Our earlier BCDR Faceoff post provided an overview of how Datto stacks up against the major business continuity solutions providers, including Veeam, Intronis, Axcient, Unitrends, StorageCraft, and file synch and share (FSS) providers Dropbox, OneDrive and Google Apps. In this post, we take a more granular look at the Datto vs. Axcient matchup.

Natural disasters, cyberattacks, human errors, and hardware failures are the ever-present realities of doing business. The nature of these vulnerabilities is ever changing, particularly in the context of the continuously evolving cyberthreat environment and the current rapid migration of computing resources to the cloud.

Investments in BCDR solutions enable companies to minimize downtime and limit the impact on business operations and the bottom line resulting from these inevitable events. In assessing BCDR options, buyers need to consider a range of factors in making their selections including:

• Will the products and services provide protection against these events not only today but also into the future under evolving threat conditions?
• Does the vendor offer an integrated line of solutions that address the complete range of backup and business continuity situations and a variety of recovery methods attuned to event circumstances?
• Does the vendor offer a flexible approach to deploying solutions that apply to my circumstances rather than fixed solutions?

To answer these questions in the context of evaluating Axcient vs. Datto, it’s necessary to take a comprehensive look at the two companies across a range of issues such as company history, financial strength, technology portfolio, and strategic direction. To this end, this post will assess and compare the two companies across the following parameters:

• Company capabilities
• Core business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) offers
• Protection offered for Microsoft Azure workloads
• Backup programs for applications such as Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace applications
• Scope of data center operations

Finally, we offer some additional considerations related to the value-added services offered by Datto and the customer benefits that result from the combination of Datto’s technology platform with the customer support capabilities of Inventio IT.

Datto vs. Axcient – Company Capabilities

Datto Overview

Datto was founded in 2007 and has steadily grown to over 1,700 employees and over 17,000 MSP partners directly serving customers. The company’s sustained growth allowed it to go public in 2020. The company has managed this growth trajectory through a combination of organic growth of existing product lines and a series of targeted acquisitions of companies with complimentary technologies. During this time, Datto has successfully integrated six companies into its product portfolio. Datto’s ability to manage this combination of internal growth and aquisision has enabled its customers to continue meeting the rapidly changing technology environment.

Datto recently took another major step in broadening its capabilities with the January 2022 acquisition of Infocyte, an innovator in Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) technologies and Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services. Infocyte’s patented technologies continuously collect and correlate data to identify potential threats, which enables a real-time response to escalated cyberthreats to customer endpoints.

Axcient Overview

Axcient, a privately held company, was founded in 2006 and has an estimated 225 employees. In 2017, Axcient merged with Efolder, a provider of file backup, syncing and sharing services. The synch and share solutions are offered under the x360Synch brand name.

Datto vs. Axcient – Core BCDR Offers

Datto SIRIS Platform

The Datto SIRIS platform is the company’s flagship BCDR offer and features hybrid cloud technology which stores data locally for the fastest possible recovery and in the Datto Cloud for true business insurance. The SIRIS architecture delivers an all-in-one data protection solution that spans backup to disaster recovery as a service (DRaaS) and is administered from a secure, multi-tenant cloud portal. SIRIS solutions can be deployed with hardened appliances or software-only implementations. The attributes of the Datto SIRIS Platform are described below.

Inverse Chain Technology

Datto’s Inverse Chain Technology with image-based backups offers an alternative to traditional incremental backup that does away with the traditional backup chain. It is designed to offer the fastest possible restore times, increase reliability, and keep capacity demands in check.

This performance is achieved in the following way: each time a snapshot-based incremental backup is taken, changes are replicated on a Datto device and to Datto’s cloud, creating an up-to-date server “image” which is a complete copy of the protected server, including data, OS, applications, and settings.

Instead of chains of dependent incremental backups, Inverse Chain Technology stores every previous recovery point in an independent, fully constructed state, so there is no rebuild process when reverting to an earlier point in time. The images captured allow quick full system restores, easy recovery of files, and the ability to boot individual backups as virtual machines. As a result, Inverse Chain Technology enables your backups to be performed as often as every 5 minutes.

Inverse Chain was engineered to keep capacity demands under control. Inverse Chain Technology uses ZFS’s “copy on write” capability, so each unique block of data is saved only once and is referenced by all the restore points that use it. ZFS is an advanced file system that encompasses a file system and volume manager. Also, since each point is completely independent, you can delete older recovery points that are no longer necessary—further reducing capacity demands.

Integrated Security Features

End-to-end encryption protects data in transit and in the cloud and is optional for local backups. Two-factor authentication (2FA) sign-in is mandatory for accessing the Datto Cloud partner portal and the ZFS-based snapshot files cannot be corrupted by ransomware.

SIRIS Ransomware Defense

SIRIS ransomware defense provides built-in ransomware protection. As each new backup is created, the system looks for signs of potential ransomware infection, such as large volumes of files being modified. The moment files start being encrypted, the system notifies admins. This enables businesses to act faster, at the very beginning of an infection, so they can stop it from spreading and rollback to a clean recovery point.

Datto adds an extra layer of protection with Ransomware Detection, which is delivered via its Remote Management and Monitoring (RMM) software. Ransomware Detection delivers effective policy-based patch management to keep clients’ machines secure and has the ability to automatically attempt to terminate the ransomware process and isolate the affected device from the network to reduce the impact of ransomware.

Screen Shot Verification

Datto’s patented technology not only allows you to see if the backed-up system is bootable, but also supplies the ability to verify that applications are accessible.

Cloud Deletion Defense

Cloud Deletion Defense allows you to regain access to deleted cloud snapshots when an agent is either mistakenly or maliciously deleted. When agents are deleted, the associated cloud snapshots would normally be deleted too. Cloud Deletion Defense provides a window to recover this cloud data and contributes to Datto’s ability to deliver immutable backup, meaning stored data cannot be changed or deleted.

Bare Metal Restore (BMR)

BMR technology allows users to perform bare metal restores to dissimilar hardware over the client’s network reliably and securely. Starting from an imaged USB thumb drive, the user follows an intuitive GUI from selecting machines to automatic partitioning. The process cuts down restore time dramatically while also improving the advanced options for users looking to customize their new machine.

Datto Alto

ALTO provides the same high-performance backup as the SIRIS platform, but via a smaller solution that’s designed specifically for small businesses. Like SIRIS, ALTO is an all-in-one solution that features a local backup device with cloud backups for hybrid protection.

Axcient x360 Platform

Axcient launched the x360 platform in November 2019. Under this rebranding effort, Axcient combined three of its BCDR and backup offers – Replibit, BCR, and Fusion – under the x360Recover name. By combining the product lines, Axcient has enabled its channel partners to deliver best-in-class RPO and security from Replibit Chain-Free and AirGap, best-in-class RTO with BRC Runbooks and Virtual Office, and best-in-class Direct-to-Cloud tech from Fusion. The primary capabilities of the combined x360Recover product are described below.

Chain-Free Backup

Axcient offers a chain-free, image-based backup solution. This service captures server snapshots every few minutes, including its data, operating system, applications, and configurations, and replicates those images to the Axcient Cloud. With chain-free, data is stored in a native virtualizable state with a pointer array algorithm. This means that each recovery point is independent. Because duplicated backups are not needed, storage, retention, and recovery performance are enhanced.

Direct-to-Cloud (D2C)

Axcient offers solutions without the need for local appliances through its Direct-to-Cloud technology. With Direct-to-Cloud (D2C), backup data is sent straight to the secure Axcient Cloud, enabling near-instant recovery for anything from a single file to an entire system. This approach enables Axcient partners to address multiple business cases – from local endpoint backup to full cloud-based Disaster Recovery – with a single solution.

AutoVerify

AutoVerify provides validation of the recoverability of backups, detecting common problems including bad windows updates or malware causing unbootable systems, incomplete backups, and corrupt backups.

AirGap

AirGap saves and protects a snapshot of your data so it can be restored in case of a malicious or accidental deletion. AirGap separates requests to delete data from the mechanics of data deletion and is enabled by default.

Axcient Virtual Office 

Axcient Virtual Office allows the virtualization of one or more systems in the Axcient Cloud to replace impacted production infrastructure temporarily. To adhere to compliance needs, data is encrypted in transit and at rest at Axcient data centers.

Datto vs. Axcient – Azure Workload Protection

The Azure Cloud is not immune to incidents, outages, or cyberattacks, so it’s possible that your production infrastructure and backups will be unavailable. Under Microsoft’s shared responsibility model, customers are responsible for keeping their Azure data secure, protected and recoverable. The solutions for Azure workload protection of Axcient vs. Datto are described below.

Datto Continuity for Microsoft Azure

Datto Continuity for Microsoft Azure keeps your Azure workloads protected and easily recoverable at a predictable cost. It provides hourly replication to the secure Datto Cloud, daily backup verification, ransomware protection, and optimal recovery time objective (RTO) and recovery point objective (RPO) performance.

Axcient x360Recover Direct-to-Cloud (D2C) for Microsoft Azure

D2C for Microsoft Azure virtualizes Azure backups using x360’s Axcient Chain-Free backup and Virtual Office Technology to deliver near instant RTO and up to a 15-minute RPO.

Datto vs. Axcient – Applications Backup

Your company’s data stored in Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace is subject to accidental deletions and ransomware and Microsoft and Google offer limited native recovery capabilities. The Datto and Axcient solutions that provide enhanced backup protection for your emails, calendars, contacts, and files are described below.

Datto SaaS Protection

SaaS Protection safeguards your applications programs such as OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, Gmail, Google Contacts with automated 3x daily backups with additional backups as needed.

Axcient x360 Cloud

x360Cloud supports cloud-to-cloud backup directly from Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace to the Axcient Cloud and offers unlimited data storage and retention.

Datto vs. Axcient – Data Center Operations

The Datto Cloud

The Datto Cloud is purpose-built for backup and recovery no matter where you operate. In the U.S., Datto maintains East and West coast data centers in Pennsylvania and Utah. Globally, Datto operates 9 data centers located in 7 countries on 4 continents. The Datto Cloud enables a predictable cost model and offers unmatched security, performance and availability.

When backups are replicated in the Datto Cloud, they are stored in two geographically diverse data centers. If a widespread power outage hit the U.S. East Coast, cloud backups would still be recoverable from a secondary location. The domestic data centers are SOC II certified and the international locations are ISO 27001 certified.

The company’s infrastructure is referred to as the Immutable Datto Cloud as stored data cannot be tampered with or modified, whether by hackers or cyberattack. Cloud backups are completely independent, making them immune from local network threats such as ransomware.

Many other backup solutions that rely on third-party clouds are vulnerable to outside threats, simply due to the nature of how they’re integrated. Datto’s immutable cloud ensures that off-site data has the highest level of protection possible.

The Axcient Cloud

Axcient operates 4 data centers located in 3 countries on 2 continents. Axcient data centers are SSAE 16 Type II Certified or SOC Certified and have 99.999% reliability, translating to less than 5 minutes average downtime per year. The company’s data centers undergo strict audits for compliance with federal standards, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Payment Card Industry (PCI) regulations.

Additional Considerations

SIRIS Value-added Services

Datto enhances its technology solutions by bundling value-added services with its SIRIS monthly service, including:

• Free Disaster Recovery Cloud Hosting – No Additional Costs
• Unlimited Cloud Data – No Additional Costs or Caps
• Unlimited Agent Licensing – No Additional Costs
• 24/7/365 U.S. Based Tech Support – No Additional Costs
• Free Bi-Annual Disaster Recovery Test – No Additional Costs
• Free Quarterly Cloud Seeding – No Additional Costs
• Free Ransomware Detection – No Additional Costs
• Free Cloud Deletion Defense – Exclusive to Datto
• Free Academy Product Training – No Additional Costs
• 5 Year Hardware Warranty – No Additional Cost
• 3 Year Trade-Up Window – No Cost Depreciation

The Invenio IT Factor

With 15+ years of valuable experience, Invenio IT is an acknowledged industry leader in business continuity, data protection and IT security. At the forefront of all things “business continuity”, Invenio IT was an early adopter of Datto backup and recovery solutions. Our long-term strategic partnership with Datto as a Datto Blue Diamond Partner has allowed us to successfully deploy and manage backup and recovery solutions for clients throughout the United States, Canada, Caribbean, Europe & Asia. Through this forward-looking approach, Invenio IT has earned recognition on several CRN leadership lists, including the Next Gen 250 (leaders in deploying emerging technologies to solve complex and emerging problems), the MSP 500 (top providers of managed services), and the Tech Elite 250 (solution providers with the highest level and most certifications from Amazon, Cisco, Dell, HPE and VMware).

Conclusion

Our examination of Datto vs. Axcient reveals that each company offers advanced BCDR solutions with strong data center operations to deliver reliable backup and disaster recovery support. When looking at the ability to provide long-term, future-proof capabilities, Datto’s track record of company and channel partner growth, integrated solutions that bring together local hardware, software and the cloud in a single stack, flexible delivery models, and value-added services provide an edge over the competition. The net result is more resilient backups and faster data recovery. When you combine Datto’s capabilities with Invenio IT’s skill set in developing customized solutions to address specific customer requirements and delivering responsive customer support, the result is a differentiated marketplace advantage.

Request More Information

For a deeper comparison of Axcient vs. Datto, contact our experts at Invenio IT. We can break down the specific advantages of each backup system to help you identify a solution tailored to your requirements. Request a free demo or contact our disaster recovery teams at (646) 395-1170 or success@invenioIT.com.