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StarWind VTL

Score8.9 out of 10

6 Reviews and Ratings

What is StarWind VTL?

StarWind Virtual Tape Library (VTL) resolves the issue of Enterprise ROBO being stuck with expensive tapes for data backup, while allowing users to stick to regulatory archival requirements. One can’t be sure that data stored on the tapes in archives will always be retrievable. StarWind VTL takes advantage of the already existing tape backup infrastructure and virtualizes the data for easy access and storage.

Using on-prem VTLs with cloud and object storage tiering, the solution allows customers to use StarWind VTL to protect their data from ransomware or other threats. Users can also replicate and tier backups in the public cloud and scale with any necessary standard storage arrays. StarWind helps with VTL configuration and integration, and the product is designed to be easily managed.

StarWind VTL:

  • Enables users to use your disk/cloud storage as virtual tapes
  • Integrates into an existing backup and archival processes without disruption
  • Allows customizing data management policies as per necessary regulations
  • Switches users from disk-to-tape to disk-to-disk-to-tape/cloud backup strategies
  • Ensures versatile scalability, maximum performance and secure automated migration

StarWind Virtual Tape Library provides the ability to offload existing data stored on tapes to cloud storage and forget about investing in physical tapes anymore while keeping that data “airlocked” and secure as the respective official regulations call for it.

Categories & Use Cases

StarWind VTL Review

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We were looking for physical tape backups to protect against DR situations but were concerned about the fact that it would require the manual intervention of changing the tapes and sending them offsite as we could easily forget. Luckily, I came across Starwind VTL, which is the same as having a physical tape library without the hassle of changing tapes. The whole process is automated and we have the option of choosing between multiple cloud storage providers such as Amazon, Wasabi, Azure, etc.

Pros

  • We can leverage our existing Veeam Infrastructure.
  • We can upload to multiple different cloud providers simultaneously.
  • Works the same as physical tapes at as lower cost.

Cons

  • There needs to be an estimated time of completion to determine how long the upload will take.
  • Needs to have an option to backup to the same cloud provider simultaneously.

Most Important Features

  • Replication to the Cloud
  • Secure Air Gap offline storage

Return on Investment

  • We saved a few thousands dollars by not going with physical tape drives.

Other Software Used

Veeam Backup & Replication, IDrive

Usability

Sneakernet backups with Pelican cases is terrible! StarWind VTL to Backblaze B2 FTW.

Pros

  • Allows you to use Veeam and other software that uses Virtual Tape Libraries while getting rid of actual tape drives and tapes
  • Backblaze B2 implementation is great - keeps storage costs low while automating backups to the cloud storage
  • Low cost and great support by the Starwind technical team
  • Feature-rich and in constant development

Cons

  • Implementation and deployment is highly technical - could be easier & faster
  • Backups Management is somewhat tricky - could be refined further

Return on Investment

  • ROI was immediate as we got rid of expensive sneakernet backups with hard drives in a Pelican case
  • One-time cost of the product is very cost-effective
  • Support contracts are reasonable and we received excellent support throughout
  • We have much better peace-of-mind with our data being protected better

Other Software Used

Veeam Backup & Replication, VMware ESXi, Windows Server

StarWind works great with Veeam

Pros

  • Works great with Veeam and Backblaze.
  • Affordable and reliable.
  • Support is quick to respond.

Cons

  • Set-up is confusing.

Return on Investment

  • Great ROI for small organizations.
  • Affordable for any size business.
  • Met the requirements of the companies backup requirements.