Barracuda Backup 490 Overview:

The Barracuda Backup Service is an affordable, integrated local and offsite data backup and disaster recovery solution. The Barracuda Backup Service combines the the Barracuda Backup Subscription, an offsite backup to two geographically dispersed data centers for redundancy with the Barracuda Backup Server for a rapid restore from the local network. The Barracuda Backup Service safely maintains backup data offsite using efficient replication techniques designed by Barracuda Networks to conserve bandwidth and minimize the cost of disaster recovery. The Barracuda Backup Service provides a powerful, easy-to-use and affordable solution to securely back up data for your organization by providing the following capabilities:

• Three secure copies of data
• Automatic data backup
• Data deduplication
• Secure offsite replication
• Local backup storage
• Multiple restore methods
• Comprehensive retention policies
• Centralized management
• Live alert notifications
• Reports and statistical graphs

Powerful, Complete Solution:

Designed for organizations of any size, the Barracuda Backup Server creates a local copy of protected data and efficiently transfers the data offsite without placing additional burden on production servers. The offsite storage is monitored and managed by Barracuda Central as part of the monthly Barracuda Backup Service that scales according to storage requirements. The Barracuda Backup Service includes 24/7 technical support and emergency restoration assistance in the event of a system failure or disaster.'

Deployed in varied and complex IT environments, Barracuda Backup protects mission-critical business information. Barracuda Backup utilizes industry standard networking protocols to access data for backup and is compatible with all major operating systems. Customers receive automated alert notifications when conditions affecting backup service are detected. Barracuda Backup offers data recovery methods for local and offsite backup, including:

Restore from Barracuda Backup Server:

• Barracuda Restore Client, Windows-based software
• FTP
• Barracuda Technical Support restoration assistance

Restore from Barracuda Central's Offsite Storage:

• Barracuda Restore Client, Windows-based software
• FTPS
• Barracuda Backup Web interface
• Barracuda Technical Support restoration assistance
• Shipment of physical media

Easy to Use:

The Barracuda Backup Web interface makes it easy to manage and back up data on the Barracuda Backup Server and to schedule reccurring offsite data backups in the cloud. The Web user interface provides access and control of settings, reports, restores, statistics and account information in order to manage deployed Barracuda Backup Servers and Barracuda Backup subscriptions even across multiple locations.

Affordable:

A one-time purchase price for the Barracuda Backup Server and a reasonable monthly subscription for the offsite cloud-based backup service makes the Barracuda Backup a cost effective solution for any budget, In addition, the monthly Barracuda Backup Service subscription is tailored to meet the organizations growing storage needs and includes 24x7 technical support for set up, restoration assistance and proactive health monitoring of the organization’s Barracuda Backup Server.

Features:

A solid data backup and recovery plan is crucial for any organization, regardless of the industry or business size. As part of that plan, organizations need to have the right solution in place to ensure that data is protected and easily accessible whenever it is needed.

Complete Data Backup Solution:

Barracuda Backup combines automatic local data backup via the Barracuda Backup Server, a dedicated hardware appliance, with secure online backup to two redundant data centers in separate geographic locations. Barracuda Backup copies primary data from any operating system or storage platform and provides fast local storage and restorations, secure data transfers to offsite data centers and leverages industry-leading policy management for data retention. Barracuda Backup safely maintains backup data offsite using efficient replication techniques designed by Barracuda Networks to conserve bandwidth and minimize the cost of disaster recovery. Other capabilities include:

• Automatic backups. Administrators set the schedule for how often backups should run throughout the day. This eliminates the risks associated with manual backup techniques.
• Full Local Backup. The Barracuda Backup Server offers sufficient storage for a complete copy of an organization’s current and historical data.
• Fast Local Restore. Administrators can restore data directly from the Barracuda Backup Server at local network speeds. This is the quickest way to recover lost data or recreate historical data from local backups.
• Secure, Redundant Replication. Multiple layers of encryption, including AES 256-bit, protect the integrity of data transferred offsite using Barracuda Backup. Barracuda Networks’ two offsite data centers use highly redundant disk-based hardware in a fully encrypted and secure format.
• Alert Notifications. Barracuda Backup automatically provides email alerts to administrators when service issues are detected, including when the Barracuda Backup Server goes offline. Other notifications are sent when errors or file warnings are detected in backups, or when, expected files for backup are missing.
• Regulatory Compliance. Barracuda Backup encompasses the security requirements to cover a wide range of industry-specific regulations such as HIPAA, for the healthcare industry, and Gramm-Leach-Bliley for financial organizations.

Secure Offsite Backup:

Unlike other vendors, the Barracuda Backup Service makes three backup copies of an organization’s primary data: one local backup and two offsite data backups to geographically-separate data centers. To ensure the security and integrity of an organization’s offsite data, Barracuda Networks has equipped both data centers with on-premises security teams, restricted visitor access, alarm systems, advanced fire suppression systems, distributed redundant power and carrier-class diverse routed Internet connections. In the event of a disaster recovery situation, the offsite backup storage provides an easy way to restore critical information. The monthly Barracuda Backup Subscription provides full 24x7 service and technical support for the offsite data copies.

Advanced and Efficient Technology:

The Barracuda Backup Service maximizes storage capacity, controls data requiring backup, and ensures fast and easy data restoration.

• Data Deduplication. Using advanced technology, the Barracuda Backup Service reduces the storage and transfer requirements for backups by analyzing each file and only transferring and archiving new bit sequences. This advanced deduplication technology is applied within a single file's revision history as well as across the entire backup volume. Deduplication is also applied between data sets from multiple locations.
• Backup Selection and Connections. The Barracuda Backup Service offers granular control to identify network volumes or limited areas within a network volume for backup. The Barracuda Backup Service uses standard network protocol connections, such as CIFs and NFS to access data.
• Scalable. The Barracuda Backup Service can be configured to backup as much or as little data as needed. A single Barracuda Backup Server is capable of managing regular backups for several terabytes of changing information. To store an even greater amount of data, administrators can deploy multiple Barracuda Backup Servers. The amount of data that the Barracuda Backup Service can store, both locally and offsite, is limitless.
• Diverse Restore Methods. Data is easy to restore using any of the following methods, including:

1. Barracuda Restore Client for Windows
2. FTP from Barracuda Backup Server
3. FTPS from Barracuda Central
4. Barracuda Backup Web interface
5. Shipment of restored data from Barracuda Networks (for an additional fee)

• Change Detection Backup and Rate Control. Utilizing efficient technology to detect file changes, the Barracuda Backup Service supports scheduled backups as often as every few minutes for constant data protection. Separately, the Barracuda Backup Service enables control over the rate at which data is replicated to the offsite locations throughout the day. The rate control feature provides for the preservation of Internet bandwidth during peak usage and optimizes offsite backup transfers during daily non-peak hours.

Robust Policy Management :

Barracuda Backup includes numerous features to manage data retention, prepare for litigation requests and streamline the storage of essential files. Capabilities include:

• Flexible Data Retention. Barracuda Backup provides policy management to streamline complex data retention requirements. Administrators can set in-depth policies, specifying the retention of selected files or broader data based on daily, weekly, monthly or annual time intervals.
• Litigation Readiness. Retention policies using Barracuda Backup assists organizations in preparing for discovery requests by simplifying the retention and reproduction of electronic data.
• File Watch Rules. File watch rules send warning notifications when specified files have not been modified often enough or appear smaller than expected. Administrators are alerted if third-party backup software used to schedule backup files either fails or if the file appears to be of insufficient size. Scheduled backup export files often appear smaller than appropriate if the system the file is being generated to runs out of storage space.
• Exclusion Rules. To control storage of critical data as local and offsite backups, administrators have the option of creating directory-based or file extension exclusions. Common exclusions include music, movies or other files deemed non-essential to the organization.

Simple Administration:

Barracuda Backup features a Web interface, creating an intuitive and cost-effective administration tool. The Web interface allows users to define, manage and control backup settings from one central place.

• Web Interface. The integrated Web interface makes it easy to manage and back up data on the Barracuda Backup Server and schedule reoccurring offsite data backups. The Web interface provides access and control of settings, reports, restores, statistics and account information in order to manage deployed Barracuda Backup Servers and Barracuda Backup Service subscriptions across multiple locations.
• Reports and Statistical Graphs. Barracuda Backup offers reports for managing backups and understanding the information stored on the local or offsite backups. Using the Web interface, a health monitor displays statistical graphs of the Barracuda Backup Server and offsite storage conditions.

Model Comparison:

Available in five models, the Barracuda Backup is an affordable, integrated local and offsite data backup and disaster recovery solution. The Barracuda Backup 190 supports the Barracuda Backup Service subscription of up to 250 GB and scales up to 5,000 GB with the Barracuda Backup 800. These specifications are not limits of the system, but are the recommended capacity.

Deployment :

Typical Deployment:

Barracuda Backup is designed to easily fit into any existing data center environment with access to transfer encrypted backups to cloud-based storage. The Barracuda Backup Server is deployed between the firewall and servers, which includes a direct path to Barracuda Central’s geographically dispersed data centers.

Screenshots:

The following screenshots illustrate the Web user interface of the Barracuda Networks Backup Server.

Home Displays overview information about backups and a list of locations where Barracuda Backup Servers are installed. This list allows you to examine the backed up data from individual Barracuda Backup Servers.	Statistics -> Offsite Backups -> Backup Usage Shows storage usage information and analysis in graphical form. This information can be viewed over time by clicking on the graph.
Locations -> File Browser Web interface to browse directories and files with backed up and restore data. Also includes the ability to view data from historic backups and see past versions.	Statistics -> Backup Servers -> Barracuda Central Bandwidth Provides Internet bandwidth usage graphs for each Barracuda Backup Server during various time intervals.
Settings -> Retention Policies Configure time-based data retention policies for various areas of data being backed up.	Statistics -> Backup Servers -> Processor Utilization Provides processor utilization graphs for each Barracuda Backup Server during various time intervals.
Reports -> Offsite Backup View detailed report information for every backup performed, including errors, warnings, exclusions and details on how files changed between performed backups.

 

Barracuda Backup FAQ:

What is the Barracuda Backup Service?

The Barracuda Backup Service is an affordable, integrated local and offsite data backup and disaster recovery solution. The Barracuda Backup Service combines an onsite appliance with a monthly subscription that replicates data to two offsite locations. Combining local and offsite storage provides the best of both worlds – onsite backups for the fastest restore times and secure, offsite storage for disaster recovery.

Why do I need a backup solution?

Equipment storing information can fail. Backup, whether it is local or offsite, maintains a redundant copy of an organization’s valuable data in the event of a system failure or natural disaster as well as retains data to fulfill compliance requirements and litigation requests. With the additional copy of data, IT administrators gain the ability to easily search or restore important files. A backup solution for data restoration is an integral part of an organization’s disaster recovery plan.

Why can't I use tape or an external hard drive for backups? What are the benefits of a combination of local and cloud-based backup?

Tapes require the manual management of scheduling backups. Hard drives only create one instance of your data. Whether using tapes or hard drives, the stored data has no means to minimize file duplications and does not possess revision history to select the correct historical version to revert back to. Another burden is the need to regularly transport data offsite for a secondary copy in the event of a system failure or disaster.

In comparison, an integrated local and cloud-based backup solution is easy to manage with automatic 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 a dedicated hardware appliance for my backups?

There are several advantages to using a hardware appliance to conduct automated data backups and offsite replication. A hardware appliance created for backup, like the Barracuda Backup Server, is a purpose-built unit that enables centralized management of backup connections to multiple devices and provides the local storage necessary to keep a primary backup copy onsite for fast recovery in the majority of data loss scenarios.

Software backup solutions need installation and management on every server they protect, plus requires the administration and support of additional hardware to provide recommended local storage of the backup data. Unlike many software solutions, the Barracuda Backup Server protects data using standard networking protocols from computers running a wide range of operating systems. Other benefits of using a hardware appliance for backups include the dedicated processing power to increase efficiency through de-duplication and compression, reduction of load on production servers by not having to run backup software and the creation of a dedicated restoration device on your local network.

How is the Barracuda Backup Service different than other product offerings?

The Barracuda Backup Service creates a local copy of protected data and efficiently transfers the data offsite to two geographically dispersed data centers without additional burden to production servers. The offsite storage is monitored and managed by Barracuda Central as part of the monthly Barracuda Backup Service. With three secure copies of data and six methods to restore an organization’s assets, the Barracuda Backup Service is a comprehensive, flexible and efficient solution to your disaster recovery needs.

Is the Barracuda Backup Service safe?

Yes. The Barracuda Backup Service utilizes an aggressive security combination of symmetrical and asymmetrical encryption to keep your data stored in a format that nobody but you can access. The United States government recently approved 192-bit AES encryption as the preferred method for protecting top secret information. The Barracuda Backup service starts with the even higher 256-bit AES encryption level. Your data is secured by this aggressive encryption methodology both while being transferred offsite and during its storage at Barracuda Central.

Where is my data stored with the Barracuda Backup Service?

Data backups are stored in three places with the Barracuda Backup Service. The Barracuda Backup Server maintains the first copy of your backup locally and at the location of the origin of your data, enabling rapid restoration as needed. The Barracuda Backup Server securely transfers your data to two geographically separated data centers at Barracuda Central, where the data is stored on redundant disk hardware for disaster recovery.

What are the six ways to restore data from the Barracuda Backup Service?

Data is easy to restore using any of the following methods, including:

1. Barracuda Restore Client for Windows
2. FTP from Barracuda Backup Server
3. FTPS from Barracuda Central
4. Barracuda Backup Web interface
5. 24/7 Barracuda Technical Support restoration assistance
6. Shipment of restored data from Barracuda Networks

Can the Barracuda Backup Service help achieve compliance with common regulations?

Yes. The Barracuda Backup Service addresses the security requirements necessary for organizations to achieve compliance with a wide range of industry-specific regulations such as HIPAA, for the healthcare industry, and Gramm-Leach-Bliley for financial organizations.

Does the Barracuda Backup Service help in retaining and reproducing data for litigation requests?

Yes. Retention policies using Barracuda Backup Service assists organizations in preparing for discovery requests by simplifying the retention and reproduction of electronic data. The flexible data retention options with the Barracuda Backup Service allow you to enforce specific specific policies for your various types of data.

What if I have more questions or want to see an online demo of the Barracuda Backup?

For answers to additional questions, please contact us.

Documentation:

Download the Barracuda Networks Backup Service Datasheet (PDF).