Is there a list of functionalities in upcoming 4.0 release

[mtsl]

Is there somewhere I can go to see the new features and fixes for the upcoming 4.0 release. And even some of the possible features that may not be definite yet?

It may also be helpful if you had a spot that people can post their wish list of stuff they want to see in upcoming releases (separate from the general forum).



Thanks!

[kshama]

Hi mtsl,

We have decided to split the 4.0 release into two releases, as the feature list got too big to manage in a single release. The next release will be v3.5 and the v4.0 release will be after that. Here are some of the main features that we are planing to include in them:

v3.5 (upgrade over v3.1 and v3.2)
======================

1. Synthetic full backup
2. Mail level restore
3. VMWare virtual machine backup
4. Adobe Flex based rich client

v4.0
====
1. Oracle backup
2. Reseller branding of backup server - different branded UI for different resellers and their customers when they log into the same backup server
3. 'Copy Only' local backup of Exchange - a local copy is maintained for redundancy
4. Support for AES encryption
5. Image backup of Windows XP, Vista (lower editions) and 2003 server
6. P2V - converting Windows image into a virtual (VMWare) image
7. Integration with WHMCS, AutoTask, TigerPaw and Level Platform
8. MCAL usage directly from partner zone - no need to apply MCAL licenses in individual backup server
9. Managing backup jobs from the backup server (if it is ready on time)
10. Invoicing in replication server based on replicated data (if it is ready on time)

Regards
Kshama
Vembu Technologies

[reddragon]

ETA for v 3.5 please?

[kshama]

Hi,

We are trying to release it as quickly as possible. But based on the current progress we expect it to be available sometime in September time frame.

Regards
Kshama
Vembu Tchnologies

[StoreD]

Well this is good news! One backup to rule them all! As it stands right now we usually have to go with at least two backup solutions per customer to cover as many recovery scenarios as possible. If these enhancements go as planned we may be able to go with a single solution and that is better for everyone.

It was a mistake to post this as I now feel like a kid waiting for the toy store to open...

[reddragon]

Haha brilliantly said mtsl.

I feel the same way. I'm Dieing for the synethic full backups.

[MBP]

Will 3.5 be able to back up VMWare ESX, ESXi and ESXi Free virtual machines?

Also, is there any chance the Flex client will be released before general availability of V3.5?

[nibb]

Well new features are nice, what is not so nice is that it seems with each new feature rolled out it requires extra CALs.

Take for example the Windows image cloning. When it was released it requires an extra CAL. This is not so fine as it increases costs and most other softwares add features as an added value (free) not with extra costs. Most backup softwares already can do full clone disks without an extra price.

That doesnt mean because its free everybody will use it. Myself would not and most of the low home users would not use that as having to backup the full operating system or drive would be to much, to much space, and to much time, so they would just protect specific data.

Still I dont agree with having to have extra CALs for this kind of features. Exchange and SQL is ok, as they are targeted at business users, where we as a partners can sell it for a bit more in case they require this, but I dont agree with every new backup feature released having an extra CALs.

This would give the impression to the end client that with a basic version they have a stripped one and they need to pay more, in the end that would not make them happy, to see the feature there and not be able to use it would just cause envy. I prefer they would not see features they cannot use if their CALs dont allow them too.

[mtsl]

This is really good news Vembu!

Do you have an approximate ETA on the 4.0 release as well? I really like the directions your backup solution is going. The more functionality it has, the more value & power it adds to the reseller/integrators arsenal. I agree and disagree with Nibb's statement. I completely understand that there is a definite need to have a "home" version that has a stripped/simplistic down version of the different features without extra charges (mainly to give them a small taste of Storegrid's capability and get them to want more/paid version), but in a business environment I would rather see you guys keep the pricing model with the whole add a CAL for whichever feature you need rather than jacking the price up on the CALs to make up the difference so you don't have to add additional CALs for each feature (however, that said I would expect common sense used and not to make EVERY feature need an additional CAL, some should come as free added functionality). However, that is just my situation. I can definitely see how other resellers/integrators would benefit more from the higher CAL pricing and not have to add additional CALs as needed. Either way, I am very glad we decided to go with the Vembu solution over the more expensive competitor solutions.

KEEP ADDING FUNCTIONALITY!!!

[kshama]

@MBP,

Yes, VMWare backup will work for VMWare ESX, ESXi and ESXi Free virtual machines. Regarding the Flex client, we are trying our best to release it as quickly we can. Based on the current progress, it looks like it will be released before v3.5.

@nibb,

Just to clarify, the MCALs will be used up only if you use the new backup types. Like for example, if your home users don't use drive image backup, then their backups will not consume additional MCALs. You pay only for what your customers use.

@mtsl

It is probably still too early to give a timeline for v4.0 but we expect it to be release in about 2 to 3 months after the v3.5 release.

Regards
Kshama
Vembu Technologies

[MBP]

Sounds good, thanks.