Small Business Server (SBS) 2011 includes a native backup system called Windows Server Backup (WSB). To open up WSB, type “Windows Server Backup” from the Windows Start button then click on WSB on the top.
This is one of SBS 2011 (also available in SBS 2008 and SBS 2008 R2) cool features since SBS is designed for Small Businesses to help cut the IT costs.
The SBS Backup Wizard is also designed for someone who doesn’t have any previous experienced in Windows Backup or any 3rd party software backup solutions. There’s no need to buy and utilize an expensive backup system such as RAID and/or Backup software (Acronis, Symantec etc.), although they can also be considered for redundancy. If you have an Exchange Server, SQL or SharePoint data they will be backed up as well because these are vital.
It is important to know that the Bare Metal Backup only supports up to 2TB. If you are planning to buy an External hard drive, make sure not to buy anything over 2TB because it will be a waste of money.
You will need to be aware of the compatibility list for a USB External Drive if you decide to use one:
The integrated backup (WSB) uses a VHD technology which take a snapshot of the system, and this technology is limited to a 2TB and the volume can only contain the base image and changes up to 2TB in total.
What’s going to happen if you get more than 2TB external hard drive? You will see an “i/o error” as soon as you start the backup.
I hope that this information helps you decide and plan your next bare metal backup by utilizing your SBS 2011 native backup utility.
Note: You may also utilize the network shares and drives for WSB, but be aware that only one backup can be maintained and it will be overwritten.
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