SIRIS

Basic Information

Datto SIRIS is a comprehensive business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) solution that integrates on-site data backup with replication to the immutable Datto Cloud. It protects physical, virtual, and cloud infrastructures. First introduced in 2011, the platform has evolved through several generations, with SIRIS 5 being the current stable offering and SIRIS 6 announced for release in 2025.

• Model: Datto SIRIS 5 (current stable series), Datto SIRIS 6 (announced for 2025)
• Version: The software running on SIRIS appliances is continuously updated.
• Release Date: Original SIRIS platform released in 2011. SIRIS 5 series released in 2022. SIRIS 6 announced for October 2025.
• Minimum Requirements:
  • **For protected systems (agents):** At least 1 GB of RAM free, minimum 2 CPU cores recommended.
  • **For SIRIS Imaged/vSIRIS deployments:** Minimum quad-core 64-bit x86 processor (Intel or AMD), minimum 1GbE network interface, 120 GB SSD for OS, and at least 1TB per pool drive (SATA for up to 12TB datasets, SAS/Flash/NVMe for over 12TB). An NVMe SLOG drive (8-32 GB) is recommended for optimal virtualization performance.
• Supported Operating Systems (for protected systems):
  • Windows: Windows 8/8.1, 10, 11, Windows Server 2012, 2012 R2, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2025.
  • Linux: Fedora Linux (37, 38), Debian GNU/Linux (11, 12), CentOS Stream (8, 9), Ubuntu (20 LTS, 22 LTS, 24.04 LTS), Red Hat Enterprise Linux (8, 9).
  • macOS: The Datto Mac Agent is End of Life as of October 2020 and is no longer supported; alternative backup solutions are recommended.
• Latest Stable Version: SIRIS 5 series.
• End of Support Date: Varies by specific model and software version; managed directly by Datto and its partners.
• End of Life Date: Varies by specific model and software version; managed directly by Datto and its partners.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not publicly specified; updates are part of the ongoing service.
• License Type: Subscription-based service, typically bundled with hardware and cloud storage.
• Deployment Model:
  • Physical Appliance: Purpose-built Datto hardware.
  • Virtual SIRIS (vSIRIS): Software-only deployment as a virtual machine (VM) on existing hardware (VMware or Hyper-V).
  • SIRIS Imaged: Software-only deployment installed on user-provided hardware.
  • SIRIS Private: Utilizes two SIRIS devices to create a private cloud for data storage and recovery, ideal for strict data sovereignty requirements.

Technical Requirements

Datto SIRIS offers flexible deployment options, with technical requirements varying based on the chosen model and deployment method. Physical appliances are purpose-built with integrated hardware and software, while virtual and imaged deployments require adherence to specific host system specifications.

• RAM:
  • Physical Appliances (SIRIS 5): Ranges from 16GB DDR4 (S5X) to 512GB DDR5 ECC (larger rackmount models).
  • SIRIS Imaged/vSIRIS: Minimum RAM determined by local storage capacity; protected systems require at least 1GB free RAM.
• Processor:
  • Physical Appliances (SIRIS 5): Options include Intel Core i3-10100T (S5X), Intel i5-12500T, Intel Xeon E-2336G, Intel Xeon Silver 4416+, up to 2x Intel Xeon Gold 5418Y for high-end models.
  • SIRIS Imaged/vSIRIS: Minimum quad-core 64-bit x86 processor (Intel or AMD).
• Storage:
  • Physical Appliances (SIRIS 5): Capacities range from 2TB (S5X) to 60TB, with some models supporting up to 120+ TB. Storage arrays utilize NVMe m.2 SSD, 3.5” Enterprise SATA HDD, or 3.5” Enterprise SAS HDD, configured in RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 10 depending on the model. Dedicated OS drives are typically SSDs (e.g., 128GB to 256GB NVMe m.2 or SATA SSD). SLOG drives (960GB SATA SSD or vSAS SSD) are present in higher-end models for performance.
  • SIRIS Imaged/vSIRIS: 60 GB for OS, plus storage array capacity equal to or greater than the purchased model (e.g., 3TiB for SV3). Pool drives require at least 1TB per drive, with SATA for up to 12TB datasets and SAS/Flash/NVMe for larger datasets. An NVMe SLOG drive (8-32 GB) is mandatory for production environments.
• Display: Not typically required for ongoing operation; physical appliances may include VGA or DisplayPort for initial setup or troubleshooting.
• Ports:
  • Network: Minimum 1GbE, with 10GbE (copper, SFP+, or SFP28) and 25GbE supported for higher performance. Dual NICs are recommended for redundancy.
  • USB: USB 3.0/3.1 Type A and Type C ports are available on physical appliances.
  • Other: Serial Port, Remote Power Switch Connector, IPMI/iDRAC Enterprise for remote management on rackmount appliances.
• Operating System: Datto SIRIS appliances run a proprietary, hardened Linux-based operating system.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

The technical requirements for Datto SIRIS are designed to ensure robust performance and scalability for business continuity and disaster recovery. The physical appliances offer a wide range of configurations, from compact Mini PCs to powerful rackmount servers, catering to diverse organizational needs and data volumes. The inclusion of enterprise-grade components like Intel Xeon processors, ECC RAM, and various storage technologies (NVMe, SAS, SATA with RAID) underscores a commitment to reliability and performance. For virtual and imaged deployments, the requirements emphasize sufficient CPU, RAM, and high-performance storage to handle demanding backup and virtualization workloads. The strong networking requirements (1GbE minimum, 10GbE/25GbE support) highlight the importance of fast data transfer for efficient backups and rapid recovery, both locally and to the Datto Cloud. The proprietary operating system on appliances provides a streamlined, purpose-built environment, reducing complexity and enhancing security.

Support & Compatibility

Datto SIRIS provides extensive support and compatibility across various environments, focusing on ensuring data protection and rapid recovery for diverse IT infrastructures.

• Latest Version: SIRIS 5 series is the current stable platform, with SIRIS 6 announced for 2025, offering continuous enhancements.
• OS Support (for protected systems):
  • Windows: Comprehensive support for modern Windows client (Windows 8/8.1, 10, 11) and server operating systems (Windows Server 2012, 2012 R2, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2025).
  • Linux: Support for major distributions including Fedora, Debian, CentOS Stream, Ubuntu LTS, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
  • macOS: The dedicated Datto Mac Agent is End of Life and no longer supported. Users are advised to use alternative methods, such as backing up to a NAS share on a SIRIS or Datto NAS.
• End of Support Date: Specific end-of-support dates for hardware models and software versions are typically communicated directly by Datto to its partners and customers.
• Localization: Datto maintains global offices, including in the USA, Canada, EMEA, Australia, and Singapore, indicating international support capabilities.
• Available Drivers: Datto provides agents for Windows and Linux systems to facilitate backups. For physical appliances, all necessary drivers are integrated into the proprietary operating system.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

Datto SIRIS demonstrates strong support and compatibility, particularly for Windows and Linux environments, which are prevalent in enterprise settings. The platform's ability to protect both physical and virtual machines across these operating systems ensures broad applicability. The deprecation of the dedicated Mac Agent indicates a shift in strategy for macOS protection, requiring alternative approaches. Datto's global presence suggests a commitment to international support, though specific localization details for the user interface or documentation are not explicitly detailed. The continuous updates and the upcoming SIRIS 6 release highlight an ongoing investment in maintaining compatibility with evolving IT landscapes and improving performance. The integrated nature of the hardware and software in physical appliances simplifies deployment and support, while the flexibility of virtual and imaged deployments allows for integration into existing infrastructures.

Security Status

Datto SIRIS is designed with a strong emphasis on security, incorporating multiple layers of protection to safeguard data against various threats, including ransomware and unauthorized access.

• Security Features:
  • End-to-End Encryption: Data is encrypted in transit and at rest in the Datto Cloud. Encryption for local backups is optional.
  • Mandatory Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Required for accessing the Datto Cloud partner portal and administration interface, enhancing protection against compromised credentials.
  • Immutable Datto Cloud Architecture: Backups stored in the Datto Cloud are immutable, preventing unwanted alterations or deletions, which is crucial for ransomware defense.
  • Cloud Deletion Defense™: A feature that can undo accidental or malicious backup deletions in the cloud.
  • Ransomware Detection: SIRIS actively monitors backups for ransomware footprints and notifies administrators of potential infections, enabling rapid rollback to a clean state. SIRIS 6 includes AI-powered enhanced ransomware detection.
  • ZFS-based Snapshots: The underlying ZFS file system ensures that backup snapshots cannot be corrupted by ransomware.
  • Agent-Level Encryption: Supports encryption of backup data at rest using unique passphrases.
  • Secure Backup Portal: Centralized management through a secure cloud portal.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Datto actively addresses security vulnerabilities (CVEs) through firmware and software updates, as evidenced by past updates addressing specific CVEs.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable.
• Certifications: While specific certifications are not detailed in public snippets, BCDR solutions typically adhere to industry security standards.
• Encryption Support: Comprehensive end-to-end encryption for data in transit and at rest, with optional local encryption and agent-level encryption.
• Authentication Methods: Mandatory 2FA for cloud access.
• General Recommendations: Best practices include deploying the appliance on a secure LAN with only outbound access, checking disk health, enabling HTTPS, limiting GUI access to authorized users, and configuring firewalls appropriately.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

Datto SIRIS maintains a high overall security rating due to its multi-layered and proactive approach to data protection. The platform's core design principles, such as the immutable Datto Cloud and ZFS snapshots, provide fundamental resilience against data tampering and ransomware. The integration of advanced features like ransomware detection and Cloud Deletion Defense, combined with mandatory 2FA and end-to-end encryption, creates a robust defense mechanism. Datto's commitment to addressing known vulnerabilities through regular updates further strengthens its security posture. The emphasis on secure deployment practices and restricted access recommendations reinforces a comprehensive security strategy. This makes SIRIS a highly secure solution for business continuity and disaster recovery.

Performance & Benchmarks

Datto SIRIS is engineered for high performance in backup, recovery, and virtualization, with continuous improvements across its generations.

• Benchmark Scores:
  • SIRIS 5: Offers up to 4 times more performance than SIRIS 4, attributed to upgraded RAM and CPUs.
  • SIRIS 4 vs. SIRIS 3: SIRIS 4 showed significant improvements, including 40% higher CPU performance, more memory capacity (up to 256GB vs 128GB), and the introduction of Intel Optane NVMe for ZFS SLOG, leading to 2x faster VM boot times and improved VM IOPS. In mixed workloads (30% write, 70% read), SIRIS 4 was 8 times faster than SIRIS 3.
  • SIRIS 6 (announced): Promises next-gen performance, including DDR5 RAM for 50% faster bandwidth, improving VM boot times, and up to 150% faster backups.
• Real-World Performance Metrics:
  • Backup Speed: Excellent, with SIRIS 6 aiming for up to 150% faster backups to meet aggressive Recovery Point Objectives (RPOs).
  • Recovery Time Objective (RTO): Instant virtualization allows protected systems to be spun up in seconds, either locally on the SIRIS appliance or in the Datto Cloud. Recovery of virtual servers can be achieved in as little as 6 minutes.
  • VM Boot Time: SIRIS 5 boots VMs in seconds, with SIRIS 6 aiming for up to 30% faster for near-instant virtualization.
  • Bare Metal Restores: Enhancements in SIRIS 5 and Cloud Continuity for PCs have made bare metal restores significantly faster and more reliable.
  • Deduplication and Compression: Utilizes strong inline deduplication and LZMA2 compression for efficient data transfer to the Datto Cloud.
• Power Consumption: Physical appliances are equipped with internal or external power supplies (e.g., 65W to dual redundant 1100W for rackmounts), designed for continuous operation. Specific consumption figures vary by model.
• Carbon Footprint: Not publicly detailed.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Datto SIRIS is positioned as a high-end, all-in-one BCDR solution, offering superior performance and features compared to traditional backup methods and often outperforming previous generations significantly in key metrics like VM boot times and IOPS.

Analysis of Overall Performance Status

Datto SIRIS consistently delivers high performance crucial for effective business continuity and disaster recovery. The platform's evolution, particularly with SIRIS 5 and the upcoming SIRIS 6, shows a clear trend of increasing processing power, memory bandwidth, and storage I/O capabilities. This translates directly into faster backup windows, significantly reduced Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs) through instant virtualization, and more efficient data management. The dedicated hardware and optimized software, including ZFS SLOG devices, contribute to superior virtualization performance and rapid data recovery. These performance characteristics position SIRIS as a leading solution for organizations requiring minimal downtime and robust data protection.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for Datto SIRIS generally highlight its effectiveness as a comprehensive business continuity and disaster recovery solution.

• Strengths:
  • Reliable Backups: Users frequently praise SIRIS for its consistent and dependable backups, often citing hourly backup capabilities.
  • Fast Recovery: The ability to perform instant virtualization, both locally and in the cloud, and rapid server recovery times are consistently noted as significant advantages.
  • User-Friendly: The platform is often described as easy to use, with a straightforward setup process and intuitive interface, simplifying client integration and management.
  • Feature-Rich: Key features such as ransomware detection, instant virtualization, flexible restore options, and automated backup verification are highly valued.
  • All-in-One Solution: The integration of hardware, software, and cloud services into a single platform is seen as a major benefit, reducing complexity and administrative overhead.
  • Ransomware Mitigation: Its effectiveness in identifying and mitigating ransomware threats is a critical strength in today's cybersecurity landscape.
• Weaknesses:
  • While not explicitly detailed as weaknesses in public reviews, some smaller businesses might find the comprehensive feature set and associated costs to be more than their basic needs require, although Datto offers various models and deployment options to address different scales.
  • The End-of-Life status of the dedicated Mac Agent could be a limitation for environments heavily reliant on macOS.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Datto SIRIS is highly recommended for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and enterprises across various industries, including healthcare, financial services, and legal sectors, that require robust data protection and rapid recovery capabilities.
  • It is particularly well-suited for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) looking to offer comprehensive BCDR services to their clients.

Summary

Datto SIRIS stands as a leading, all-in-one business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) solution, offering a robust platform for protecting diverse IT infrastructures. Since its inception in 2011, it has continuously evolved, with the SIRIS 5 series representing the current stable and high-performing iteration, and SIRIS 6 poised to deliver further advancements in 2025.

The asset's strengths lie in its unparalleled flexibility in deployment, ranging from purpose-built physical appliances to virtual and imaged software-only options, catering to varied organizational needs and budgets. Its technical specifications are highly scalable, featuring enterprise-grade processors, ample RAM, and high-performance storage configurations designed for demanding backup and virtualization workloads. Compatibility is broad, covering a wide array of Windows and Linux operating systems for protected systems, ensuring comprehensive coverage for most business environments.

Security is a paramount feature of SIRIS, with multiple layers of defense including end-to-end encryption, mandatory two-factor authentication, an immutable cloud architecture with Cloud Deletion Defense, and advanced ransomware detection capabilities. These features collectively provide strong protection against data loss, corruption, and cyber threats. Performance is consistently high, characterized by rapid backup speeds, near-instantaneous local and cloud virtualization, and significantly reduced Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs), which are critical for minimizing business downtime. User feedback consistently praises SIRIS for its reliability, ease of use, rich feature set, and effectiveness in disaster recovery scenarios.

While the dedicated Mac Agent is no longer supported, requiring alternative backup strategies for macOS environments, and the comprehensive nature of the solution might present a higher initial investment for very small businesses, Datto offers various models and deployment options to address different scales. Overall, Datto SIRIS is an exceptionally strong recommendation for businesses and MSPs seeking a comprehensive, secure, and high-performance BCDR solution to ensure continuous operations and data integrity in the face of disruptions.

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.