NAKIVO Backup & Replication 5.5 released, NFR available to VCP and vExperts through Mar 31 2015

Posted by Paul Braren on Mar 19 2015 (updated on Aug 21 2015) in
  • ESXi
  • Virtualization
  • HomeLab
  • HomeServer
  • Backup
  • As you may recall, I've been trying out various backup solutions suitable for the home lab virtualization enthusiast, see also Superguide: Home virtualization lab backup software, some special deals for VMware VCPs and vExperts.

    This week, a big release for NAKIVO, even though they make no claims such tinkering is supported. It's how I learn, and they'll be fully vSphere 6.0 compatible soon [*see updates below]. Listen in to what NAKIVO said during this recent webinar:

    NAKIVO Backup & Replication - questions about about vSphere 6.0 support

    Download

    nakivo.com/en/0724-NFR-TINKE.htm

    as of March 30 2015, here's the filename you'll be downloading:

    NAKIVO_Backup_&_Replication_VA_v5.5.2.8262_Full_Solution_NFR.ova

    which is extremely easy to get started with, since it's a largely pre-configured appliance that you can deploy and configure and begin your first test backup, in minutes. So far, based on some preliminary tests I did throughout last year, NAKIVO has managed to stay much simpler to set up and configure (initially) than Veeam, so this potential solution may be well suited for your home lab. I need more time and testing and test backups and recovery tests under vSphere 6.0 before I can draw any conclusions. But given this NFR offer ends at the end of this month, I didn't want to wait to get this article out there for you, since the lack of any time bomb sure has some appeal. So far, my basic testing has gone well, seems to work fine with ESXi 6.0, pictured after a VCSA backup job was completed, and before I had obtained a newer release.

    New-backup-job-completed

    Of course, NAKIVO knows that IT Professionals who tinker in their home labs might also recommend licensed versions of those same solutions for their employer and/or customers. It's a logical "carrot on the stick" for the IT Pro who has made the effort to get certified, or join a VMUG, details below.

    Full Disclosure: "TinkerTry.com, LLC" is registered as a NAKIVO Bronze Partner, mostly to help get notified of latest news and code releases. I get no special early-access, anybody can sign up for the betas. All TinkerTry site advertising goes through middle-man BuySellAds. NAKIVO does know if you found their affiliate link from my site, which means the possibility of reseller commissions if you eventually upgrade to one of their paid offerings. Here's their pricing.

    Here's an excerpt from the press release

    NAKIVO Gives Away v5.5 NFR Licenses to VMware Professionals

    NAKIVO Inc., the fastest-growing provider of virtualization data protection software, has announced today that it provides free Not for Resale (NFR) licenses to VMware professionals: current VMUG members, VMware vExperts, VCIs, VCPs, VTSPs, and VSPs can receive an NFR license of NAKIVO Backup & Replication v5.5. The NFR license keys are available for non-production use only, including educational, lab testing, evaluation, training, and demonstration purposes. NFR licenses are available at nakivo.com/en/0724-NFR-TINKE.htm.

    ...

    “We are excited provide VMware professionals with a new powerful solution for their test labs,” said Bruce Talley, CEO and Founder of NAKIVO. “NAKIVO Backup & Replication further improves object recovery capabilities of NAKIVO Backup & Replication and enables VMware administrators to speed up data recovery and reduce downtime.”

    RESOURCES

    Contact us: Yana Petrenko, MarCom Manager / yana.petrenko@nakivo.com / +1 408 916 5955


    Mar 20 2015 Update

    Folks, I have word today on the NFR versus trial download options that the screenshot above brought up, as well as a statement about the intended vSphere 6.0 release schedule:
    [some email addresses removed]

    From: NAKIVO Support [mailto:support@nakivo.com]
    Sent: Friday, March 20, 2015 7:41 AM
    To:
    Cc: support@nakivo.com
    Subject: RE: SUP-4333

    Hi Paul,

    Please download an update and run it – your NFR license still will be active after it is complete.

    Full support for vSphere 6 will be available in Q2 of this year.

    Best regards,

    2015-03-20_10-00-09

    Mar 30 2015 Update

    The newer version is now available for anybody that downloads the NFR:

    It's called:
    NAKIVO_Backup_&_Replication_VA_v5.5.2.8262_Full_Solution_NFR.ova

    Article links and information above now updated.


    Apr 16 2015 Update

    Here's NAKIVO's statement of support for vSphere 6:

    Support for VMware vSphere v6 and VMware ESXi v6
    ID: KB0029
    Product Version: 5.0
    Last Modified: 4 Feb 2015

    Question
    Does NAKIVO Backup & Replication support VMware vSphere v6 and VMware ESXi v6?

    Answer
    Support for VMware vSphere v6 and VMware ESXi v6 will be available within 90 days after the release of the new hypervisor.

    Latest download is called:
    NAKIVO_Backup_Replication_VA_v5.5.3.8329_Full_Solution_NFR.ova


    Jun 15 2015 Update

    We are still waiting for vSphere 6.0 support, with the latest download called:
    NAKIVO_Backup_Replication_VA_v5.6.0.8933_Full_Solution_NFR.ova
    but 2Q2015 ain't quite over yet!


    Jul 09 2015 Update

    The wait is over!