Veeam Alternative
Backup of virtual machines, servers and files with European open source software and regular restore tests.
Veeam is widely used for backing up virtual machines. The company is now headquartered in the US, and billing is per workload.
Proxmox Backup Server from Vienna and Bareos from Cologne back up virtual machines, servers, files and tapes with European open source software. It fits especially well when moving from VMware to Proxmox.
BARNICOM sets up backup, ensures an offsite copy in a second data center and tests restores regularly.
Why companies look for alternatives
A US vendor
Veeam was founded in Switzerland but is now headquartered in the US (report). Licenses and terms are set by a US company.
License costs
Billing is per workload or instance. Every new virtual machine increases costs.
Tied to the hypervisor
Moving away from VMware often means rebuilding backup as well. That is the right moment for an alternative.
What replaces what
Veeam functions and European solutions that cover them. Which option fits is something we work out together.
| Area | Veeam | European alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual machine backup | Veeam Backup & Replication | Proxmox Backup ServerAustria |
| Servers and files | Veeam Agent | Bareos or Proxmox Backup ClientGermany, Austria |
| Tape backup | Veeam Tape | Bareos or Proxmox Backup Server with a tape driveGermany, Austria |
| Offsite copy | Backup copy jobs | Sync to a second Proxmox Backup ServerAustria |
| Backup verification | SureBackup | Checksums in Proxmox Backup Server and regular restore testsAustria |
Origin refers to the vendor’s headquarters. Both solutions are open source, vendor support contracts are optional.
How the switch works
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Assessment
What is backed up, how long is it kept and how quickly must it be restored? The result is a plan with effort and timeline.
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Parallel run
The new backup runs alongside the old one until restores have been tested successfully.
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Cutover
The old backup is switched off, and older restore points remain readable until the retention period ends.
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Operations
We take care of updates, monitoring, backup and support, with a service level agreement on request.
When the alternative is not a fit
Switching does not make sense in every case. We point out limitations beforehand, for example with:
- backup of Microsoft 365 or other cloud services
- application-specific backups closely tied to Veeam features
- a VMware environment that stays in place for now
Frequently asked questions
What is Proxmox Backup Server?
Proxmox Backup Server is open source backup software by Proxmox Server Solutions GmbH in Vienna. It backs up incrementally, deduplicated and encrypted, and works closely with Proxmox VE.
What is Bareos?
Bareos is open source backup software by Bareos GmbH & Co. KG in Cologne. It backs up servers, files and databases, including to tape.
How often do you test restores?
Regularly on a fixed schedule, with documentation. A backup only counts once the data can demonstrably be restored from it.
Where are the backups stored?
On your premises and as a copy in a second data center in Germany, so damage at your site does not also hit the backup.
What does the switch cost?
It depends on data volume, retention period and the number of sites. You receive a proposal after the assessment.
More alternatives for infrastructure
Review your backup
We look at what you back up today and how quickly you get it back, and make a proposal.