High-Performing, Reliable, Flexible, Scalable --- and not for the faint of heart!
Use Cases and Deployment Scope
Pros
- Seamlessly integrates with DataDomain
- Seamlessly integrates with vmWare for extremely fast VM backups
- Provides agent-based integration for a very wide array of applications-aware backups, including but not limited to: Microsoft SQL/Exchange/Sharepoint, Meditech, Oracle, DB2, Informix, SAP
- Integrates with a wide family of NAS solutions for NDMP backups
Cons
- [Dell EMC] Networker is a not a backup software that is not for the faint of heart. It is challenging to understand, implement, and troubleshoot. Many of the errors are nondescript and undocumented, and have left many a seasoned administrator in the dust. If Networker is not implemented by an experienced professional, it will cause nothing but grief for the customer. However, if it is properly implemented and maintained, it will provide reliable, robust, flexible, and scalable data protection.
- It really needs to transition away from Java ASAP. The HTML5 GUI is decent but still a far cry away from being ready to replace the Java interface from a functionality perspective. The Java UI is probably the weakest and most frustrating aspect of Networker, because it is clunky, resource intensive, unreliable, and just a plain eye-sore.
- Networker support will either be a lifesaver or will dig you an early grave, depending on who takes your call. There are Networker SMEs at Dell that have been in the business for decades. If you're lucky enough to reach one, they will provide some of the best support you'll ever come across. Of course, your odds of getting to one of those people is slim, and you'll like end up getting connected to a L1 technician that just learned how to spell Networker. I know because I used to be one of those L1 technicians, and it usually just makes the customer want to find the closest bridge.
Likelihood to Recommend
I would not deploy Networker in an environment that does not have a senior-level infrastructure engineer that is committed to being the "Networker guy" --- ie. the person that understands the product and is willing to continually learn about it. Do not hand this product to a junior tech or anyone who only has a passing interest in backup administration. It will not end will for your organization.
