What is our primary use case?
We have a hybrid environment where we are using Nutanix Xi for virtualization and virtual servers. We are performing backups of all of the servers using Quest NetVault.
How has it helped my organization?
NetVault is good for every kind of workload and the backup is very robust.
We are protecting everything that we have on our servers with it. This is very important for more than one reason. It used to be only in case of accidental deletion, where we could easily recover our data. However, with the arrival of ransomware attacks, it is more important to have a second or third copy of the data. This offers better protection against ransomware.
Using NetVault saves us a lot of time. Previously, our people were performing backups manually and it wasn't possible on a daily basis to verify that the backup had been done. However, after deploying this product, everything is done using a single interface. The operator can check the status of each backup, seeing whether the job was successful or there is an issue. When there are problems, the backup manager can assist in resolving them. Everything is fully automated and it saves a lot of time.
We back up almost 100 servers every day, and this was something that took too long to do manually. It was not possible on a daily basis. Also, we have five servers that are backed up on an incremental basis, which is something else that cannot be performed manually. The NetVault tool is crucial in our environment and it contains almost everything that a backup solution should have.
NetVault provides the latest tools and support for workloads like Acropolis, with virtual machines. Last year, I was searching for a backup solution that supported Nutanix Acropolis and I could not find one. However, after two or three months, I saw on the portal that one has now been provided. After that, I received a demonstration from Quest. With respect to support, there are no challenges and everything is fine.
What is most valuable?
NetVault is easy to deploy and use.
The interface is very user-friendly.
The reporting capabilities are very good.
What needs improvement?
In the next version, I would like to see support for the MongoDB database. As it is now, there is no component that works with it and we cannot back the data up using NetVault.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Quest NetVault for eight years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
This is a robust solution and we have never had a failure.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
This is a scalable solution. I would rate the scalability a nine or ten out of ten.
We are regularly backing up approximately 100 servers.
I am the backup manager so I am usually the one working on it, but there are two subordinates of mine that take care of backup and restore tasks when I am absent.
We are increasing the size of our infrastructure and we will be purchasing additional NetVault licenses for it.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support from Quest is fine, although we don't require much in terms of support. When we have had to use it, support was very good. They gave us a complete solution with an understanding of what happened and how the issue was resolved. In the future, should a similar problem arise, we will be able to solve it ourselves.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have other backup solutions including Veeam and Commvault.
The main difference between NetVault and Veeam is that Veeam is suited for a purely virtualized environment. We had started with a virtualized environment and slowly, we began to need the features from the physical servers.
With NetVault, it started with support for physical servers. As IT grew and VMs were introduced, the features grew to include support for those. This means that for hybrid workloads, where you have VMs, laptops, and physical servers, NetVault and Commvault are very good options. For purely virtualized environments, Veeam is the number one choice.
How was the initial setup?
The deployment is easy and we completed it within one or two days.
What about the implementation team?
We deployed it ourselves.
What was our ROI?
Our ROI is that over the past eight years, we have seen various threats and we have always been able to recover our servers successfully, without losing data.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The licensing can be capacity-based or component-based. We are in the process of trying to convert some of our server licenses, which are component-based, to capacity-based licenses.
When we purchased four licenses, we were given a very good price. However, it is still on the high side when compared to some other vendors.
What other advice do I have?
My advice for anybody who is considering NetVault is that it is an enterprise-level grade solution. Some people consider it suitable for SMBs but in reality, it is enterprise-level and supports any kind of industry. It is complete in terms of its capability. It is very easy to use, it has good reporting, and you will not have any challenges with it.
In summary, this is a stable solution that creates robust backups, and the interface is very user-friendly. The main improvement that I would like to see is a plugin for MongoDB.
I would rate this solution an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises