Symantec Corporation (Nasdaq: SYMC) today announced Symantec Backup Exec 10d for Windows Servers software including the Backup Exec Continuous Protection Server. The software solution eliminates backup windows, delivers the industry's first web-based end user file retrieval functionality and offers one complete disk-to-disk-to-tape data protection solution. "Designed for Disk," Backup Exec 10d further delivers the gold standard in Windows data protection by continuously protecting data in real-time. In June 2005, Symantec issued a public beta of Backup Exec 10d (code named "Panther") and to date has garnered more than 15,000 downloads of the software.

Leading Manufacturer Ensures Continuous Protection of Remote Office Data

Cincinnati Thermal Spray (CTS) provides leading companies an extensive variety of coatings that increase resistance to wear, heat, oxidation, corrosion, abrasion and erosion for critical aerospace, automotive, and steel industry products and components. Cincinnati Thermal Spray relies on Symantec Backup Exec software for backup and data protection across its four remote offices throughout the Midwest and eastern United States.

"Design and project information is absolutely mission-critical as virtually all of our projects require rapid turnaround and on-time delivery to meet the demands of our customers. Losing that information means losing business, and with the geographic locations of our plants in the Midwest, we are highly susceptible to severe weather conditions. Backup Exec 10d and the Continuous Protection Server will provide us with a systematic approach to real-time data protection by connecting all of our offices to a centralized disaster recovery site, helping improve backup reliability, simplify administration and reduce management time," said Steve Wilson, IT manager, Cincinnati Thermal Spray. "We have a very small IT staff with limited resources. Backup Exec 10d means we can drive down hardware costs by eliminating the need for separate backups and additional storage hardware in each office, as well as empowering our users to quickly and easily retrieve their own files without having to call the IT team."

Backup Windows: Eliminated

Traditional backups must be done during a specific window of time and involves a combination of full, incremental and differential tape backups, which can be complex and costly to manage. Today, with the pure disk technology of Backup Exec 10d, including the Backup Exec Continuous Protection Server, files are protected continuously. Simplifying management and freeing IT resources, block-level file changes are automatically captured and protected. Utilizing disk-based data protection methods, data backups and restores are faster and allow for simultaneous backup of multiple servers.

Industry's First Web-Based File Retrieval

Today, many organizations from banks to airlines to stock brokers are empowering their users with self-service options through web-based applications. Similarly, Backup Exec 10d through the Backup Exec Continuous Protection Server allows end users to recover lost, corrupted or overwritten files through a standard, easy-to-use web browser. In addition, data retrieved utilizing the web browser is protected by Windows security. By enabling end users to retrieve their own files without IT intervention, IT resources can focus on business critical needs in the organization. Additionally, data is stored on disk for easy retrieval, without the need to locate, load or restore backup tapes.

Complete Data Protection: Just Add Data

Built on more than a decade of market-leading technology, Backup Exec 10d enables IT organizations to utilize a combination of disk and tape methods for all their backup needs. With support for continuous disk-based data protection, disk staging and traditional tape-based backup, Backup Exec 10d protects all critical files, databases and applications. Additionally, Backup Exec 10d simplifies management through integrated monitoring, allowing administrators to view backup job status and alerts.

"The introduction of Backup Exec 10d, including the Backup Exec Continuous Protection Server, provides customers the simplicity of coming to one source for all their data protection needs," said Jeremy Burton, senior vice president, data management group, Symantec Corporation. "We also improve productivity by allowing for retrieval of files through a simple web browser interface. This allows IT to devote resources and time to business critical needs and empowers end users to retrieve files immediately." Today, Symantec also announced Backup Exec 10d for Small Business Servers and Backup Exec 9.2 for NetWare, further expanding the breadth of data protection technologies to small business and NetWare environments. In addition, the company unveiled Symantec LiveState Recovery 6.0, robust bare metal system recovery, allowing IT organizations to restore systems anytime, from anywhere, to any device (see related press release, issued today).

Pricing and Availability

Symantec Backup Exec 10d and the Backup Exec Continuous Protection Server are scheduled to be generally available on October 10, 2005. Pricing for Backup Exec 10d starts at an estimated $795 USD. The Backup Exec Continuous Protection Server is included at no additional cost with Backup Exec 10d. A Continuous Protection Agent is required for each file server being protected. The Continuous Protection Agent will be available for $295 USD. A Continuous Protection Starter Pack including Backup Exec 10d, the Backup Exec Continuous Protection Server and three Continuous Protection Agents will be available for an estimated $995 USD.

In addition, Symantec offers consulting, education and support services to customers migrating to Backup Exec 10d. Symantec Education Services features the Backup Exec Tech Center, a library of concise training modules allowing customers to troubleshoot, plan their environments, learn advanced features and maximize their Backup Exec investment. Symantec (formerly VERITAS) Support Services offers a free software client download, DirectAssist, an innovative electronic support solution for Windows-based versions of Backup Exec software. DirectAssist provides efficient, convenient troubleshooting and analysis of the Backup Exec environment and can significantly reduce support resolution times. More information can be found at: http://directassist.veritas.com