranking in Backup and Recovery

39th

Average Rating

7.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.1

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Synology DSM

Ranking in Backup and Recovery

51st

Average Rating

9.0

Reviews Sentiment

8.0

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2026, in the Backup and Recovery category, the mindshare of Microsoft DPM is 0.9%, down from 1.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Synology DSM is 1.4%, down from 1.9% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Backup and Recovery Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Microsoft DPM	0.9%
Synology DSM	1.4%
Other	97.7%

Backup and Recovery

Featured Reviews

Nirukshitha Gamage

Senior Manager - System Infrastructure Software Support Team at DMS Electronics (Pvt) Ltd

User finds setup straightforward but seeks wider platform support and advanced features

Microsoft DPM could implement backup capabilities for third-party systems such as Linux. They also need to consider other features such as replication to DR sites, similar to what Veeam and other products offer. Microsoft DPM didn't have that capability at that time. If they want to remain competitive in the market, they need to observe the competition and implement improvements. The backup should have compression, deduplication, and DR replication. They should also improve monitoring of the environment. Microsoft DPM didn't have these basics at that time. If they had continued development on the products, they could have reached a higher level, especially given Microsoft's significant presence and majority of servers. Microsoft DPM didn't have any support structure in the backend. If they had a support structure, we could have escalated issues. I never received any support from Microsoft DPM.

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Michael Adejoh

Solutions Manager at Excel Connect Ventures

Reliable and cost-effective

One area where Synology DSM could improve is in enhancing its ability to detect and respond to security threats during backups and replication. Currently, it lacks the capability to automatically stop backups if it detects a virus or suspicious network activity, as some third-party solutions can. Having AI-driven analytics to identify anomalies and halt backups during potential attacks, along with notifications to administrators, would be valuable. Additionally, providing a dashboard for monitoring the backup environment's security would be a beneficial feature. These improvements would help address security concerns and make Synology more competitive in this aspect.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"The automated procedure is quite good for us, as it is able to capture all of the information that we require."

"Moving to this solution has improved our backup capability."

"Data Protection Manager provides data protection to your business system which covers every challenge posed by VMs migration."

"I like the core backup feature. I also like the file server backup feature. I find Microsoft DPM interesting because it has fantastic integration with Microsoft products. For example, in Exchange and SharePoint, DPM is excellent when it comes to backing up data. It also does a decent job with open-source products."

"Microsoft DPM's is easy to set up."

"The real hands-on experience with DPM is that it's difficult to set up unless you get it right first time, the agent processes gobble CPU and i/o, and if you're unfortunate enough for your DPM primary to go awol, you're faced with building a complete DPM network again because the secondaries will refuse full backups if the primary isn't there."

"Microsoft DPM was more affordable for customers compared to other products such as Veritas, which were somewhat expensive."

"Microsoft DPM provides enhanced security and streamlines processes through automation, which results in better security for users."

More Microsoft DPM pros

"The most valuable features of Synology DSM are its security and connectivity."

"The solution's most valuable feature stems from its ease of use, making it the tool's most interesting part."

"Because of its simplicity and the wide array of features it offers, I would recommend DSM for both tech-savvy individuals and those who prefer a straightforward file-serving solution."

"The most valuable features are the basic storage, file management, Btrfs file system, and built-in backups that come with the solution."

"The product performs well. It is easy to use and implement."

"The most valuable feature of the solution is that it serves as a backup for our company's virtual machine."

"It offers a variety of software options through its package center, allowing users to customize their NAS device to serve multiple purposes."

"Synology DSM is very easy to work and operate."

More Synology DSM pros

Cons

"They could improve the compatibility and integration with other products and the ability to do file-to file backups of other products."

"The user interface can be improved quite a bit."

"To evaluate the solution's abilities and its performance under demanding conditions, it is recommended to carry out a stress test."

"Optimization of fabric administrator cause management problem to arise in backup administrator as it leads to the backup software failure in a manner that cannot be foreseen or anticipated finding backup administrators unawares."

"It would be better if it integrated seamlessly with open source and competitor products. In the next release, I would like to see some data governance frameworks. It should have support features for data integration and data replication like Veeam. Right now, we are also using Veeam for certain scenarios."

"The stability in Microsoft DPM 2015 was better than the 2019 version; we have had some problems."

"Overall, I wouldn't describe the solution as user-friendly. It's not very intuitive."

"It needs portability for other vendors. It is good for backing up Microsoft servers, but it doesn't support third-party solutions such as Oracle Database."

More Microsoft DPM cons

"Even though Synology provides a backup solution, it does not recognize the VM movement across cluster hosts."

"One area where Synology DSM could improve is in enhancing its ability to detect and respond to security threats during backups and replication."

"Users may lose their data if they don't configure the solution properly."

"Synology DSM's user interface is not quite intuitive."

"Synology DSM is a good enough solution for small and medium companies, but I have not seen a big configuration of the solution for a big organization."

"The platform could be much more cost-effective and flexible for integrating third-party products."

"The only bothersome aspect is that the device is aging."

"The product's only shortcoming is pricing, as it is an expensive solution."

More Synology DSM cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Microsoft DPM can be considered as an expensive solution for smaller or medium enterprises, but we have been satisfied with the price structure as it is fixed and it offers a variety of useful features"

"Microsoft DPM is a free solution. However, we pay approximately $3,000 annually for support."

"I think Microsoft DPM pricing is reasonable. The additional costs are related to storage and technical support."

"Synology DSM is a free tool."

"The price of the solution is very good."

"Synology DSM is a cheap solution."

"The pricing varies widely, catering to a broad range of needs."

"The licensing part of the solution is free. The hardware is more expensive than the other solutions in the market, but it's okay in the long run."

"The solution’s pricing is neither cheap nor expensive."

"It is quite an affordable solution."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

10%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Government

Non Profit

Computer Software Company

11%

Manufacturing Company

Comms Service Provider

Government

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	9
Midsize Enterprise	7
Large Enterprise	7

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	8
Midsize Enterprise	4
Large Enterprise	1

Questions from the Community

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Microsoft DPM?

The pricing of Microsoft solutions rates in the middle range at five out of ten.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Microsoft DPM?

Microsoft DPM could improve by adding S3 backup to S3 storage capabilities. AI integration is not necessary for backups as this is not a security solution.

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Microsoft DPM?

We use Microsoft DPM for backup servers. ManageEngine is used to manage workstations and servers, and Operation Manager is used for monitoring.

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Comparisons

Veeam Data Platform vs Microsoft DPM

Compared 9% of the time

Dell PowerProtect Data Domain vs Microsoft DPM

Compared 4% of the time

Catalogic DPX vs Microsoft DPM

Compared 3% of the time

IBM Storage Protect vs Microsoft DPM

Compared 3% of the time

Commvault Cloud vs Microsoft DPM

Compared 3% of the time

More Microsoft DPM Competitors

Veeam Data Platform vs Synology DSM

Compared 5% of the time

UrBackup vs Synology DSM

Compared 4% of the time

SyncBack Pro vs Synology DSM

Compared 3% of the time

GoodSync For Business vs Synology DSM

Compared 3% of the time

NAKIVO Backup & Replication vs Synology DSM

Compared 3% of the time

More Synology DSM Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft DPM

April 2026

Download Microsoft DPM product report

Buyer's Guide

Synology DSM

April 2026

Download Synology DSM product report

Also Known As

DPM, Data Protection Manager, MS DPM

Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)

Overview

Microsoft DPM is a comprehensive backup and recovery software that integrates seamlessly with Microsoft applications, providing efficient recovery capabilities and ensuring compatibility across workloads.

Microsoft's Data Protection Manager offers significant integration capabilities with Microsoft applications and Azure Active Directory for Single Sign-On, enhancing scalability through integration with System Center. It supports streamlined backup solutions for both physical and virtual Microsoft environments, with automated operations and a user-friendly interface. While DPM showcases robust file search capabilities, time-saving functionalities, and enhanced security measures, improvements are needed in third-party integrations, backup for external devices, and affordable cloud storage options. Enterprises might face challenges due to complex configurations and limited user-community support.

What are the key features of Microsoft DPM?

Seamless integration with Microsoft Apps: Provides straightforward integration for enhanced operational efficiency.
Efficient Recovery Capabilities: Enables quick data restoration to minimize downtime.
Azure Active Directory Integration: Facilitates Single Sign-On for easier access control.
Compatibility with System Center: Enhances scalability and management efficiency.
Automated Operations: Streamlines backup processes, reducing manual effort.

What benefits should users seek in reviews?

Enhanced Security: Strong file search capabilities contribute to data protection.
Time-Saving: Quick recovery processes improve operational efficiency.
User-Friendly Interface: Simplifies backup management for IT teams.

In industries such as consulting, local government, and data centers, Microsoft DPM plays a critical role in managing backup and recovery operations. Organizations rely on it to safeguard environments, including ERP systems and virtual machines, by supporting daily, weekly, and incremental backups, disaster recovery, and data replication across physical Windows Servers, Hyper-V Servers, SharePoint, and more.

Microsoft

Synology DSM offers a comprehensive disk management and virtualization backup solution, known for its seamless connectivity across Mac, Windows, and Linux systems, enabling both novice and expert users to efficiently organize and secure their digital data.

Synology DSM integrates intuitive features like the Btrfs file system, built-in backups, and Active Backup for Business, streamlining application installations such as Plex Media Server and Docker. It provides robust security and versatility, supporting VPNs, web servers, and virtualization. Synology DSM is utilized for data backup in virtual machines, local user management, file-sharing networks, and remote file accessibility. It assists organizations in centralized data replication and protection, managing multiple terabytes across locations while serving as a firewall and file management system.

What features does Synology DSM offer?

Disk Management: Efficiently manages storage across multiple platforms.
Seamless Connectivity: Supports Mac, Windows, and Linux for a unified experience.
Btrfs File System: Offers advanced data protection and recovery options.
Active Backup for Business: Provides comprehensive backup solutions for critical data.
Versatility: Supports VPN, web servers, and virtualization for expanded utility.

What benefits should users consider?

Security: Maintains data integrity and protection across networks.
Stability: Ensures consistent operation for essential applications.
Ease of Use: Facilitates straightforward installation and management of applications.
Scalability: Handles large-scale data replication and protection efficiently.

In industries like IT and media, Synology DSM is an effective tool for centralized data management and security. Businesses rely on its extensive backup capabilities to manage and protect large datasets, enabling effective collaboration and remote access solutions across locations. Users incorporate its add-ons to enhance network deployment and connectivity, optimizing data flow and operational efficiency.

Synology

Sample Customers

Medical Park, Centropol Energy, a.s., NCFE, D & H Distributing, Metalor, Colosseum, a.s., Sanitas S.A., Icebreaker

Information Not Available

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft DPM vs. Synology DSM

April 2026

Free Report: Microsoft DPM vs. Synology DSM

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