Arkeia Launches Free Virtual Server Backup Suite

Arkeia Software, a provider of network backup solutions, is offering a free use version of its Network Backup 8.1 data protection suite aimed at users of VMware ESX and ESXi virtual environments. Called Arkeia Virtual Appliance Free Use Edition, it delivers Arkeia Network Backup software on a backup-optimized Linux operating system packaged in a VMware virtual machine, providing users with components to protect a small virtual server environment. The solution is also scalable (for a fee) to larger virtual environments.

Specifically, the solution delivers one virtual backup server, two backup agents for two virtual machine clients for file-level backup of guest machines (such as servers and desktops), 250GB disk backup, and online tech support. According to Arkeia, backup servers are ideal for virtualization because they are usually under heaviest load at night, when most other applications are lightly used. The entire virtual backup system can be centrally managed.

In addition to following the growing virtualization trend, Arkeia is also following a growing trend of solutions providers offering free basic versions of important applications. By no accident, Arkeia stresses the ease with which virtual enterprises can grow by having their data backed up. However, as a virtual enterprise grows, it will reach the point where the free version of Network Backup 8.1 no longer adequately supports its data protection needs. That is when Arkeia will have a built-in customer who would much rather pay to expand its existing install base rather than take it out and start from scratch with another solution. Just as Arkeia is positioning its clients for enterprise growth, the company is also positioning itself for growth.