What is our primary use case?
We use ExaGrid EX Series for backing up our Veeam Backup, vSphere, or VMware environments.
What is most valuable?
The solution easily integrates with the backup targets, such as Veeam.
What needs improvement?
The solution could improve by switching to a flash-type solution rather than the spinning drives that they currently use. However, we have not had any failure with the spinning drives. The flash-type drives are more up-to-date and are something that is in their roadmap.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this solution for approximately three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable. It is one of the most stable appliances that we own. We have never had any issues with it, such as bad hard drives. It just runs well.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
ExaGrid EX Series is scalable. You can connect another ExaGrid Appliance to it to provide more disk space. I have been told it is simple to upgrade, you do not need to dispose of the current hardware, you can add to it. There is de-duplication and other features that use space but we have not needed to add disk space and we are only at one quarter used so far.
We had the Barracuda Backup Appliance previously called Barracuda Backup, and it was not flexible, we were running out of space. Some companies do proper specification and then others try to bring their price point down by getting you in. Then in a year or two down the road, you start running out of space, which is what happened to us with the Barracuda solution.
How are customer service and technical support?
One of the most valuable aspects of the ExaGrid EX Series is the support. They dedicate an engineer to us that we deal with. We do not have to call to create a support ticket. We only need to contact our support engineer which is very convenient. Usually, with other companies you contact support and you hope you receive someone half-decent. Their support is excellent and it is easy to set up too.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have previously used other backup solutions, such as Barracuda Backup and Unitrends.
The Barracuda combines two products, the Backup Appliance and the software for backing up. It is similar to having Veeam and ExaGrid together and it is the same with Unitrends. We had Unitrends for approximately five years. it was quite a few years ago and they have improved their product since then. We had many failures and after the fourth hard drive failure with Unitrends is why we first started to look for another solution. If we did not have the failures we most like would still be with them.
How was the initial setup?
The support services guide you through the whole installation process, which was very helpful.
What about the implementation team?
We did the implementation with the help of their support.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The previous solutions I have used both included the Backup Software and the Appliance making it hard to compare to this solution. However, overall the solution is reasonably priced for the features you receive. ExaGrid EX Series is priced better than HP, Dell, and possibly Commvault which I have compared in the past.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I have evaluated Commvault, HP, and Dell solutions.
What other advice do I have?
I would advise others that this solution is hands-off and is easy to implement.
I rate ExaGrid EX Series a ten out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
