After providing our VMware ESXi 6.7 host credentials, we could view its VMs and choose from basic VM copies, a full backup partnered by ongoing incrementals, or differential backups using change block tracking (CBT).

VMware VM backups are even easier as nothing extra is required on the host. Just note that for block-level backups you'll need a copy of the software installed on the host. It was just as easy to back up Hyper-V VMs after we entered our host's credentials, the console presented a list of its VMs, from which we configured hot backups with no fuss. It can also be accessed on the move, using Iperius' free iOS and Android apps. You'll need to pay a little extra for the optional remote web console too - but at 34 per year this is hardly expensive, and it's a worthwhile add-on, allowing you to monitor 20 installations, with statistical views and facilities to remotely run backups or set schedules. Exchange features are a particular strength, with granular backup and recovery of PST files and image-based backups.

That doesn't apply to VMware, Hyper-V, Exchange and SQL hosts, though, as you can remotely access these from the main Iperius console and run a range of backup jobs to your choice of storage. It's also worth pointing out that Iperius Backup doesn't provide client agents if you want to back up multiple workstations and servers, you'll need a paid-for installation of the software on each one. The package doesn't include cloud storage, so you'll need to sort that out separately - although there are plenty of options, with Dropbox (opens in new tab), Google Drive and Cloud Storage, OneDrive, Amazon S3, Microsoft Azure and Iperius' own cloud storage all supported.

What Sheryl Crow can teach us about data protection Best backup software Arcserve UDP 9240DR review: Beef up your backupsīut there are some other costs you'll need to factor in.

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