Close
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.
Get Demo
Contact Us
GUIDE

How to Migrate From Backup Exec to Arcserve UDP

Same hardware. Same hypervisors. Same cloud.
A stronger data protection platform.

Schedule a Migration Assessment

Migration Is a Software Decision—Not an Infrastructure Project

One of the most common concerns during a platform transition is the cost and complexity of replacing hardware. Organizations running Backup Exec 25.1 can migrate to Arcserve Unified Data Protection (UDP) without a hardware refresh. Documented system requirements confirm that servers, hypervisors, and cloud environments already supporting Backup Exec meet the specifications for Arcserve UDP 10.x and Arcserve Backup 19.0.

Hardware Compatibility at a Glance

The table below compares Backup Exec 25.1 system requirements against Arcserve UDP 10.x. CPU, RAM, operating system, and database specifications align directly. The only pre-migration check is available disk space—UDP requires 13–15 GB for a full platform installation vs. 2–3 GB for Backup Exec.
Requirement
Backup Exec 25.1
Arcserve UDP 10.x
Compatible?
CPU
Intel/AMD x64
1 GHz (agent), 2-core 1.6 GHz (RPS)
Compatible
RAM
8 GB minimum (above OS)
8 GB (agent/console/RPS)
Compatible
Disk space
2–3 GB
13–15 GB (full platform)
Verify available space
Operating system
Windows Server 2016/2019/2022
Windows Server 2016–2025
Full overlap
Database
SQL Express 2016 SP2 (auto-installed)
SQL Express 2022 (ships with UDP)
Compatible
Browser
IE9+, Microsoft Edge
Firefox 121+, Chrome 109+, Edge 128+
Modern browsers

Hypervisor and Cloud Continuity

Organizations using VMware, Microsoft Hyper-V, or cloud infrastructure with Backup Exec can continue using those same platforms with Arcserve UDP—with expanded coverage.
Platform
Backup Exec 25.1
Arcserve UDP Premium
VMware vSphere 7/8
Supported (agent-based)
Supported (agentless + agent)
VMware ESXi 9.0
Not confirmed
Supported
Microsoft Hyper-V 2012–2025
Supported (agent-based)
Supported (agentless + agent)
Nutanix AHV
Not supported
Agentless + agent-based
Proxmox*
Not supported
Agent-based
AWS / Microsoft Azure / Google Cloud
No native DR
Virtual Standby + Instant VM
Cloud storage (S3, Azure Blob, GCP, Wasabi)
Via third-party plugins
Native support (10+ providers)

* Coming soon

Two Migration Paths—One Solution Provider

Arcserve offers two distinct migration paths from Backup Exec—the only vendor with both options in a single portfolio.

Path 1 — Modernize With UDP Premium

The recommended path for organizations ready to move beyond basic backup. UDP Premium adds agentless VM protection, cloud DR, AI-driven ransomware detection, immutable storage integration, and Assured Recovery automated DR testing. Full tape library support is included through integrated Arcserve Backup—no separate tape license required.

Path 2 — Continue With Arcserve Backup

The continuity path for tape-heavy environments. Arcserve Backup 19.0 preserves existing agent-based, tape-compatible workflows with centralized management and deduplication. Arcserve Backup serves as a bridge to UDP modernization when the organization is ready.

Three Steps to Migration

Migration from Backup Exec follows a straightforward process:
1

Assess.

Evaluate the current Backup Exec environment—servers, agents, storage targets, and retention policies. Identify the right Arcserve path (UDP Premium or Arcserve Backup) based on infrastructure and business requirements.

2

Install.

Deploy Arcserve UDP or Arcserve Backup on existing hardware. No server refresh is required. Configure protection plans to match current backup policies and schedules.

3

Protect.

Activate backup jobs and validate recovery. Assured Recovery in UDP Premium automates disaster recovery (DR) testing to confirm RTO/RPO compliance from day one.

Getting Started

Free, on-demand training is available for active customers through Arcserve Academy.
Technical support is accessible via chat, email, or phone for customers with active licenses.
Schedule a Migration Assessment