For OpenStack administrators, deciding whether to rebuild a cloud environment or restore it from backups is a pivotal challenge, especially during large-scale migrations. OpenStack’s flexibility makes it a leading choice for managing cloud workloads, but when disaster strikes or modernization beckons, the decision to migrate workloads to a new cluster or recover an existing setup requires careful consideration. This guide delves into the intricacies of OpenStack migration, exploring whether starting fresh is truly the best path forward or if restoration offers a more practical solution.

Understanding OpenStack Migration: When to Start Fresh

Rebuilding your OpenStack environment might seem like the nuclear option, but for some, it’s the cleanest way to ensure a stable and maintainable future. By deploying a new cluster and migrating workloads, you avoid dragging along years of accumulated “technical debt” from the old system—misconfigurations, orphaned resources, or stale database entries.

Tools like os-migrate, an open-source workload migration solution, are gaining traction for those who choose this path. Os-migrate facilitates a smooth migration of virtual machines, networks, and volumes from one OpenStack deployment to another, minimizing downtime and avoiding the headaches of reintroducing corrupted or unnecessary data.

The Role of Backups in a Seamless OpenStack Migration

Regular, automated backups of your OpenStack database and configurations can be a lifesaver when disaster strikes. Tools like MariaDB’s backup utilities integrate seamlessly with Kolla Ansible to ensure you’re prepared for worst-case scenarios.

In addition, Catalogic DPX vPlus now offers robust support for OpenStack environments, making it easier than ever to protect and restore your workloads. With its advanced features and seamless integration capabilities, DPX vPlus is quickly becoming a go-to solution for administrators looking to fortify their backup strategies. If you’re curious to see how it works, check out this demonstration video for a detailed walkthrough of its capabilities and use cases.

Key Challenges of Migrating OpenStack Workloads

For all its benefits, migrating workloads during a rebuild isn’t without its challenges. Recreating configurations, networking, and storage mappings from scratch can be time-intensive and error-prone. If you’re working with legacy hardware, compatibility with newer OpenStack versions might be an additional hurdle. Let’s not forget the downtime involved in migrating workloads—a critical factor for any business relying on OpenStack’s availability.

Common Challenges:

1. Data Integrity Risks: Migrating workloads involves ensuring data consistency and avoiding mismatches between the source and destination clusters.
2. Infrastructure Complexity: If your OpenStack deployment includes customized plugins or third-party integrations, recreating these can be cumbersome.
3. Operational Disruption: Even with tools like os-migrate, transferring workloads introduces a period of operational instability.

Backup vs. Migration: Finding the Right Strategy for OpenStack Recovery

For administrators hesitant to abandon their existing infrastructure, restoring from backups offers a path to recovery that preserves the integrity of the original deployment. Tools like Kolla Ansible, a containerized deployment tool for OpenStack, support database restoration to help get environments back online quickly.

Restoration Considerations:

• Version Consistency: Ensure the same OpenStack version is used in both the backup and restore process to avoid compatibility issues.
• Database Accuracy: The database backup must match the environment’s state at the time of the snapshot, including UUID primary keys and resource mappings.
• Incremental Recovery: Start with the control plane, validate the environment with smoke tests, and progressively reintroduce compute and network nodes.

Tools and Best Practices for OpenStack Migration Success

Cloud administrators who have navigated migration challenges often emphasize the importance of proactive planning. Here are a few best practices:

1. Backups Are Critical: Implement automated backups and validate them regularly to ensure they can be restored during migrations.
2. Version Discipline Matters: Upgrade OpenStack versions only after migration or recovery is complete to avoid unnecessary complexity.
3. Incremental Introduction of Nodes: Deploy control planes first, run smoke tests, and gradually reintroduce compute and network nodes.

Why Backup Planning is Critical for OpenStack Migrations

A solid backup strategy not only ensures smoother migrations but also safeguards your organization against potential disasters. For environments with critical workloads or bespoke configurations, backup planning can provide a safety net during the transition process.

Catalogic DPX vPlus enhances this safety net with its advanced backup and restoration features tailored for OpenStack. Whether you’re preparing for migration or simply fortifying your disaster recovery strategy, tools like DPX vPlus and os-migrate simplify the process while offering peace of mind.

OpenStack Migration Simplified: Clean Slate or Restoration?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to recovering or migrating an OpenStack environment. Whether you choose to start fresh or restore an existing setup depends on the complexity of your workloads, the health of your current cluster, and your long-term objectives.

With tools like os-migrate for seamless workload transfer and Catalogic DPX vPlus for robust backup support, OpenStack administrators have a powerful arsenal to tackle any migration or recovery scenario. The decision is yours—but with the right tools and strategy, both paths lead to a resilient OpenStack environment ready for future challenges.

Proxmox Backup Server (PBS) 3.3 has arrived, delivering an array of powerful features and improvements designed to revolutionize how Proxmox backups are managed and installed. From enhanced remote synchronization options to support for removable datastores, this latest release strengthens Proxmox’s position as a leading solution for efficient and versatile backup management. The update reflects Proxmox’s ongoing commitment to refining PBS to meet the demands of both homelab enthusiasts and enterprise users, offering robust, flexible tools for data protection and disaster recovery.

In this article, we’ll dive into the key enhancements in PBS 3.3, address the challenges these updates solve, and explore how they redefine backup strategies for various use cases.

Key Enhancements in PBS 3.3

1. Push Direction for Remote Synchronization

One of the most anticipated features of PBS 3.3 is the introduction of a push mechanism for remote synchronization jobs. Previously, backups were limited to a pull-based system where an offsite PBS server initiated the transfer of data from an onsite server. The push update flips this dynamic, allowing the onsite server to actively send backups to a remote PBS server.

This feature is particularly impactful for setups involving network constraints, such as firewalls or NAT configurations. By enabling the onsite server to push data, Proxmox eliminates the need for complex workarounds like VPNs, significantly simplifying the setup for offsite backups.

Why It Matters:

1. Improved compatibility with cloud-hosted PBS servers.
2. Better security, as outbound connections are generally easier to control and secure than inbound ones.
3. More flexibility in designing backup architectures, especially for distributed teams or businesses with multiple locations.

2. Support for Removable Datastores

PBS 3.3 introduces native support for removable media as datastores, catering to users who rely on rotating physical drives for backups. This is a critical addition for businesses that prefer or require air-gapped backups for added security.

Use Cases:

• Offsite backups that need to be physically transported.
• Archival purposes where data retention policies mandate offline storage.
• Homelab enthusiasts looking for a cost-effective alternative to cloud solutions.

3. Webhook Notification Targets

Another noteworthy enhancement is the inclusion of webhook notification targets. This feature allows administrators to integrate backup event notifications into third-party tools and systems, such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or custom monitoring dashboards. It’s a move toward modernizing backup monitoring by enabling real-time alerts and improved automation workflows.

How It Helps:

• Streamlines incident response by notifying teams immediately.
• Integrates with existing DevOps or IT workflows.
• Reduces downtime by allowing quicker identification of failed jobs.

4. Faster Backups with New Change Detection Modes

Speed is a crucial factor in backup operations, and PBS 3.3 addresses this with optimized change detection for file-based backups. By refining how changes in files and containers are detected, this update reduces the overhead of scanning large datasets.

Benefits:

• Faster incremental backups.
• Lower resource utilization during backup windows.
• Improved scalability for environments with large datasets or numerous virtual machines.

Challenges Addressed by PBS 3.3

Proxmox has long been a trusted name in virtualization and backup, but even reliable systems have room for improvement. The updates in PBS 3.3 tackle some persistent challenges:

• Firewall and NAT Issues: The new push backup mechanism removes the headaches of configuring inbound connections through restrictive firewalls.
• Flexibility in Media Types: With support for removable datastores, Proxmox addresses the demand for portable and air-gapped backups.
• Modern Notification Systems: Webhook notifications bridge the gap between traditional monitoring systems and the real-time demands of modern IT operations.
• Scalability Concerns: Faster change detection enables PBS to handle larger environments without a proportional increase in hardware requirements.

Potential Challenges of PBS 3.3

While the updates are significant, there are some considerations to keep in mind:

• Complexity of Transition: Organizations transitioning to the push backup system may need to reconfigure their existing setups, which could be time-consuming.
• Learning Curve for New Features: Administrators unfamiliar with webhooks or removable media integration may face a learning curve as they adapt to these tools.
• Hardware Compatibility: Although removable media support is a welcome addition, ensuring compatibility with all hardware types might require additional testing.

What This Means for Backup Strategies

The enhancements in PBS 3.3 open up new possibilities for backup strategies across various scenarios. Here’s how you might adapt your approach:

1. Embrace Tiered Backup Structures

With the push feature, you can design tiered backup architectures that separate frequent local backups from less frequent offsite backups. This strategy not only reduces the load on your primary servers but also ensures redundancy.

2. Consider Physical Backup Rotation

Organizations with stringent security requirements can now implement a robust rotation system using removable datastores. This aligns well with best practices for disaster recovery and data protection.

3. Automate Monitoring and Alerts

Webhook notifications allow you to integrate backup events into your existing monitoring stack. This reduces the need for manual oversight and ensures faster response times.

4. Optimize Backup Schedules

The improved change detection modes enable administrators to rethink their backup schedules. Incremental backups can now be performed more frequently without impacting system performance, ensuring minimal data loss in case of a failure.

The Broader Backup Ecosystem: Catalogic DPX vPlus 7.0 Enhances Proxmox Support

Adding to the buzz in the backup ecosystem, Catalogic Software has just launched the latest version of its enterprise data protection solution, DPX vPlus 7.0, which includes notable enhancements for Proxmox. Catalogic’s release brings advanced integration capabilities to the forefront, enabling seamless compatibility with Proxmox environments using CEPH storage. This includes support for full and incremental backups, file-level restores, and sophisticated snapshot management, making it an attractive option for enterprises leveraging Proxmox’s virtualization and storage solutions. With its entry into the Nutanix Ready Program and extended support for platforms like Red Hat OpenShift and Canonical OpenStack, Catalogic is clearly positioning itself as a versatile player in the data protection arena. For organizations using Proxmox, DPX vPlus 7.0 represents a significant step forward in building resilient, efficient, and scalable backup strategies. Contact us below if you have any license or compatibility questions.

Conclusion

Proxmox Backup Server 3.3 represents a major milestone in simplifying and enhancing backup management, offering features like push synchronization, support for removable datastores, and real-time notifications that cater to a broad range of users—from homelabs to midsized enterprises. These updates provide greater flexibility, improved security, and streamlined operations, making Proxmox an excellent choice for those seeking a balance between functionality and cost-effectiveness.

However, for organizations operating at an enterprise level or requiring more advanced integrations, Catalogic DPX vPlus 7.0 offers a robust alternative. With its sophisticated support for Proxmox using CEPH, alongside integration with other major platforms like Red Hat OpenShift and Canonical OpenStack, Catalogic is designed to meet the demands of large-scale, complex environments. Its advanced snapshot management, file-level restores, and incremental backup capabilities make it a powerful choice for enterprises needing a comprehensive and scalable data protection solution.

In a rapidly evolving data protection landscape, Proxmox Backup Server 3.3 and Catalogic DPX vPlus 7.0 showcase how innovation continues to deliver tools tailored for different scales and needs. Whether you’re managing a homelab or securing enterprise-level infrastructure, these solutions offer valuable paths to resilient and efficient backup strategies.

When it comes to data backup, one of the most debated topics is the frequency of full backups. For many users, the choice between weekly and monthly full backups comes down to balancing storage constraints, data restoration speed, and the level of data protection required. While incremental backups help reduce the load on storage, a full backup is essential to ensure a solid recovery point, independent of daily incremental changes.

In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of both weekly and monthly full backups, along with practical tips to help you choose the best backup frequency for your unique data needs.

Why Full Backups Matter

A full backup creates a complete copy of all selected files, applications, and settings. Unlike incremental or differential backups that only capture changes since the last backup, a full backup ensures that you have a standalone version of your entire dataset. This feature makes full backups crucial for effective disaster recovery and system restoration, as it eliminates dependency on previous incremental backups.

The frequency of these backups affects both the time it takes to perform backups and the speed of data restoration. Regular full backups are particularly useful for heavily used systems or environments with high data turnover (also known as churn rate), where data changes frequently and might not be easily reconstructed from incremental backups alone.

Schedule backup on Catalogic DPX

Weekly Full Backups: The Pros and Cons

Weekly full backups offer a practical solution for users who prioritize speed in recovery processes. Here are some of the main advantages and drawbacks of this approach.

Advantages of Weekly Full Backups

• Faster Restore Times

With a recent full backup on hand, you reduce the amount of data that needs to be processed during restoration. This is especially beneficial if your system has a high churn rate, or if rapid recovery is critical for your operations.

• Enhanced Data Protection

A weekly full backup provides more regular independent recovery points. In cases where an incremental chain might become corrupted, having a recent full backup ensures minimal data loss and faster recovery.

• Reduced Storage Chains

Weekly full backups break up long chains of incremental backups, simplifying backup management and reducing the risk of issues accumulating over extended chains.

Drawbacks of Weekly Full Backups

• High Storage Requirement

Weekly full backups require more storage space, as you’re capturing a complete system image more frequently. For users with limited storage capacity, this might lead to increased costs or the need for additional storage solutions.

• Increased System Load

A weekly full backup is a more intensive operation compared to daily incrementals. If performed on production servers, it may slow down performance during backup times, especially if the system lacks robust storage infrastructure.

Monthly Full Backups: Benefits and Considerations

For users who want to conserve storage and reduce system load, monthly full backups might be the ideal option. Here’s a closer look at the benefits and potential drawbacks of choosing monthly full backups.

Advantages of Monthly Full Backups

• Reduced Storage Usage

By performing a full backup just once a month, you significantly reduce storage needs. This approach is particularly useful for systems with low daily data change rates, where day-to-day changes are minimal.

• Lower System Impact

Monthly full backups mean fewer instances where the system is under the heavy load of a full backup. If you’re working with limited processing power or storage, this can help maintain system performance while still achieving a comprehensive backup.

• Cost Savings

For those using paid storage solutions, reducing the number of full backups can lead to cost savings, especially if storage is based on the amount of data retained.

Drawbacks of Monthly Full Backups

• Longer Restore Times

In case of a restoration, relying on a monthly full backup can increase the amount of data that must be processed. If your system fails toward the end of the month, you’ll have a long chain of incremental backups to restore, which can lengthen the restoration time.

• Higher Dependency on Incremental Chains

Monthly full backups create long chains of incremental backups, meaning you’ll depend on each link in the chain for a successful recovery. Any issue with an incremental backup could compromise the entire chain, making regular health checks essential.

• Potential for Data Loss

Since there are fewer full backups, a loss of data between the full backup and the latest incremental backup might increase the recovery point objective (RPO), meaning some data might be unrecoverable if an incident occurs.

Key Factors to Consider in Deciding Backup Frequency

To find the best backup frequency, consider these important factors:

• Churn Rate

Assess how often your data changes. A high churn rate, where large amounts of data are modified daily, typically favors more frequent full backups, as it reduces dependency on long incremental chains.

• Restore Time Objective (RTO)

How quickly do you need to restore data after a failure? Faster recovery is often achievable with weekly full backups, while monthly full backups may require more processing time to restore.

• Retention Policy

Your data retention policy will impact how much backup data you’re keeping and for how long. Frequent full backups generally require more storage, so if you’re on a strict retention schedule, you’ll need to weigh this factor accordingly.

• Storage Capacity

Storage limitations can play a big role in determining backup frequency. Weekly full backups require more space, so if storage is constrained, monthly backups might be a better fit.

• Data Sensitivity and Risk Tolerance

Systems with highly sensitive or critical data may benefit from more frequent full backups to mitigate data loss risks and minimize potential downtimes.

Best Practices for Efficient Backup Management

To get the most out of your full backups, consider implementing these best practices:

• Use Synthetic Full Backups

Synthetic full backups can reduce storage costs by reusing existing backup data and creating a new “full” backup based on incrementals. This approach maintains a recent recovery point without increasing storage demands drastically.

• Run Regular Health Checks

Performing regular integrity checks on backups can help catch issues early and ensure that all data is recoverable when needed. Weekly or monthly checks, depending on system load and criticality, can provide peace of mind and prevent chain corruption from impacting your recovery.

• Review Your Backup Strategy Periodically

Data needs can change over time, so it’s important to revisit your backup frequency, retention policies, and storage usage periodically. Adjusting your approach as your data profile changes helps ensure that your backup strategy remains efficient and effective.

Catalogic: Proven Reliability in Business Continuity

For over 25 years, Catalogic has been a trusted partner in data protection and business continuity. Our backup solutions have helped countless customers maintain seamless operations, even in the face of data disruptions. By providing tailored backup strategies that prioritize both security and efficiency, we ensure that businesses can recover swiftly from any scenario.

If you’re seeking a reliable backup plan that matches your business needs, our team is here to help. Contact us to learn how we can craft a detailed backup strategy that protects your data and keeps your business running smoothly, no matter what.

Finding the Right Balance for Your Data Backup Needs

Deciding between weekly and monthly full backups depends on factors like data change rate, storage capacity, recovery requirements, and risk tolerance. For systems with high data churn or critical recovery needs, weekly full backups can offer the assurance of faster restores. On the other hand, if you’re managing data with lower volatility and need to conserve storage, monthly full backups may provide the balance you need.

Ultimately, the goal is to find a frequency that protects your data effectively while aligning with your technical and operational constraints. Regularly assess and adjust your backup strategy to keep your system secure, responsive, and prepared for the unexpected.

As organizations brace for VMware’s licensing changes set for November 2024, IT leaders and system administrators are analyzing how these updates could reshape their virtualization strategies. Driven by VMware‘s parent company Broadcom, these changes are expected to impact renewal plans, budget allocations, and long-term infrastructure strategies. With significant adjustments anticipated, understanding the details of the new licensing model will be crucial for making informed decisions. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what to expect and how to prepare for these upcoming shifts.

Overview of the Upcoming VMware Licensing Changes

Broadcom’s new licensing approach is part of an ongoing effort to streamline and optimize VMware’s product offerings, aligning them more closely with enterprise needs and competitive market dynamics. The changes include:

• Reintroduction of Licensing Tiers: VMware is bringing back popular options like vSphere Standard and Enterprise Plus, providing more flexibility for customers with varying scale and feature requirements.
• Adjustments in Pricing: Reports indicate that there will be price increases associated with these licensing tiers. While details on the exact cost structure are still emerging, organizations should anticipate adjustments that could impact their budgeting processes.
• Enhanced vSAN Capacity: A notable change includes a 2.5x increase in the vSAN capacity included in VMware vSphere Foundation, up to 250 GiB per core. This enhancement is aimed at making VMware’s offerings more competitive in the hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) market.

Implications for Organizations

Organizations with active VMware environments or those considering renewals need to take a strategic approach to these changes. Key points to consider include:

1. Subscription Model Continuation: VMware has shifted more decisively towards subscription-based licensing, phasing out perpetual licenses that were favored by many long-term users. This shift may require organizations to adapt their financial planning, transitioning from capital expenditures (CapEx) to operating expenses (OpEx).
2. Enterprise Plus vs. Standard Licensing: With the return of Enterprise Plus and Standard licenses, IT teams will need to evaluate which tier aligns best with their operational needs. While vSphere Standard may suffice for smaller or more straightforward deployments, Enterprise Plus brings advanced features such as Distributed Resource Scheduler (DRS), enhanced automation tools, and more robust storage capabilities.
3. VDI and Advanced Use Cases: For environments hosting virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) or complex virtual machine configurations, the type of licensing chosen can impact system performance and manageability. Advanced features like DRS are often crucial for efficiently balancing workloads and ensuring seamless user experiences. Organizations should determine if vSphere Standard will meet their requirements or if upgrading to a more comprehensive tier is necessary.

Thinking About Migrating VMware to Other Platforms?

For organizations considering a migration from VMware to other platforms, comprehensive planning and expertise are essential. Catalogic can assist with designing hypervisor strategies that align with your specific business needs. With over 25 years of experience in backup and disaster recovery (DR) solutions, Catalogic covers almost all major hypervisor platforms. By talking with our experts, you can ensure that your migration strategy is secure, and tailored to support business continuity and growth.

Preparing for Renewal Decisions

With the new licensing details set to roll out in November, here’s how organizations can prepare:

• Review Current Licensing: Start by taking an inventory of your current VMware licenses and their usage. Understand which features are essential for your environment, such as high availability, load balancing, or specific storage needs.
• Budget Adjustments: If your current setup relies on features now allocated to higher licensing tiers, prepare for potential budget increases. Engage with your finance team early to discuss possible cost implications and explore opportunities to allocate additional funds if needed.
• Explore Alternatives: Some organizations are already considering open-source or alternative virtualization platforms such as Proxmox or CloudStack to avoid potential cost increases. These solutions offer flexibility and can be tailored to meet specific needs, although they come with different management and support models.
• Engage with Resellers: Your VMware reseller can be a key resource for understanding the full scope of licensing changes and providing insights on available promotions or bundled options that could reduce overall costs.

Potential Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits:

• Increased Value for Larger Deployments: The expanded vSAN capacity included in the vSphere Foundation may benefit organizations with extensive storage needs.
• More Licensing Options: The return of multiple licensing tiers allows for a more customized approach to licensing based on an organization’s specific needs.

Drawbacks:

• Price Increases: Anticipated cost hikes could challenge budget-conscious IT departments, especially those managing medium to large-scale deployments.
• Feature Allocation: Depending on the licensing tier selected, certain advanced features that were previously included in more cost-effective packages may now require an upgrade.

Strategic Considerations

When evaluating whether to renew, upgrade, or shift to alternative platforms, consider the following:

• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Calculate the potential TCO over the next three to five years, factoring in not only licensing fees but also potential hidden costs such as training, support, and additional features that may need separate licensing.
• Performance and Scalability Needs: For organizations running high-demand applications or expansive VDI deployments, Enterprise Plus might be the better fit due to its enhanced capabilities.
• Long-Term Viability: Assess the sustainability of your chosen platform, whether it’s VMware or an alternative, to ensure that it can meet future requirements as your organization grows.

Conclusion

The November 2024 changes to VMware’s licensing strategy bring both opportunities and challenges for IT leaders. Understanding these adjustments and preparing for their impact is crucial for making informed decisions that align with your organization’s operational and financial goals. Whether continuing with VMware or considering alternatives, proactive planning will be key to navigating this new landscape effectively.

Broadcom’s Strategic Acquisition of VMware: Navigating the Evolving Technology Landscape 

Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware signifies a major shift in the tech industry, focusing on streamlined products, subscription models, revised pricing, and improved customer support. This strategy, emblematic of Broadcom’s adaptability, emphasizes flexibility in the changing market. CEO Hock Tan’s decision to divest VMware’s non-core units including EUC (end-user computing),  further aligns with this approach, prioritizing their core cloud services. 

From Perpetual to Subscription: A New Era for VMware 

Transitioning from traditional perpetual licenses to subscription models, Broadcom confronts customer and partner concerns regarding predictability and financial implications. To ease this transition, Broadcom is offering robust support and incentives, aligning with broader industry trends. However, this shift also raises questions about future pricing and support strategies, highlighting Broadcom’s strategy to establish predictable revenue streams through subscription licensing. 

Exploring Alternatives: Hyper-V, Nutanix, and Proxmox 

Amidst VMware‘s licensing model change, users are actively evaluating alternatives such as Hyper-V, Nutanix, and Proxmox. Hyper-V, a Windows-based hypervisor tightly integrated with Microsoft Azure Cloud, provides cost-effective and scalable solutions. Nutanix stands out for its hyperconverged infrastructure, offering ease of management and cloud-like capabilities. On the other hand, Proxmox VE, an open-source platform, is renowned for its scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. 

Hyper-V is a Windows-based hypervisor that offers integration with Microsoft Azure Cloud. It is a cost-effective option, as it is a bare-metal hypervisor that does not require new hardware. Hyper-V also provides high availability and scalability.

Nutanix is a hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) platform that offers simplified management and cloud-like capabilities. It also provides financial incentives for migration, such as discounts on its software and hardware. Nutanix Cloud Clusters facilitate the migration of apps and workloads to the cloud without the need for re-architecting or replatforming.

Proxmox VE is an open-source hypervisor that provides scalability and flexibility. It can support up to 32 nodes and 16,000 virtual machines in a single cluster. Proxmox VE also offers licensing cost savings.

The choice of platform depends on the specific needs and existing infrastructure of the organization. Organizations that need tight integration with Microsoft Azure Cloud should consider Hyper-V. Organizations that want simplified management and cloud-like capabilities, and that are willing to pay for these features, should consider Nutanix. Organizations that need scalability and flexibility, and that are budget-conscious, should consider Proxmox VE.

Catalogic’s Role in Seamless Migration 

As a data protection leader with over 30 years of experience, Catalogic has helped numerous customers navigate the migration process. While there are various third-party and vendor-provided migration tools available, backup remains a critical step in ensuring data integrity and business continuity during the migration journey. Catalogic’s DPX solution offers a streamlined approach for VMware backup through its Agentless VMware Backup feature, eliminating the need for agent installation and management on individual virtual machines. For Microsoft Hyper-V environments, Catalogic provides both DPX Block and Agentless options, simplifying backup processes and minimizing impact on production systems. DPX vPlus, an agentless backup and snapshot-management solution, caters to virtual environments and cloud, enhancing backup performance and automation, enabling efficient recovery testing, and delivering significant resource, time, and cost savings. With its agentless design and ability to integrate into Nutanix clusters, DPX vPlus optimizes backup performance and seamlessly integrates with Nutanix’s Changed Region Tracking feature, ensuring comprehensive data protection throughout the migration process.

As businesses increasingly adopt Microsoft 365 services and applications, it’s essential to use cost-effective, fast, and reliable data backup solutions. While many assume that Microsoft 365 has built-in data protection, it’s important to remember that data protection is always the responsibility of your company, especially when it comes to meeting traditional backup, regulatory, and compliance policies. That’s where Catalogic DPX vPlus for Microsoft 365 comes in to provide a comprehensive Microsoft 365 backup solution. 

DPX vPlus provides continuous protection for critical business data in Microsoft 365, including file versioning and optional compression and deduplication. With DPX vPlus, businesses get the whole package of necessary tools to backup and recover Microsoft cloud application and services data, including Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive for Business, and Microsoft Teams. With granular and point-in-time restore options, flexible retention and backup schedules, and automatic protection of new users, DPX vPlus makes it easy to backup and recover Microsoft 365 backup data. 

But what about software and storage costs? That’s where this joint solution shines. DPX vPlus for Microsoft 365 with Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage offers the least expensive backup solution to lower your costs for backing up your Microsoft 365 data. DPX vPlus for Microsoft 365 is a comprehensive data protection solution for businesses that need to backup and recover their critical data. With granular and point-in-time restore options, flexible retention and backup schedules, and automatic protection of new users, DPX vPlus makes it easy to backup and recover Microsoft 365 backup data.  

With Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage, businesses can store their backups off-site in a fast, affordable, and secure way. Wasabi’s simple pricing model with no hidden fees means that businesses only pay for the cloud storage they use, making it the perfect solution for cost-conscious businesses.  

In conclusion, DPX vPlus for Microsoft 365 and Wasabi as a cloud storage provider offer the least expensive joint solution to lower your cost for Microsoft 365 backup. With the comprehensive data protection features of DPX vPlus and Wasabi’s affordable and secure cloud storage, businesses can backup and recover their critical data without breaking the bank. 

Resources for further learning:

Datasheet: Catalogic DPX vPlus for Microsoft 365

Demonstration video: Video for DPX vPlus for Microsoft 365

Setup Guide: How To Use Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage for DPX vPlus Backup Storage