IBM Storage Protect Reviews

Vendor: IBM

4.0 out of 5

3 reviews
86% willing to recommend

What is IBM Storage Protect?

IBM Storage Protect offers data protection and management to secure critical business information efficiently. It's designed to be a scalable and flexible solution for data backup, recovery, and archive needs in complex IT environments.

Get the Backup and Recovery Buyer's Guide and find out what your peers are saying about IBM Storage Protect, Veeam Data Platform, Commvault Cloud and more!

IBM Storage Protect is the #14 ranked solution in best Backup and Recovery Software. PeerSpot users give IBM Storage Protect an average rating of 8.0 out of 10. IBM Storage Protect is most commonly compared to Veeam Data Platform: IBM Storage Protect vs Veeam Data Platform. IBM Storage Protect is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 61% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 15% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Backup and Recovery

July 2025

Get the category report

Helped 865,164 peers since 2012

Featured IBM Storage Protect reviews

Syed Habib

Head of Infrastructure Security (S.A.V.P) at EXIM Bank Ltd

It's adequate for my core banking, however, I am looking for another solution for all systems. It is not compatible with other operating systems like Windows or Linux, and lacks a consolidated dashboard from Browser Spectrum. This is why I am searching for another solution. The product also lacks any centralized graphical user interface (GUI), such as Jarek Pod, and I am limited to using a console-based text user interface, which my local partner handles completely.

Read full review

Rainer Kummerfeldt

IT-Teamleader at Bechtle

We have the requirements for cybersecurity. Spectrum Protect or other products do not have the technology. They need external products to meet this requirement. We utilize various storage solutions across different data centers, including tape and disk storage. It is immutable, preventing external changes. External tools may be required to verify backup integrity. Additionally, there's another product called IBM Spectrum Protect Defender, which aids in backup verification. However, other products can integrate with various tools depending on specific backup needs and at a lower cost. The service cost for IBM is very high. In the event of problems, we open a support call and discuss issues with the lab, which is crucial given the critical nature of some situations. Spectrum Protect's development trajectory differed from Veeam's as it initially didn't prioritize virtualization, resulting in later integration efforts. The first version of IBM Spectrum Protect Plus had shortcomings, though subsequent iterations like Plus may have improved. However, I need more direct experience with Plus to offer a comparison. Veeam holds a stronger market presence, particularly concerning cloud and virtualization, as it was developed with these trends in mind. The evolving landscape, including cloud services like Microsoft Office 365, demands versatile backup solutions with various storage and connectivity options, whether Amazon, Google, or others. This necessitates interfaces tailored to different cloud environments and storage types. Previously, our focus primarily revolved around IBM Protect, which centered on systems storage and tape libraries alongside platforms like AIX. However, the current landscape predominantly features Linux and Windows environments. Despite these shifts, AIX remains notably stable. Overall, I rate the solution an 8 out of 10.

Read full review

Robert Hedblom

Cloud and Solution Principal Architect at sumNERV Provider AB

The initial setup is super complex. The reason is that all the on-prem backup software that you can utilize—each and everyone that says, "Oh, it's just a few clicks, and then you're up and running"—quite often, very poorly written, really it's kind of crappy. When it comes to IBM, it's a true enterprise product, meaning that you can scale it and you can design it the way you want. So from our perspective, we have designed it to scale on individual companies, meaning that each and every client has their own dedicated solution, which we host for them. And since it's an enterprise product, we can also design it the way we want. So IBM is not one, two, three, or four clicks. It takes a lot of experience to set up IBM Spectrum Protect correctly. But once it's up and running, it's one of the most stable on-premises backup solutions I've ever seen. I've been working in this field for almost 25 years, and I've never seen a solution that's as reliable as IBM Spectrum Protect.

Read full review

IBM Storage Protect mindshare

As of August 2025, the mindshare of IBM Storage Protect in the Backup and Recovery category stands at 2.3%, up from 2.2% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Backup and Recovery

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Aug 12, 2025

Valuable Features

IBM Storage Protect's most valuable features include integration with tape libraries, customizable management classes, centralized enterprise backup, incremental-forever approach, robust replication, compatibility with various platforms like Oracle and VMware, and comprehensive deduplication and compression. It offers flexibility with seamless expansion, intuitive data archiving, efficient database protection, and reliability across multi-platform environments. Its ease of use, proven stability, and scalable architecture further enhance its appeal for diverse data protection needs.

"IBM Spectrum Protect has excellent integration capability."
"Overall, my experience with the solution is very positive, and I rate it a 9 out of 10."
"The product is always stable and reliable."

Room for Improvement

IBM Storage Protect users indicate the need for a more user-friendly GUI, improved cloud integration, and enhanced virtualization support. Reporting capabilities, backup speed, and VM handling also require enhancements. Users seek simplified management, easier configuration, and better administration tools. Improved support for non-traditional databases and more effective security measures are desired. Some users express concerns over complexities in setup and management, high licensing costs, and limited flexibility with disaster recovery solutions.

"One point for improvement for IBM Spectrum Protect is security, as IBM has not been investing as much as in the past."
"Some features are outdated as the product does not use the latest technologies. The graphical user interface, known as the operation center, is not very well designed. Additionally, IBM Storage Protect does not work well with virtual environments such as VMware and Hyper-V."
"It's adequate for my core banking, however, I am looking for another solution for all systems. It is not compatible with other operating systems like Windows or Linux, and lacks a consolidated dashboard from Browser Spectrum."

ROI

IBM Storage Protect consistently shows strong performance in data protection and retrieval. Many companies observe cost savings in storage and licensing, with some reporting an ROI within 24 months. The software's encryption features help meet regulatory requirements, especially in banking. Users appreciate its retro-compatibility and version upgrades, ensuring data availability. Although ROI can vary, when data recovery is needed, the return can reach up to 100%. Overall, users rate IBM Storage Protect positively.

Pricing

IBM Storage Protect pricing varies significantly across licensing models. Users report it can be expensive, particularly for smaller companies. Capacity-based licensing is often seen as simpler and more cost-effective, while PVU licensing can be complex and costly without substantial data usage from limited locations. Annual fees range from $8,000 to $150,000, with additional costs depending on infrastructure, such as backup technologies. Overall, it suits larger enterprises but may be less economical for smaller organizations.

"Licensing IBM Spectrum Protect can be somewhat confusing for new users due to the options available, such as licensing on a capacity or per server basis."
"The platform is neither highly priced nor inexpensive. I rate the pricing a seven out of ten."
"The product is not cheap."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily use IBM Storage Protect for enterprise-level data backup and disaster recovery. It efficiently supports diverse infrastructures, including virtual, physical, and database environments across Windows, Linux, and AIX systems. Many utilize IBM Storage Protect to protect mission-critical applications and databases, such as SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL. Users appreciate its robust support for both on-premise and cloud environments, leveraging tape libraries and modern storage technologies for data retention and archival needs.

Service and Support

IBM Storage Protect customer service is often praised for being accessible and competent. However, some note that service quality can vary depending on the level of support purchased. Technical support is frequently described as knowledgeable and experienced, yet the first line of support can be slow or repetitive. Users frequently highlight the responsiveness of higher-level support but express frustration with initial layers, especially in critical cases. Regional and local variances significantly impact customer experiences.

Deployment

IBM Storage Protect's initial setup can be complex, often requiring skilled personnel. Many report that while it is manageable with the right experience or guidance, novices may find it challenging. Documentation and blueprints can ease the process, though planning is crucial. Expertise is often necessary to handle large or intricate environments, and IBM's improvements over time have made the process simpler for experienced administrators compared to the past.

Scalability

Many users report IBM Storage Protect as highly scalable, managing from small to extensive environments. Some mention entering larger setups smoothly, saying it accommodates future growth variables. Users highlight advancements in the server-side scalability and backend capabilities. Although a few note challenges with scalability mainly on the client side, most observe no major limitations, even during expansion. High compatibility with various systems reinforces its ability to meet diverse scaling needs.

Stability

IBM Storage Protect shows high stability with positive feedback from many users. The tool performs reliably without frequent crashes or downtime. Proper setup enhances its steadiness. Some users report issues during complex operations or initial feature deployment. AIX platforms appear more stable compared to Linux or Windows. Frequent updates help maintain stability, although some upgrades introduce new challenges. Its resilience makes it preferred by enterprises handling large workloads. Stability ratings typically range from 7 to 10 out of 10.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Backup and Recovery Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

15%

Computer Software Company

11%

Manufacturing Company

Government

Educational Organization

University

Retailer

Performing Arts

Healthcare Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Construction Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Comms Service Provider

Insurance Company

Non Profit

Hospitality Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Wholesaler/Distributor

Transportation Company

Outsourcing Company

Consumer Goods Company

Media Company

Pharma/Biotech Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Legal Firm

Logistics Company

Mining And Metals Company

Compare IBM Storage Protect with alternative products

Learn more about IBM Storage Protect

IBM Storage Protect delivers comprehensive data protection by integrating backup, recovery, and archiving functionalities. It supports a range of workloads and infrastructures, from on-premises to cloud environments, facilitating efficient data management. Its platform provides seamless scalability to meet evolving business needs, underpinned by reliable security measures. Organizations leverage its capabilities to ensure business continuity and minimize data loss risks, making it vital in a data-driven world.

What are the key features of IBM Storage Protect?

Advanced Data Protection: Offers robust encryption and data integrity for secure backup processes.
Scalability: Grows with your data demands, supporting large data volumes without compromising performance.
Cloud Integration: Seamlessly integrates with cloud platforms, enhancing backup strategies with hybrid options.
Automated Operations: Simplifies management tasks with automation, reducing manual intervention and errors.

What benefits should users expect when evaluating IBM Storage Protect?

Cost Efficiency: Reduces storage costs by optimizing backup processes and data retention strategies.
Data Safety: Ensures data accessibility and integrity during recovery efforts, building trust in data protection strategies.
Operational Efficiency: Boosts productivity through streamlined and automated backup management workflows.
Compliance Readiness: Helps maintain compliance with data protection regulations by providing thorough reporting and audit trails.

Industries like finance and healthcare implement IBM Storage Protect to safeguard sensitive information against threats. In financial services, it's crucial for maintaining client data confidentiality, while healthcare institutions use it to protect patient records, ensuring both accessibility and compliance with regulations.

IBM Storage Protect was previously known as IBM Spectrum Discover.