One of the best features is the simple to use web interface of the system. Within minutes anyone with a technical background is able to navigate the system and understand how to setup and run backups as well as the ability to recover files and systems. When you compare it to other systems that require a fat client to be installed or to have several VMs setup just to configure the system, Datto stands head and shoulders above.
Because Datto has 24/7 US based technical support, we have been able to keep our staff headcount down to a minimum with the understanding that Datto is standing behind us and is ready to help if we get in over our heads. Also, the centralized partner portal allows us a birds eye view of our entire fleet from one website.
Datto started as a backup solution for the SMB market and they are in the process of adding more Enterprise features in order to gain more market share in that space as well. Some of the Enterprise features are online now (agentless backup with VMWare) but they still have a few to tackle (clustered SQL instances).
I have personally been using the solution for the past 7 years continuously.
Deployments couldn't be easier. You plug in the appliance and go.
Generally the system is rock solid. There are many moving parts however and at any given time I have about 2% of the protected servers needing some attention. With over 400 servers that we use with this system that 2% is less than FTE to deal with.
Scalability goes back to my comment about being ready for Enterprise clients. Right now the appliances have a functional limit of 50 protected servers each. For most clients that would be fine but as we talk to some that have 1000+ servers it gets to be a bit crazy. Again, Datto is in the process of adding more options to deal with these scenarios, but just don't have them yet.
Excellent. Our rep feels like part of the family.
Technical Support:Also, excellent. I haven't been able to stump them with an issue yet and they are available any time of the day or night.
We used Acronis and backed up to USB drives. The Datto solution is much more full featured and we love the fact that it is a turn-key solution that handles all of our needs for DR.
Very easy.
We implemented the system ourselves (I've personally been a part of 70+ implementations) and have had no major issues each time.
For MSPs this will vary significantly based on how they bundle their services. The good news is that you pay Datto a flat rate per month for the service so it is easy to understand your cost structure.
The flat rate billing from Datto makes everything very simple and you don't have to worry about overages and additional fees associated with the system.
We are constantly looking just to make sure we are doing the right thing but haven't found anything that could hold a candle to Datto. Recently we have looked at Unitrends and StorageCraft but in my opinion neither comes close.
