We all know how important it is to take backups, but it takes time and isn't always easy, especially when the data you want to protect won't fit on a single tape or disk. Most backup applications get around this with complicated incremental schemes, but not Retrospect, which employs a technique known as 'progressive backup' making it both quicker and easier to use.

Rather than having to take regular full backups, Retrospect only ever backs up each file once to a given media set until it's changed in some way. Each backup set also contains a detailed snapshot of the protected file system, making it easier to recover lost data, with full bare metal disaster recovery another key feature. Added to which, earlier copies are retained as updated files are added, enabling different versions to be recovered should the need arise.

Initial backups, of course, aren't any faster, as all the files on the target system still need to be copied. However, once that's done, the only files copied from then on will be those modified since the last backup, and that can bring times down from hours to just a few minutes.

Another plus is support for a wide variety of target devices, from conventional tape drives and libraries, through writeable CD/DVD, to removable hard disk and NAS. You can even stage backups to disk and then onto tape, with support for multiple simultaneous operations and offline verification added in the latest 7.5 release.

Performance when backing up Windows servers is significantly enhanced in the new version, too, and network deployment simplified by optionally 'pushing' the required client out to target systems using Active Directory or third party distribution tools.

Automatic updates have also been added in Retrospect 7.5, plus it's even easier to find and restore lost files, with a new Web-based tool to enable users to do this for themselves.

On the downside, the progressive backup technology can make it difficult to troubleshoot problems when things go wrong. Added to which, keeping track of what's been happening on a daily basis isn't as straightforward as it might be, despite the usual array of monitoring and reporting tools provided for the purpose. It's also a bit pricey if you only have one or two desktop PCs to protect.

Still, it's a good product nonetheless and now a part of the Insignia family of small business solutions from storage giant EMC. It's also available in several formats, all Windows-based and, although not the cheapest backup packages around, you do get a lot for your money.

Retrospect Professional (£129 + VAT), for example, can be used to protect up to three desktop PCs or notebook systems. Single and multi server packages are also available, for £699 and £1,449 respectively, which can be used to protect Windows, Netware and Linux servers plus networked Windows, Mac and Linux desktops.

Add-ons to support automated tape libraries and take backups of Exchange and SQL Server are among the optional extras. Plus there's an implementation of Retrospect for the Windows Small Business Server platform which includes the Exchange and SQL Server modules as standard, and is particularly good value at £499 + VAT.

A tried and tested backup and recovery solution, Retrospect 7.5 benefits from enhancements to performance, functionality and usability, adding further to the unique progressive backup technology and extensive device support which already make it stand out from the crowd. It's a little expensive for home users, but a good choice for small business backup.