EXCLUSIVES

Retrospect Server Backup 5
Words by Trey Yancy
February 2004

One of the most neglected aspects of consumer computing is that of data backup. Hard drive warranties do not cover the four-figure cost of data recovery and if you, like me, ever had a hard drive die, the importance of backing up becomes crystal clear. This is even more important in a business setting where the value of stored data can easily run into thousands and even millions of dollars.

On the Mac, the leading backup software is Dantz Retrospect. Although trailing its version 6.5 Windows sibling, Retrospect 5.1 for the Mac continues to deliver a solid backup solution for businesses and individuals alike.

Features

Retrospect includes installers for both OS X and OS 9. Other than following aqua conventions, the interface has not changed from version 4, but it features a number of OS X-specific improvements including support for UNIX ownership and permissions, live restore for OS X systems, and comprehensive backups and restores for both OS X and OS X servers.

It also can backup files larger than 2 GB, and if the resource fork of a backup set exceeds the Mac OS limit of 16 MB, Retrospect automatically creates an additional linked file. Retrospect can also handle backup sets exceeding the previous limit of 70,000 files.

Another new feature is the ability to run scripts that launch Retrospect when no users are logged in. Among other things, this works hand-in-hand with Retrospect's ability to automatically recognize and backup laptops when they connect to the network.

Retrospect for the Mac is available in four versions, including single-user, two-users, workgroups, and servers. Additional client packs are available, as are a number of support and maintenance packages. The distinguishing features of Retrospect server backup are that it can backup more than one server, it supports multiplatform clients (Mac, Windows, and Red Hat Linux), and it includes a 100-client license.

Testing

My informal testing setup consisted of a G4, a Rev B iMac, a pair of iBooks (a 700 and a 900), and an old 5500, with operating systems ranging from 7.6.1 to 10.2.6 and with a total data set of some 218 GB. All were connected to a 10/100 BaseT network. For a backup drive I used a 500 GB LaCie external firewire hard drive. (See sidebar).

Installation of the application was quick and easy, but I quickly discovered that the OS X client included on the disk was incompatible with my Jaguar-based machines. I then went to Dantz's website where I downloaded a more recent OS X client as well as clients for my older System 7 and OS 9 machines.

Client installation consists of a couple of button clicks, a password assignment, and a restart. New clients are automatically recognized and are easy to configure. Following an initial log-on and password prompt, the user can then specify a number of options including data encryption, client name, password, backup volumes, and clock offset. There is also an option for updating the client software remotely.

Caveats

Although for the most part Retrospect 5 performed as expected, I should mention a few caveats. Whereas the OS X version of Retrospect can work with backup sets created under OS 9 and with OS 9 clients, the OS 9 version can not work with OS X clients or sets. Also, if you restore an entire disk or perform other large restore operations, this will delete subvolume settings, requiring you to redefine them.

There is also a snag that will bite those of us who work with empty folders, such as those watched by Acrobat Distiller or by an AppleScript folder action: Retrospect will only recognize and copy empty folders when performing full disk backups. In all other situations empty folders are ignored.

Most tasks in Retrospect, particularly those aided by a setup wizard, are fairly easy, but there are a few things to be aware of. One example is that Retrospect will not scan the members of an autoloader magazine unless you specify that the operation should run unattended. This option is obvious when you are setting up a backup script, but not so when doing a file restore. From my point of view, running unattended should be the default.

Conclusion

There are a variety of backup solutions for the Macintosh, including a truckload of peripherals, along with standalone online storage and dedicated one-button hardware systems, but if you want a good balance between capabilities, ease of use, product selection, and support for a wide range of media, the best solution so far includes Dantz Retrospect.

This is not to say that there isn't room for improvement. Certain aspects of the interface can be confusing to new users, some controls and options could be more logically placed, and the Mac version lags behind its Windows sibling. Such considerations aside, Retrospect is a must-have, mission-critical item that should be in everyone's toolbox.

Retrospect Server Backup 5.1 > Pros: Supports a wide range of media and platforms > Cons: Lags behind Windows version, minor gotchas > Price: $799, upgrade: $349.95 > From Dantz www.dantz.com