Commvault versus Networker

[woodings]

We currently utilise Networker, but are looking at other backup solutions including Commvault - has anybody worked with both solutions and could give an opinion on which they feel is the better backup product

 

[birky]

Hi

I used to work with Networker but, it was v6.

They all have their place but, for me CV wins due to ease of use, having to spend on managing backups, reporting features etc

Another major benefit is that you don't have to have seperate products for different functions and backup,archving,replication etc etc tie in together and are all managed from one interface

Also a bonus is that there's no CLI to have to learn



Birky
CommVault Certified Engineer

 

[Calippo]

I’ve worked with both.
Ermmm.... that’s an easy one.

Commvault SIMPANA is far superior.
In fact, even EMC technical consultants pack there bags and go home if they learn that prospects are looking at Commvault.

To put it short, if you decide to choose NetWorker you’ll end up spending hours scratching you head trying to figure out how to do things that should be easy and probably end up having to script it… whereas with SIMPANA you’ll see the GUI has an intuitive menu to let you achieve the same goal in a few minutes.

The SIMPANA products are all unified and all built on the same code base (common technology engine). You can configure and manage replication, compliance archiving, migration, backup & recovery and reporting from the same admin GUI. If your business requires it there is also an integrated content indexing and search module.

All the best.


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EMCTA & EMCIE - Backup & Recovery
Legato & Commvault Certified Specialist
MCSE

 

[w33mhz]

You know it is kind of funny how those stating that commvault is much easier are Commvault Certified. I have not used Networker and it maybe much more complex but its pretty hard to say commvault is without fault. I use commvault and I find that somethings are convaluted and designed a little backwards, and somethings more complex then they need to be in my opinion.
Don't get me wrong I don't think that Commvault is a bad product or hard to figure out, in fact they have some excellent features and pretty good support and knowledge base. It can also improve some performance on some systems depending on how you have it configured and the hardware you utilize.
The price has also come down on licensing the last few months, for me anyway, and I know that EMC products don't come cheap and usually don't come without additional costs of consultant and training fees.

 

[Calippo]

Hi w33mhz
Not only am I Commvault certified but I am also Legato NetWorker certified.

I have worked with NetWorker for years and obtained the LCNS, EMCTA (Technology Architect) - Backup&Recovery and EMCIE (Implementation Engineer) - Backup&Recovery certifications. All three certifications at specialist level so I think I am experienced well enough to have an understanding on both products.

I am sure you will find your way.
Best of luck

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EMCTA & EMCIE - Backup & Recovery
Legato & Commvault Certified Specialist
MCSE

 

[w33mhz]

EttaTeleco
Well I wasn't trying to discredit your opinion or disagree with you, I was just trying to point out a bias towards commvault. You could say that I am bias as well, because I use it as well. Its like tring to ask an RHCE which type of OS is better Windows or Linux. It all depends on what you need to do with it.

Just need to know that most software packages that are "worth their salt" have their place for certain scenarios. To just generally say one is better than the other isn't really a complete answer. Backup Exec might be the best solution for some people, other than Commvault or Networker.

 

[Calippo]

Good points w33mhz, you are correct.
I have my preferance though ;-)

For example, Netbackup has great VBC intergration and has apparently figured out how to do mailbox recovery from an Exchange database backup.

NetWorker is good too but it only does backup and recovery plus snapshot intergration.

If you want to consoladate all your data managment requiriments into one unified product suite that you manage and configure from one interface who else can offer that?
Plus if you do want to compare feature by feature Commvault does pretty good there too.

Netbackup has the majority market share.
TSM is apparently good too.
I think Networker gets bundled in for the most part after Celerra, Clariion or SYM is in the door.
Not sure whats happened to Arcserve or BackupExec... I think these only fit small environments anyways.
Why not use NTbackup, this works for me at home!

However, no other data managment solution is growing as fast as Commvault and taking scalps like Commvault is, there is a good reason why, the same reason why SIMPANA is winning award after award and has high ratings with Gartner.
So certianly one to watch.

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EMCTA & EMCIE - Backup & Recovery
Legato & Commvault Certified Specialist
MCSE