NetBackup

Basic Information

Veritas NetBackup is an enterprise-grade data protection solution. It offers comprehensive backup and recovery capabilities for physical, virtual, and cloud environments.

• Model/Version: Enterprise backup and recovery solution.
• Latest Stable Version: NetBackup 11.0 (Software), released March 18, 2025. NetBackup 10.5.0.1 (Software), released January 22, 2025. NetBackup Appliance 5.5.0.1, released February 12, 2025.
• Release Date: NetBackup 11.0: March 18, 2025. NetBackup 10.5.0.1: January 22, 2025. NetBackup Appliance 5.5.0.1: February 12, 2025.
• Minimum Requirements:
  • Master Server (NetBackup 8.1+): 4 cores, 16 GB RAM.
  • Centralized Data Collector: 64-bit OS, 2 CPUs/vCPUs, 32 GiB RAM.
  • Disk Space: For NetBackup relational database, free disk space twice the size of the database is required for upgrades.
  • File Descriptors: Primary and media servers require a minimum soft limit of 8000 file descriptors per process.
• Supported Operating Systems:
  • Windows: Windows 8, 10, 11, Windows Server 2012, 2016, 2019, 2022 (x86-64 architecture).
  • Linux: Canonical Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian GNU/Linux, Oracle Linux, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Rocky Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, KylinSoft Corporation Kylin Linux.
  • UNIX: IBM AIX (client support, master/media server EOL since NetBackup 8.1.2), Oracle Solaris (client support, master/media server EOL since NetBackup 9.1), Hewlett Packard Enterprise HP-UX (client support, master/media server EOL since NetBackup 8.1.2).
• Latest Stable Version: NetBackup 11.0 (Software), NetBackup Appliance 5.5.0.1.
• End of Support Date: Veritas employs a 3-phase support system: Primary (3-4 years), Extended (1-2 years, existing bug fixes/patches only), and Sustaining (1-6 years, minimal support). Extended/Sustaining support is typically available only for the latest maintenance version of a release. Specific EOSL dates vary by version; for example, NetBackup 7.7.x EOSL was May 5, 2023. NetBackup 11.0's end of support life is to be determined.
• End of Life Date: End of Life (EOL) for NetBackup master and media servers on HP-UX and AIX platforms occurred with NetBackup 8.1.2. EOL for NetBackup Primary (Master) and Media servers running Solaris (SPARC and x86-64) was with NetBackup 9.1.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not specified in publicly available data.
• License Type: Veritas NetBackup primarily uses Capacity-Based, Platform-Based (host-based), and Component-Based licensing models. Traditional licensing and NetBackup Enterprise Virtual Client (NEVC) models are also available. Licensing is often offered as an on-premise subscription per front-end TB.
• Deployment Model: NetBackup can be deployed as software on customer-provided infrastructure (physical or virtual servers) or as integrated hardware appliances (e.g., NetBackup 52xx, 53xx series, Flex Appliances) that combine compute, storage, and NetBackup software. Appliances can function as master servers, media servers, or both.

Technical Requirements

• RAM:
  • Master Server: Minimum 16 GB.
  • Centralized Data Collector: 32 GiB.
  • Appliance Compute Node (e.g., 3340 Appliance): Options include 384 GB, 768 GB, 1152 GB, 1536 GB (using 64 GB RDIMM modules).
• Processor:
  • Master Server: Minimum 4 cores.
  • Centralized Data Collector: Minimum 2 CPUs or vCPUs.
  • Supported Architectures: x86-64 (Intel 64 and AMD64) for Windows and Linux.
• Storage:
  • NetBackup Relational Database: Requires free disk space twice the size of the database for upgrades.
  • Appliances: Scalable storage, e.g., NetBackup 5240 Appliance starts at 4 TB and expands up to 201 TB usable capacity.
  • Storage Shelves: Available for appliance expansion (e.g., 5250 and 5350 storage expansion shelves).
• Display: NetBackup Web UI is compatible with modern web browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox recommended).
• Ports:
  • Firewall communication for Data Collector: Ports 443, 1556, and 13724 on NetBackup Primary Server.
  • SSH: TCP/22.
  • API: Ports 80, 443, 1556.
  • WMI: Port 135 (DCOM) and dynamically allocated ports, or a fixed port for WMI.
• Operating System: 64-bit operating systems are generally required for server components. Specific OS support details are listed under Basic Information.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

Veritas NetBackup demands robust hardware resources, particularly for master servers and data collectors, reflecting its role in managing large-scale enterprise data protection. The emphasis on multi-core processors and substantial RAM ensures efficient processing of backup and recovery operations. Storage requirements are flexible, accommodating growth through scalable appliance options and external shelves. Network connectivity is critical, with specific port configurations necessary for inter-component communication and data transfer. The broad support for 64-bit operating systems across Windows and various Linux distributions provides deployment flexibility, though older UNIX platforms are being phased out for server roles. These requirements underscore NetBackup's design for high performance and scalability in complex IT environments.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: NetBackup 11.0 (Software), NetBackup Appliance 5.5.0.1.
• OS Support: Extensive support for Windows (client and server), various Linux distributions (client and server), and client support for HP-UX, AIX, and Solaris. Master and media server support for HP-UX, AIX, and Solaris has reached End of Life in recent versions.
• End of Support Date: Follows a three-phase lifecycle: Primary (full support), Extended (limited bug fixes/patches), and Sustaining (minimal support). Extended and Sustaining support are typically restricted to the latest maintenance release of a major version.
• Localization: While Veritas operates globally, specific localization details for the software interface or documentation were not explicitly detailed in the provided data.
• Available Drivers: Drivers are generally integrated within the operating system or provided as part of the NetBackup installation for specific hardware components (e.g., tape drives, HBAs). Veritas recommends consulting compatibility lists for specific device support.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

Veritas NetBackup maintains broad compatibility with modern operating systems and virtual environments, ensuring its relevance in diverse enterprise infrastructures. The structured 3-phase support lifecycle provides clarity on product longevity and upgrade planning. However, the discontinuation of master and media server support for certain legacy UNIX platforms (HP-UX, AIX, Solaris) indicates a strategic shift towards more prevalent server operating systems like Windows and Linux. This requires users on affected platforms to plan migrations. Veritas provides detailed compatibility lists and tools to assist with installation and upgrade planning.

Security Status

• Security Features:
  • Secure by default architecture.
  • Integrated cyber resiliency.
  • Advanced threat hunting using machine learning to detect anomalies.
  • Adaptive Risk Engine 2.0 for real-time user behavior monitoring and automatic security actions.
  • Catalog protection.
  • Malware scanning and anomaly detection.
  • Immutable data vault.
  • Reduced network exposure.
  • Security observability.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Not explicitly detailed in the provided public information, but Veritas issues alerts for security vulnerabilities requiring immediate action.
• Blacklist Status: Not specified in publicly available data.
• Certifications:
  • Common Criteria for Information Technology Security Evaluation Certification (EAL2+) for NetBackup v9.1.0.1 and NetBackup/Flex Appliances.
  • Compliance with various international standards and regulatory frameworks, including FedRAMP High Baseline, CJIS Security Policy, ITAR, EAR, DoD Cloud Computing SRG, FIPS 140-2, and IRS-1075 (for AWS GovCloud).
• Encryption Support:
  • Data encryption for all NetBackup operations.
  • Quantum-resistant encryption in latest versions.
  • Standard encryption using 128-bit or 256-bit OpenSSL ciphers, AES, and Blowfish.
  • Encryption keys generated from passphrases (0-63 characters, printable ASCII).
  • Key Management Service (KMS) for symmetric cryptography keys for T10 standard tape drives (e.g., LTO4).
• Authentication Methods:
  • NetBackup Access Control (NBAC).
  • Integration with AD and LDAP domains.
  • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC).
  • Single Sign-On (SSO).
  • Smart card or digital certificate authentication.
  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA).
  • X.509 Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) standard for host authentication, using NetBackup CA-signed or external CA certificates.
• General Recommendations: Keep all systems and software updated, enable multifactor authentication, enable multiperson authorization, increase security levels, implement immutable data vaults, secure credentials, reduce network exposure, enable encryption, enable catalog protection, enable malware scanning and anomaly detection, and enable security observability.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

Veritas NetBackup demonstrates a strong commitment to security, evidenced by its Common Criteria certification and adherence to numerous compliance standards. The platform incorporates a "secure by default" architecture, continuously evolving with features like quantum-resistant encryption and advanced threat detection. Robust authentication mechanisms, including MFA, SSO, and RBAC, coupled with comprehensive encryption capabilities for data at rest and in transit, provide multi-layered protection. While specific vulnerability details are not publicly disclosed (as is common for enterprise software), Veritas's proactive approach to security alerts and hardening guidelines indicates a mature security posture. The emphasis on immutable data, malware scanning, and reduced attack surface further strengthens its defense against modern cyber threats.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores:
  • Backup of 1,000 VMs in SAN testing: Up to 80.3% faster than Competitor "C" (five times faster).
  • Recovery points via NetApp array-based snapshots for 1,000 VMs (NAS scenario): 93.8% less time than Competitor "C".
  • Backup of 1,000 VMs in SAN transport (Fibre Channel SAN): 67.3% less time than Competitor "V".
  • Concurrent restore of 24 applications: Completed in 56 minutes, while a competitor failed and another took 1 hour 31 minutes.
  • Recovery of 24 application VMs concurrently: About 37% faster than Competitor "E".
  • Backup of 1,000 VMs using array-based snapshots: Under 9 minutes, significantly faster than Commvault and Veeam.
• Real-world Performance Metrics:
  • NetBackup Accelerator: Delivers traditional full backups at the speed of incremental backups.
  • WAN Optimization: Up to 10x faster transfer rate for backups to cloud and off-site replication.
  • Deduplication: Decreases backup storage up to 50 times and bandwidth consumption up to 99 percent (client and target side, inline or post-process).
  • Throughput (NetBackup 5240 Appliance): 53 TB/hour (client-side deduplication, 98% dedupe rate), 13 TB/hour (server-side deduplication, 98% dedupe rate).
• Power Consumption:
  • NetBackup 5240 Appliance: Typical 240 watts, Maximum 500 watts.
  • NetBackup 5250 Appliance: Typical 240 watts, Maximum 550 watts. With maximum six connected external storage shelves: Typical 1776 watts, Maximum 3430 watts.
  • NetBackup 3340 Appliance: Typical 14,971 BTU/hour.
• Carbon Footprint: Not explicitly detailed in publicly available data.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Benchmarks consistently show NetBackup outperforming competitors like Veeam, EMC, and Commvault in backup and restore speeds, scalability, and efficiency in large-scale virtual environments.

Analysis of Overall Performance Status

Veritas NetBackup demonstrates superior performance and scalability, particularly in large-scale virtualized environments. Benchmarks consistently highlight significantly faster backup and restore times compared to competitors, often by substantial margins. Key features like Accelerator, WAN optimization, and advanced deduplication (client and target side) contribute to its efficiency, reducing backup windows, storage footprint, and network bandwidth consumption. While power consumption varies by appliance model and configuration, the focus on optimized data handling translates to overall operational efficiency. NetBackup is designed to handle demanding enterprise data protection needs with high throughput and reliable recovery capabilities.

User Reviews & Feedback

Publicly available data does not include specific user reviews or feedback. Therefore, a summary of strengths, weaknesses, and recommended use cases based on direct user input cannot be provided here.

Summary

Veritas NetBackup is a robust and highly scalable enterprise data protection solution designed for complex IT environments. Its latest versions, such as NetBackup 11.0 and Appliance 5.5.0.1, offer advanced features and continuous evolution. The system demands significant hardware resources, particularly for master servers and data collectors, reflecting its capacity to manage vast amounts of data across diverse platforms, including Windows, various Linux distributions, and legacy UNIX clients. While support for master/media servers on older UNIX platforms is phasing out, client compatibility remains broad.

NetBackup's security posture is a significant strength, backed by Common Criteria EAL2+ certification and adherence to numerous compliance standards. It integrates a "secure by default" architecture with features like quantum-resistant encryption, advanced threat hunting, multi-factor authentication, and robust access controls. This comprehensive security framework aims to protect against modern cyber threats and ensure data integrity and confidentiality.

Performance benchmarks consistently show NetBackup outperforming competitors in backup and restore speeds, especially in large-scale virtual environments. Features like Accelerator, WAN optimization, and highly efficient deduplication significantly reduce backup times, storage requirements, and network bandwidth usage, contributing to operational efficiency.

The licensing model is flexible, offering capacity, platform, and component-based options to suit varying organizational needs. Deployment can be as software or through integrated hardware appliances, providing choice and ease of management.

Strengths: High performance and scalability for large enterprises, comprehensive security features with strong certifications, broad OS and application compatibility, efficient data reduction technologies, and flexible deployment options (software or appliance).

Weaknesses: High resource requirements for server components, phase-out of server support for some legacy UNIX platforms, and the complexity of managing licensing and support lifecycles across multiple versions.

Recommendations: Veritas NetBackup is ideal for large enterprises and organizations with complex, heterogeneous IT environments that require robust, high-performance, and secure data protection. It is particularly well-suited for virtualized infrastructures and those with significant data growth. Organizations should carefully review the detailed compatibility lists and support lifecycle policies to ensure alignment with their existing and future infrastructure plans, especially concerning legacy UNIX server components. Regular upgrades to the latest maintenance versions are crucial to leverage the most current security features and maintain full support.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.