Top 25 Cloud Backup Enablers List for February 2017 – Backup Review

The growth of the cloud backup industry over the last one decade has been dramatic. The market has witnessed the rise and fall of many start-ups and stabilization of others. Interestingly, the companies that have gained a strong foothold in the industry are not all similar. There is a subtle distinction in the nature and types of services they offer. Some of these companies are pure enablers, while others combine enablement functions with direct-to-market services. Yet others, may license the software from enablers with or without re-branding options and service the online backup service needs of their clients.

Five distinct categories can be identified:

• Pure Enabler
• Enabler & Service Provider – Channel or Direct
• Service Provider – Channel Only
• Service Provider – Channel and Direct
• Service Provider – Direct Only

Based on a number of factors, such as technology, features, easy of use, dedication to MSPs, channel, revenue structure, reputation, support, price entry point, value, and corporate culture of the companies, Backup Review have summarized its rankings in this report.

Top Online Cloud Backup Enablers

These 25 companies are listed in four columns:

I. Pure Enablers: These are companies that develop and own the online backup software. They license the product to their MSP partners. The MSPs can re-brand the product and sell services under their own banner and brand and are supported by the enabling company for deployment of the software. Pure enablers do not provide any cloud backup services themselves and do not own/host any vaults. No channel conflict. These companies may also partner with distributors and resellers for distribution or sale of licenses.
II. Enablers and Service Providers – Channel or Direct: These are companies who go direct-to-market with online backup services using software developed and owned by them or licensed from other enablers. If they own the software or have the distribution rights for the software they may license the software to their MSP partners for extending the reach of the market. MSPs can only act as channels for the enabler or use the software (without branding) for providing services to their clients.
III. Service Providers – Channel Only: These are companies who go direct-to-market with online backup services using software developed and owned by them or licensed from other enablers. They may own/host their vaults, but go-to-market only through their wholesale resellers. If they own the software or have the distribution rights for the software, they may license the software to their MSP partners for extending the reach of the market. MSPs can only act as channels for the enabler or use the software (without branding) for providing services to their clients. They do not sell cloud backup services directly to end-user customers. No channel conflict.
IV. Service Provider – Channel and Direct: These are companies who go direct-to-market with online backup services using software developed and owned by them or licensed from other enablers. These companies license software from enablers, and own/host their vaults, but go-to-market both directly to end-user customers AND through their wholesale resellers. If they own the software or have the distribution rights for the software they may license the software to their MSP partners for extending the reach of the market. MSPs can only act as channels for the enabler or use the software (without branding) for providing services to their clients. Potential for channel conflict.
V. Service Providers – Direct Only: These are companies who develop and own their own software or license it from an enabler and own/host their vaults, but go-to-market directly to end-user customers. for providing online backup services to their clients. They do not sell cloud backup services via resellers. No channel conflict.

Ranking profiles:

1. Asigra
Based in Toronto, Canada, it describes itself as a company that is devoted to furthering cloud Backup, Recovery and Restore (BURR) by offering its cloud solutions entirely through its partner ecosystem. The firm prides itself on its role as a cloud service enabler and focuses all its energies on architecting a cloud solution that is agentless; differentiated with a robust backup and recovery engine and a capacity based pricing model. With over thirty years of experience and 1,000,000 deployments globally, Asigra is distinguished by its innovation and efforts at educating the data protection marketplace and driving the demand for best-of-the-breed cloud-based services. The company assumes a non conflicting role and believes in creatively nurturing its partner ecosystem by providing its partners with value beyond the software. Asigra is committed to providing its partners with effective marketing and sales tools to help them scale their cloud backup business and position themselves as leaders within the market. With an aggressive partner program, partners are able to deploy cost-effective public, hybrid and private cloud solutions to consumers, SMBs and enterprises worldwide. Service providers powered by Asigra, including Terremark (a Verizon company), NTT America, Centre Technologies, Highstreet IT Solutions, Infinit Consulting, Pulsant and Backup Technology, are helping define standards for the industry. David Farajun, the CEO of the company, declares that Asigra’s success is defined by the success of its partners.

2. DataDepositBox
Its partner programs enable more than 1,000 MSPs, and OEMs offer branded online backup and recovery services to more than 200,000 customers across sectors with a minimum monthly commitment or on an agreed commission basis. An integrated remote desktop feature of the software links mobile workers and remote offices with the service provider’s data center and creates the necessary mesh for effective anywhere, anytime, business operations. Partners can set up the entire system in a few hours. The powered by label on the partner website defines the source of the SaaS software engine that keeps the system running. The account management web portal is template based and can be customized by the Partner to their taste. The GUI facilitates personalization and management of APIs with carrier class scalability and reliability. The authorized reseller has access to all the knowledge resources of the parent company, including marketing and sales strategies. Partners can use the logo and trademark; marketing collateral materials; online banners and email marketing templates to position themselves in their chosen market.

3. NovaStor
A global company, with offices in Switzerland, Germany and the U.S., markets its cloud, SMB and enterprise backup and recovery products through MSPs, VARs, OEMs and system retailers. It guarantees its partners, cloud, MSP, SMB and enterprise customers personal account management, enticing discounts, tailor-made product training, lead generation, practical support for marketing and 24×7 local technical support. Further, it provides these enterprise, cloud and MSP partners and customers with access to support forums, information portals and a variety of workshops, webinars and training sessions to promote the commercial interests of their partners. Partners and MSPs who sign up with NovaStor can expect to have the company’s attention and support in building long-term, business relationships that are founded on transparency, simplicity and personal interaction. NovaStor asserts on its website that its partner program constructs with all components required to to build successful companies that can capitalize on growth markets and create wealth for all stakeholders. The programs are designed to ensure that NovaStor and its partners, some of which include HP, General Mills, and Tieto, go to market with confidence that they will be successful together.

4. Backup-Technology
It is one of the world’s leading providers of managed online backup and DR services. With offices in Leeds, UK and Houston, US, Backup Technology protect over 7PB of data for companies with data sizes between 50GB and over 100TB in their European and US data centers. Working with clients across all industry sectors, Backup Technology’s portfolio of customers includes The British Red Cross, Liverpool Football Club, The Government Offices, Cheshire Police, Lloyds Register Masterlock and LK Bennett. Partners include global integrators such as Fujitsu, Logica, CSC and Colt and nationwide companies such as TSG, The Internet Group and K3. Backup Technology’s solution is powered by Asigra and all services are ISO9001, ISO27001 and BS25999 certified.

5. Vembu
It is not a direct-to-customer sales company. This, Chennai, India-based company, takes its place in the cloud backup and recovery marketplace as a cost effective, hybrid data protection product developer, catering to the needs of SMBs, through the agency of its partners. With over 2,000 MSPs, VARs, resellers and distributors registered and marketing its product – StoreGrid – the company categorizes as a cloud enabler-a service provider’s service provider. Software StoreGrid is built around a simple, pay-as-you-go licensing model that integrates business automation and RMM platforms; supports backup of Disk Image, MS SQL, MS Exchange, MS Sharepoint, MySQL, VMWare and Oracle and the interfaces are customizable and brandable. The company nurtures its partners by interacting with them at webinars and conferences and providing them with marketing strategy tools. The company’s dynamic and interactive website provides partners and their customers with access to support forums, how-to videos, knowledge bases, FAQs and other systems.

6. Securstore
Established in 1991, it is a specialist providing Cloud Services. It provides a simple, bespoke data solution that can protect data stores of all sizes. Ranging from a few gigabytes to hundreds of terabytes, SecurStore helps businesses of every size and sector. Since 2004, SecurStore has offered Cloud Services, which include Cloud Backup and Cloud Storage. This sustainable model allows it to support customers across every sector, including financial, legal, engineering, retail and manufacturing, regardless of natural data growth. Full 24×7 support ensures knowledgeable experts are available to provide assistance and when combined with its head office in London, UK, SecurStore’s flexible solution is positioned to service its global client base. Depending on customer requirements, data is securely stored in UK and US data centres. SecurStore also offers 100% green data centre storage, which is powered by geothermal and hydroelectric power sources. This ensures customers’ social responsibility and reduces their overall carbon footprint in line with governmental guidelines. SecurStore is registered and certified by the British Standards Institute (BSI) for ISO 27001 accreditation and also regulated by the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB). Its Cloud Services are compliant with major standards, acts and directives, like Sarbanes Oxley, the Data Protection Act, HIPAA and other security/compliance standards.

7. Zetta
It provides an enterprise-grade 3-in-1 backup, DR and archiving technology for small/medium enterprises, MSPs, VARs, and system integrators. The SaaS-based solution enables companies to simplify backups and instantly recover data through a single management point. With local, offsite, archiving and DR functionality integrated into a single solution, Zetta delivers the value of multiple products at a fraction of the cost. The firm is redefining traditional hybrid cloud backup with its appliance-free approach featuring Smart Cloud and Lean Local Copy technology. Smart Cloud, which integrates the functionality of backup, snapshot and replication technology, abolishes the need for a local appliance. Together with the Lean Local Copy feature, it advances the hybrid cloud model to deliver fast, reliable backup and recovery at a fraction of the cost of backup alone. For its partner ecosystem, this means less time spent implementing and managing customer deployments because going on-site isn’t necessary. Zetta’s commitment to its partners doesn’t stop at minimizing conflict, but aspires to maximize collaboration with partners across all functions in the company. For both partners and direct customers, Zetta’s message is to expect more from your backups.

8. CoreVault
Headquartered at Oklahoma City, OK, it offers backup and recovery solutions to legal, dental, SMBs and governmental bodies. The software, built in partnership with VMware, increases operational flexibility, consolidates security processes and delivers a built-in backup and data protection system that works without a hitch. Data stores are HIPAA, Sarbanes-Oxley and PCI compliant and the SAS 70 Type II facility provides separate solutions for SMBs and large enterprises. CoreVault stores customer data, redundantly, in two geographically separate data centers to ensure BC and data availability on demand. A data analysis tool that is available on the website assists customers in evaluating their data and defining their backup and storage requirements. The company goes direct-to-market, but has a layered partnership program that is designed to expand new markets and promote the CoreVault product effectively. To this end, a no cost sales and technical training is provided to approved partners and marketing dollar funds are made available to them. Partners can set their own pricing and servicing models and expand their customer base.

9. StorageCraft
Utah-based company does not operate entirely through its channel partners. It sells its cloud-based storage services directly to the customer; supporting its partners in increasing the reach of the business; sharing success while acknowledging that the success of its partners is indeed a benchmark for its own success. Partners signing up for the reseller, MSP or OEM programs, will find that this company is focused on providing ways of ensuring the growth of their partner’s business-be it hand holding them through the set up phase or guiding them through the development and growth phases. The different flavors of the ShadowProtect software that are being marketed by StorageCraft, have won several industry awards for its fast and accurate backup, reliable DR, secure data protection and is considered a standard for system migration for Windows Desktops and servers. The products have the proven capacity to lower costs; reduce downtime; improve security; ensure stability and integrate the remote and mobile systems with the enterprise network.

10. Acronis
Headquartered in Burlington, MA and founded in 2002, it a global provider of backup, DR, and secure file sharing and file access solutions. Acronis is a growing international company with over 700 employees and over 900 partners in more than 145 countries worldwide. Acronis boasts over 5,000,000 individual customers and over 500,000 business customers from various industries and has more than 50 patents under its name. Its customer support centers offer 24×7 assistance to its customers worldwide. The firm can help securely migrate, protect and recover critical data wherever it resides in your physical, virtual or cloud environments. With a Unified Platform and new generation technology, its solutions are designed to ease the management burden and reduce TCO, while improving RTOs. Acronis provides complete, efficient, and reliable backup solutions for desktop, server, virtual, and cloud environments, as well as file sharing and sync solutions for mobile devices.

11. Datto
It is a global vendor of backup, DR (BDR) and Intelligent BC (IBC) solutions, providing technology and support to its 5,000+ channel partners throughout North America and Europe. It is a hybrid-cloud BDR/IBC vendor that provides instant on- and off-site virtualization, and screenshot backup verification, achieved through its Inverse Chain Technology. Catering to the needs of the SMB market, the product line is comprised of three families; Datto SIRIS 2 (SIRIS 2 Business, SIRIS 2 Professional, SIRIS 2 Enterprise), Datto ALTO 2 (ALTO 2, ALTO XL, ALTO XL Professional), and Datto NAS. It partners with the technology providers to deliver the a robust and seamless BDR and BC solutions, including AutoTask, ConnectWise, Kaseya, Level Platforms, Servoyant and StorageCraft. Founded in 2007 by Austin McChord, Datto is privately held.

12. Barracuda
It simplifies IT with cloud-enabled solutions that empower customers to protect their networks, applications, and data, regardless of where they reside. These solutions are trusted by more than 150,000 organizations worldwide and are delivered in appliance, virtual appliance, cloud and hybrid deployments. Barracuda’s customer-centric business model focuses on delivering high-value, subscription-based IT solutions that provide end-to-end network and data security. Barracuda’s data protection business includes Barracuda Backup, a solution designed for the cloud that provides the flexibility to backup data wherever it resides – on premises or in the cloud – and replicate data to a secure cloud or to a private location. It can be deployed as a purpose-built backup appliance, in virtual environments, or for cloud-to-cloud backup. Barracuda Backup physical appliance combines software, local storage and offside replication in a single package. Barracuda Backup Vx is a software solution for virtual environments that leverages existing compute and storage infrastructures. Barracuda Cloud-to-Cloud Backup replicates data from supported cloud environments into Barracuda’s Cloud Storage.

13. VaultLogix
The firm believes that backup is not a ‘one size fits all’ solution. VaultLogix’s Internet Vault suite of online backup solutions can be leveraged to safeguard customer data in an advantageous way based on the particular needs of each business. Each solution can backup data both locally and offsite, ensuring that customers can recover from data loss with the optimal combination of speed, availability, and offsite protection. In addition to providing backup and recovery solutions to businesses of all sizes, VaultLogix also delivers solutions for remote backup service support, billing, marketing and integration. This combination of capabilities enable VAR’s, MSP’s and IT consultants to generate an additional profit center for their service business by providing a holistic backup solution to their clients.

14. CTERA Networks
The company is in storage and data protection for SMBs and branch offices with Cloud Attached Storage, a hybrid solution that combines secure cloud storage services with on-premises storage appliances for a seamless user experience. Current solutions for storage and data protection – such as file servers and backup tape drives – are expensive and disparate. Since SMBs and branch offices are in short supply of IT staff and data management practices are often non-existent, there is a need for a cost-effective, all-in-one solution for centralized storage and secure off-site data protection. Cloud Attached Storage is the answer to the storage and data protection woes of SMBs and ROBOs. Integrating reliable cloud storage with appliances that are integrated cloud storage gateways and NAS, it provides reliability and storage flexibility, bundled as an easy-to-use, remotely managed storage service. CTERA has designed its technology to cater to the needs of service providers, and is partnering with cloud service providers, MSPs and resellers to deliver managed storage, hybrid local/off-site backup and file sharing services to their customers. CTERA is privately held and backed by Benchmark Capital.

15. CommVault
It is a provider of data protection and information management solutions. A Gartner Leader in Data Center Backup and Recovery market for the sixth consecutive year, Commvault helps companies worldwide activate their data to drive more value and business insight and to transform modern data environments. With solutions and services delivered directly and through a worldwide network of partners and service providers, Commvault solutions comprise a portfolios in data protection and recovery, cloud, virtualisation, archive, file sync and share. Commvault has earned accolades from customers and third party influencers for its technology vision, innovation, and execution as an independent and expert. Without the distraction of a hardware business or other business agenda, Commvault’s focus on data management has led to adoption by companies of all sizes, in all industries, and for solutions deployed on premise, across mobile platforms, to and from the cloud, and provided as-a-service.

16. Mozy
The firm “has a backup plan just for your size” declares the website of Mozy, a backup and recovery company headquartered in Seattle, Washington, USA and having offices at Pleasant Grove, UT; London, England; Cork, Ireland; Shanghai, China; and Montreal, Canada. Private individuals or SMEs will find Mozy backup and recovery easy to install, operate and work with, at all times. As part of EMC, Mozy maintains data centers; security with military grade encryption and near CDP with granular levels of administrative controls; real time support and a pay-as-you-go pricing model. Mozy has been certified SAS70 Type II compliant and has received ISO 27001 certification. The company has formed a number of strategic technology and commercial partnerships with a range of businesses to provide add-on services to its clients and to enhance their experience of cloud computing. It does not partner with MSPs, distributors or resellers to expand the reach of the market.

17. EVault
The company ends controversies surrounding on-premise and cloud-connected storage services. This San Francisco, CA-based company has leveraged its two decade long experience in cloud computing, in creating a hybrid solution that connects the on-premise data stores to the offsite, remote storage cloud. The company declares that their software never backs down. MSPs, data centers, telecommunication carriers, application providers and a host of technology providers, partner with EVault to reach out to customers and deliver hybrid cloud storage solutions that are brand able, scalable, secure and reliable. The overarching company policy dictates that the company’s executives find ways and means of reducing their carbon footprint and contribute to the creation of environmentally software. Consequently, the architecture design systematically reduces overuse of hardware or energy and minimizes system activities. EVault can be purchased as a license or a service or both and partners can enjoy access to a wealth of partner resources and unfailing technical support in hybrid cloud deployments.

18. Axcient
Founded in 2006 at Mountain View, CA, it is a privately-held company backed by Allegis Capital, Peninsula Ventures and Thomvest. It provides cloud services through a network of MSPs, distributors and resellers. A dedicated management team is geared to develop its partner programs and provide continuous support with training options and co-marketing choices. Certification of at least one member of the staff as Axcient Support Technician is a precondition to partnership. The company does not encourage development or modification of Axcient’s appliances or request for phone-based trainings. The frictionless partnership philosophy is extended to partner relations and indirectly to customer relations. The Axcient platform combines ease of use with uptime guarantees to the SMB segment. Users can expect to enjoy cost savings with pay-as-you-go service features, zero investment in infrastructure, license or software expenditures. The service integrates the best elements of on-premise data protection and online DR services to ensure customer satisfaction.

19. Arcserve
The firm is a provider of data protection and recovery solutions, giving organizations the assurance that they can recover their data and applications when needed. Launched in 1990, it now provides a solution for cloud, virtual and physical environments, on premise or in the cloud. Once synonymous with tape backup software, Arcserve has since been hard at work reinventing the industry. After 18 years under the CA Technologies umbrella, Arcserve struck out on its own as an independent, private data protection company. Understanding the importance of being nimble, Arcserve built out a portfolio of data protection technologies with an eye toward flexibility, scalability, and ease-of-use. The company markets an unified data protection solution that offers comprehensive features and functionality, including backup, replication, HA, and true global deduplication – all managed from a single pane of glass. Arcserve Unified Data Protection (UDP) was launched first as a software, then as a physical appliance, and now in the cloud. Backed by support and expertise, backup and recovery solutions are used by 45,000 end users in more than 150 countries, and distributed by over 7,500 distributors, resellers and service providers around the world. Arcserve is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN with offices around the world.

20. e-Ternity
It is a Mississauga, Ontario-based company. This Canadian company offers Asigra empowered cloud-based products that address the core infrastructure management issues surrounding BC planning and HA technology services. It has integrated a number of technologies to deliver a portfolio of managed cloud services. Customers can settle for a custom, robust mid-level solution that takes care of all kinds of acceptable risks within a given budget. The leadership is committed to excellence and the motivation of its workforce makes all the difference to the quality of delivery of services which are available for fixed terms, fixed rates or at affordable monthly rates with no requirement of up-front investments. Channel partners appreciate the professional business launch packages and support services that are offered by the company to its partners. The ongoing standard partner programs keep them updated and market savvy, while their customers can avail of telephonic and email based advice from the experts fielded by the company in their support team.

21. Intronis
Boston headquartered, the company has designed a product specifically resellers and has made a commitment to deliver the benefits of Fortune 500 companies to SMBs. The designers assert that they appreciate the challenges facing MSPs, distributors and resellers and are policy bound to create a user-friendly system that can be operated remotely. The product is dynamically improved to meet the changing needs of the market and absorb the latest innovations in technology. The endeavor is to backup data in an encrypted format; store it on a scalable, cost effective storage cloud and facilitate recovery from any part of the world. Partners of this SAS70 certified cloud backup and recovery enabler can download a free 14-day trial to evaluate the software before they decide to take the plunge and sign up for the product. The company has assumed a non-conflicting role in promoting this Windows-based backup product and are focused on channel development, facilitating partners managing the technical and commercial aspects of their business.

22. Dakota Backup
Founded in 2005 at Rapid City, SD, the firm uses its software engine to power the backup and recovery of information from client machines to its data center servers. It is an affiliate of Ketel Connections and Ketel Thorstenson, LLP and has experience in networking, cabling and technical support for SMBs. It also partners with HP in reselling their products and is a Microsoft Gold Partner. The technology expertise available with the company is its USP. Unceasing support to customers and HIPAA compliance are often cited as two reasons why customers could sign up for its products. The company is managed by business professionals, consultants and technology experts. It reaches out to the market directly and through resellers. It is committed to attracting and developing partnerships and supports its partners in delivering quality solutions to customers. Partners of the company enjoy a high margin; a recurring monthly revenue stream and freedom to re-brand the product to their specifications.

23. Venyu
The firm is both a service provider and an enabler. The company sees no conflict between its role as a service provider and service enabler. It partners with Amerivault and Network Technology Group to provide branded cloud services to both its customers and partners. While Amerivault helps Venyu deploy automated off-site redundant storage features and compliance solutions, NTG provides the technology resources required for improving business processes. The company goes direct to market garnering support from the 30 years of experience that distinguishes the Amerivault /NTG combination and the brand value that comes with it. Cloud service providers who sign up under the referral, reseller or strategic partner programs are given access to the same commercial grade services and facilities that are offered at Venyu data center at Baton Rouge, and continuity site at Springfield, MO to the service provider arm of the company. On par technical support is made available 24/7/365 to both customers and partners as everyone involved strives to make data invincible.

24. Autonomy
An HP company, it is in software that helps companies derive meaning from human information, or unstructured data – social media, email, video, audio, text and web pages – as well as structured data. Autonomy’s Protect product portfolio takes a meaning-based approach to information governance and offers market archiving and data management software. It offers a suite of Data Protection solutions that are used by thousands of customers around the world to store, protect, retrieve and organize information based on contextual understanding of the data. These solutions include HP Data Protector 7 for backing up data on physical or virtual servers, LiveVault for fully managed cloud-based, server data protection, storage and management, and Connected Backup, that enables mobile backup for laptops and desktops.

25. Xilocore
In Las Vegas, NV, it provides a tiered, scalable agentless backup and BC solution to SMBs through VAR partners. The backup software is powered by Asigra and the BC solutions are supported by “All Connected” and “Connecting Point”. The technology offering includes file de-duplication, encryption, local storage, bare metal recovery and remote protection for desktops and laptops. Windows, Unix, Linux, Novell, Mac and AS400 platforms are supported. Customers have an option to backup their virtual environments locally for restore. Data redundancy is guaranteed with replication of the Las Vegas data server at Simi Valley, CA. All XiloCore service requests are processed by authorized support specialists. The applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility and service requests are met by authorized distributors. The request servicing process may be slightly drawn out as a consequence. The company does not offer direct support to its customers and partners provide the necessary knowledge base and technical expertise that may be requisitioned by customers.