Barracuda brings private cloud option to Backup Server line

Barracuda has added the option to use private cloud storage with its Backup Server enterprise backup management platform, allowing customers to send backup and replication data to on-premise and private cloud servers.

Backup Server was launched in 2008 as a way to transition from conventional tape and removable storage backup, and combines deduplication and backup software with hardware and cloud-based storage.

The platform combines Barracuda's own systems with those of acquisition partners BitLeap and Yosemite Technologies.

The latest update supplements the cloud backup platform by allowing data to be transferred between one or more Backup Server units.

Guy Suter, director of product management for Barracuda Backup Service, told V3.co.uk that the move is in response to customer feedback on the original cloud-based offering.

"Many of our customers said they like to use it, but were not interested in the cloud storage piece," he said.

"We have found that the cloud section of the backup market is really the fastest growing, but we recognise we have a set of customers that have different needs."

Adding private cloud support will also allow administrators to manage branch offices. Suter explained that the platform supports backups from one system to several others, allowing branch office servers to save to a single central system.

Additionally, the move will enable new options for IT service providers and their clients. The option for saving multiple Backup Server units onto a single large system will allow providers to offer privately hosted backup services.