Backup Exec 2012 provides continuous disk-based, tape-based, and virtual-machine-based data protection. It can protect a single server, multiple servers, application servers, a storage area network, desktop and notebook computers, and virtual environments. Backup Exec provides an intuitive interface and wizards to simplify installation, setup, backup, recovery, media management, disaster preparation, cluster installation, and agent configuration. The 2012 release includes a redesigned administration console and improvements to virtualization, recovery, and storage configuration.

Benefits for Organizations

Regular backups can protect your organization against a data-loss catastrophe. With Backup Exec, you can back up data from multiple sources in a centralized interface.

Agents and Options

Agents and options extend platform and feature support for Backup Exec environments. An unlimited number of these agents can be used within a network, allowing for multiple instances of agents to protect several servers. The version of Backup Exec available through TechSoup includes all of the available agents and options. For a complete list, see Backup Exec agents and options.

Comparison with Similar Products

This product is one of two Symantec enterprise-level backup applications. For a comparison of the applications offered through TechSoup, see the Guide to Symantec Recovery and Backup Products.

Only One License Needed

One Backup Exec license allows the Backup Exec Media Server to back up any number of devices. Only one license is required per organization.

NFR Version

The version of this product available through TechSoup is the Not for Resale (NFR) version. NFR products cannot be upgraded to new releases. Organizations seeking new releases should request new donations through TechSoup. In addition, NFR products do not include telephone assistance with product issues or add-ons; however, free online technical support is available at Symantec's website through its knowledge bases and discussion forums.

Choose Carefully

The administrative fee for this product is not refundable, and the product cannot be exchanged.

Obtaining This Product

Expect two emails. When your donation request has been approved, TechSoup will send a message to your organization email address with preliminary information about obtaining this product. Shortly after, the donor partner will send an email with information needed to complete the installation or activation.

Note: Backup Exec system requirements can vary according to such factors as system configuration and options in use. Much more detailed PDF lists of compatible hardware and software are available on the Symantec website. In addition, Symantec's Backup Exec page addresses some very specific installation scenarios.

• Hardware:
• Intel Pentium, Xeon, AMD, or compatible processor
• 512 MB or more RAM above the operating system's requirements; 2 GB recommended
• 1.44 GB available hard-disk space (typical installation)
• Storage: storage media drives; robotic libraries; removable storage devices; nonremovable hard drives
• Software:
• The Backup Exec Server runs on the following operating systems:
• Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Standard, Premium
• Windows Server 2003/2003 R2 Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter, Web, Storage
• Windows Server 2008 Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter, Web, Foundation, Storage
• Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard, Standard with Hyper-V, Enterprise, Enterprise with Hyper-V, Datacenter, Datacenter with Hyper-V, Web, Foundation, Storage
• Windows Small Business Server 2003/2003 R2 Standard, Premium
• Windows Small Business Server 2008 Standard, Premium
• Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials, Standard, Premium Add-on
• Windows Unified Data Storage Server 2003 Enterprise
• SQL Server 2005 or SQL Server Express 2005 with Service Pack 4 or later is required on all operating systems (the process of upgrading Backup Exec from an installation with Service Pack 2 automatically installs SQL Server Service Pack 4)

• Donated product will be distributed under this program to qualifying organizations only, not to individuals.
• Two Symantec Norton products and two Symantec Enterprise products may be requested within a fiscal year (July 1 to June 30).
• Up to 100 licenses may be requested for each product except Backup Exec products, for which 1 license may be requested.
• Eligible organizations must have an annual operating budget of less than $10 million.
• This donation is available to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) designation and to public libraries. Public libraries must either have valid 501(c)(3) nonprofit status or be listed in the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) database.
• This donation will not be made available to some student groups or academic organizations, employee or membership benefit organizations, some social or recreational clubs, Boy Scouts, organizations that support political parties or candidates, advocacy groups, or faith-based organizations whose primary mission is religious (see Serving Faith-Based Organizations with Technology Donations).
• Organizations that advocate, support, or practice discrimination based on age, ethnicity, gender, national origin, disability, race, size, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background are not eligible to participate in this program. Organizations must be willing and able to attest that they do not discriminate on any of these grounds in order to receive donations.
• Symantec products may not be transferred or resold.