Managed service providers (MSPs) support backup and recovery across customer environments that rarely look the same. Virtualization platforms, workload tiers, and service-level commitments create constant pressure to protect more systems without expanding operational overhead.
ShadowProtect 8.0 and ImageManager 8.1 expand flexibility for Microsoft Hyper‑V environments, adding a host-based backup option alongside proven agent-based protection. The release focus is practical: scale VM protection through the model that fits each workload, then improve recovery readiness confidence through clearer verification visibility.
ShadowProtect 8.0 adds native, host-based data protection for Hyper‑V VMs. This host-based approach simplifies management and improves efficiency across multi-tenant environments by reducing in-guest VM components that require installation and maintenance.
Host-based Hyper‑V protection in ShadowProtect 8.0 supports:
VM backup and recovery performed through the Hyper‑V host
Backup output in ShadowProtect formats (SPF and SPI) to align with established workflows
Direct VHDX restore back to a Hyper‑V host for full‑VM recovery or fast redeployment
File-level mount and restore from VM backups for targeted recovery scenarios
This model fits environments where standardized VM builds, larger Hyper‑V hosts, and fast onboarding drive operational priorities. Centralized backup from the host streamlines technician effort when managing many virtual machines across multiple customers.
The addition of Hyper‑V host-based backup expands MSP choice—enabling lightweight, centralized protection where that approach fits the operational model. Agent-based ShadowProtect backups remain available for VMs and physical servers for scenarios that demand application-level insight and precision.
A mixed model supports practical workload segmentation:
Host-based protection for template-driven or commodity VMs, dev/test environments, VDI, and infrastructure services
Agent-based protection for workloads where application awareness, granular control, and recovery precision drive requirements
This approach avoids forcing one backup method across every VM tier. ShadowProtect 8.0 enables protection model selection per workload, supporting consistent operations while matching protection depth to workload needs.
ImageManager 8.1 strengthens verification transparency with deeper, more visible, and more auditable verification history and reporting. ImageManager 8.1 supports monitoring and visibility, including insight into backup activity and job execution.
Advanced verification enhancements focus on reducing manual review and improving reporting readiness for MSP operations:
Clear verification results dashboard for fast status review
Improved automatic virtual boot testing for ShadowProtect images (advanced verification)
Enhanced operating system check disk tracking during verification (advanced verification)
Verification history tracking with exportable reports
New APIs that support verification history and reporting integrations
Advanced verification capabilities such as virtual boot testing and deeper validation are currently supported for agent-based backups. Host-based backups retain monitoring and visibility, and deeper verification detail may require log review depending on operational requirements.
ShadowProtect 8.0 and ImageManager 8.1 align backup operations with MSP delivery models:
Simplified Hyper‑V VM protection through host-based backup when centralization reduces overhead
Continued agent-based protection for workloads that call for application-level insight
Stronger verification usability through clearer dashboards, history, exports, and APIs
This release set supports broader service catalog options without fragmenting tooling across multiple backup products.
ShadowProtect 8.0 and ImageManager 8.1 are available for MSPs building standardized Hyper‑V protection, expanding workload-tier flexibility, and improving verification visibility. Release resources provide detail on supported scenarios, including deployment models and verification capabilities.
See a demo of the new ShadowProtect 8.0 and ImageManager 8.1 features – watch the technical webinar on-demand.