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Microsoft DPM Reviews

Vendor: Microsoft
3.6 out of 5
1,805 followers
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What is Microsoft DPM?

Microsoft Data Protection Manager (DPM) is an enterprise backup system that can be used to back up data from a source location to a target secondary location. Microsoft DPM allows you to back up application data from Microsoft servers and workloads, and file data from servers and client computers. You can create full backups, incremental backups, differential backups, and bare-metal backups to completely restore a system. Microsoft DPM can store backup data to disks for short-term storage, to Azure Cloud for both for short-term and long-term storage off-premises, and to tapes for long-term storage, which can then be stored offsite. Backed up files are indexed, which allows you to easily search your recovered data.

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Microsoft DPM is the #27 ranked solution in best Backup and Recovery Software. PeerSpot users give Microsoft DPM an average rating of 7.2 out of 10. Microsoft DPM is most commonly compared to Veeam Data Platform: Microsoft DPM vs Veeam Data Platform. Microsoft DPM is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 50% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 15% of all views.
Buyer's Guide
Microsoft DPM
March 2025
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Microsoft DPM mindshare

As of March 2025, the mindshare of Microsoft DPM in the Backup and Recovery category stands at 1.2%, down from 1.4% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Backup and Recovery

PeerAnalyst reports based on Microsoft DPM reviews

TypeTitleDate
CategoryBackup and RecoveryMar 30, 2025Download
ProductReviews, tips, and advice from real usersMar 30, 2025Download
ComparisonMicrosoft DPM vs Veeam Data PlatformMar 30, 2025Download
ComparisonMicrosoft DPM vs ZertoMar 30, 2025Download
ComparisonMicrosoft DPM vs Commvault CloudMar 30, 2025Download
Suggested products
TitleRatingMindshareRecommending
Veeam Data Platform4.316.8%94%423 interviewsAdd to research
Commvault Cloud4.37.3%95%109 interviewsAdd to research
 
 
Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

Microsoft DPM provides seamless live VM migrations across clusters, effectively manages redundant data, and offers robust file recovery. Users appreciate its compatibility with Microsoft workloads and its ability to store deleted or lost data. Integration with other System Center solutions enhances utility, and its ease of use with a good user interface adds value. DPM's backup capabilities for Microsoft servers like Exchange and SharePoint, along with scalability and Azure integration, are highly valued.
  • "One of the most effective features of Microsoft DPM is its integration with the entire Microsoft ecosystem."
  • "One of the most effective features of Microsoft DPM is its integration with the entire Microsoft ecosystem."
  • "The most valuable feature is the total integration of the System Center solution."

Room for Improvement

Microsoft DPM requires improvements in user-friendliness and reporting capabilities. The recovery process is unreliable, especially with external devices, and compatibility with non-Microsoft solutions is limited. Users face challenges with complex configurations, management, and lack of integration with third-party tools. Cloud storage options are expensive, and community support is minimal. Enhancing data protection features, improving Volume Shadow Copy, adding data governance frameworks, and simplifying the interface could increase efficiency and user satisfaction.
  • "Setting up the solution can be complex."
  • "It can back up, yet it lacks features compared to Veeam."
  • "To evaluate the solution's abilities and its performance under demanding conditions, it is recommended to carry out a stress test."

ROI

Users note that their ROI from Microsoft DPM has been significant due to reduced downtime and streamlined backup processes. Increased efficiency in data recovery has led to cost savings. The centralized management capabilities were appreciated for simplifying administrative tasks. Microsoft DPM's integration with other Microsoft services has enhanced overall functionality and user experience. Some users highlight improved productivity and fewer disruptions in day-to-day operations, contributing positively to their financial results.

Pricing

Enterprise users find Microsoft DPM pricing appealing, with many obtaining it under System Center or Enterprise Agreements. Though licensing complexities exist, they are not more challenging than competitors. The cost includes Microsoft or SQL Server licenses, with potential added expenses for support, storage, or technical assistance. While some view it as costly for smaller enterprises, others appreciate the fixed price structure and feature set, rating its pricing as reasonable and well-balanced in the market.
  • "Microsoft DPM can be considered as an expensive solution for smaller or medium enterprises, but we have been satisfied with the price structure as it is fixed and it offers a variety of useful features"
  • "I think Microsoft DPM pricing is reasonable. The additional costs are related to storage and technical support."
  • "Microsoft DPM is a free solution. However, we pay approximately $3,000 annually for support."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily use Microsoft DPM for backup and recovery, supporting both physical and virtual machines, including Windows Servers, SharePoint, Exchange, and ERP systems. Entities manage disaster recovery and data replication tasks, assisting in centralized operations and cost-effective installations. Microsoft DPM is utilized by government bodies and consulting firms for backing up extensive server environments and providing recovery solutions in case of data loss or application errors, ensuring comprehensive server and workstation management.

Service and Support

Microsoft DPM support is generally good, with responsive and knowledgeable teams. Some users express satisfaction with quick resolutions, while others mention instances of unresolved issues. Concerns include limited access to user communities and pay-per-support models. Some users report mixed experiences, citing both effective resolutions and instances of inadequate problem-solving. An emphasis on purchasing professional services is noted, as service quality relies heavily on the selected support package. Overall satisfaction varies among users.

Deployment

Many found Microsoft DPM's initial setup straightforward, with deployment often completed in under an hour. However, some noted potential complexities such as SQL version compatibility, requiring specific setups for optimal operation. The process duration varied, influenced by factors like deployment scale and configuration needs. Some teams took weeks to fully integrate, while others managed within hours, highlighting the importance of understanding protection groups and referring to Microsoft's resources for guidance.

Scalability

Microsoft DPM demonstrates strong scalability, particularly with Microsoft products. Users report effective scaling up to meet various requirements. Some limitations arise with non-Microsoft databases and high data sources. It handles environments with user bases ranging from a few to thousands. A common sentiment is that while scalable, it may lack user-friendliness, prompting some entities to consider alternatives. Scalability ratings often fall around seven to eight out of ten.

Stability

Microsoft DPM is generally viewed as stable, with many users experiencing reliable performance without significant issues. However, some report occasional problems such as synchronization failures and patching issues, particularly when integrated with other systems. While stability is usually seen as strong, a few users suggest it could be better and rate it on a scale from seven to nine out of ten. There are varying experiences, but most recognize DPM's stability positively.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
Download our Microsoft DPM Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers
By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
15%
Government
10%
Manufacturing Company
8%
Educational Organization
7%
University
6%
Comms Service Provider
6%
Retailer
5%
Financial Services Firm
5%
Healthcare Company
5%
Construction Company
4%
Non Profit
4%
Real Estate/Law Firm
4%
Media Company
3%
Insurance Company
3%
Legal Firm
2%
Hospitality Company
2%
Wholesaler/Distributor
1%
Performing Arts
1%
Aerospace/Defense Firm
1%
Consumer Goods Company
1%
Transportation Company
1%
Sports Company
1%
Outsourcing Company
1%
Mining And Metals Company
1%
Logistics Company
1%
Recreational Facilities/Services Company
1%
Energy/Utilities Company
1%

Compare Microsoft DPM with alternative products

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Learn more about Microsoft DPM

Microsoft DPM contributes to your business continuity and disaster recovery strategy by facilitating the backup and recovery of enterprise data, ensuring resources are available and recoverable during planned and unplanned outages. When outages occur and source data is unavailable, you can use DPM to easily restore data to the original source or to an alternate location.

Key Features of Microsoft DPM:

  • Application-aware backup: Application-aware backup of Microsoft workloads, including SQL Server, Microsoft Exchange, and SharePoint.

  • File backup: Back up files and folders on computers running Windows Server and Windows operating systems.

  • System backup: Back up the entire system state or run complete backups of physical computers running Windows Server or Windows client operating systems.

  • Hyper-V backup: Back up Hyper-V virtual machines running either Windows or Linux. You can choose to back up an entire virtual machine or specific applications on the virtual machine.

Reviews from Real Users

Microsoft DPM stands out among its competitors for a number of reasons. Two major ones are its robust and flexible backup capabilities and its being easy to manage with one central dashboard.

William M., the head of ICT infrastructure & security at a tech services company, notes, "The automated procedure is quite good for us, as it is able to capture all of the information that we require. The compatibility is very good. We have an IBM AS/400 machine in our office that we're using, and we're able to back it up fine. This is the same for other systems, as well. I think that overall, it is really adaptable, compatible, and scalable."

Mohammed I., a managing director at Adalites, notes, "I would definitely recommend data protection DPM. It has an application backup, a file backup, a system backup and a hypervisor. It works flawlessly, never a problem."

Rodney C. a system analyst at a financial services firm, writes, "The most valuable feature is that DPM has an index so individual files can be searched. This is our primary tool for recovering deleted files or folders. Once we implement a System Center Operations Manager, all of our DPM servers can then be seen on one dashboard."

Microsoft DPM was previously known as DPM, Data Protection Manager, MS DPM.

Microsoft DPM customers

Medical Park, Centropol Energy, a.s., NCFE, D & H Distributing, Metalor, Colosseum, a.s., Sanitas S.A., Icebreaker

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Microsoft DPM reviews

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PeerSpot user
manager/consultant at a consultancy with 1-10 employees
Verified user of Microsoft DPM
Nov 26, 2024
Efficient ecosystem integration enhances consulting outcomes

Pros

"One of the most effective features of Microsoft DPM is its integration with the entire Microsoft ecosystem."

Cons

"Setting up the solution can be complex."

What is our primary use case?

We are a consulting company that studies solutions and advises our customers on IT solutions. We work with our customers and try to find the adequate IT solutions for them.

How has it helped my organization?

Our customers have been happy with the solutions we help them implement, although some of them swap for other solutions for internal reasons. We ensure a comprehensive understanding of the best solutions suitable for our clients' needs.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (387 words)
MK
IT Manager at Nigsd
Verified user of Microsoft DPM
Sep 29, 2024
Seamless integration enhances data center management with a straightforward setup

Pros

"The most valuable feature is the total integration of the System Center solution."

Cons

"It can back up, yet it lacks features compared to Veeam. "

What is our primary use case?

We are a government data center. We host many virtual machines on Microsoft Hyper-V at our data center. We operate about five hundred virtual machines for different entities and ministries.

How has it helped my organization?

Microsoft DPM is part of the System Center suite, which includes SCOM, Orchestrator, and Configuration Manager. The main benefit is to get the whole suite for integration, which greatly assists in managing our data protection and IT operations.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (464 words)
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Find out what your peers are saying about Microsoft DPM. Updated March 2025
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RifkanHasan - PeerSpot user
Group Assistant, General Manager of IT at CIC
Verified user of Microsoft DPM
Dec 31, 2019
Product version discussed: 11.3
Backup and recovery that is stable but support is no longer in existence

Pros

"The most valuable feature is the recovery."

Cons

"We can't take a snapshot and take it outside, which is a problem."

What is our primary use case?

The primary use case of this solution is for backup and recovery.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature is the recovery. The recovery of files on its own is no problem.

*Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
Read full review (515 words)
WM
System Administrator at a government with 1,001-5,000 employees
Verified user of Microsoft DPM
Feb 20, 2023
Good for backing up, but the 2019 version lags

Pros

" I could back up all the stuff we had, even the VMs we have for Hyper V."

Cons

"The problem lies with the 2019 version, it's the file system they’re using. "

What is our primary use case?

Our primary use case is for backup. I can back up all of our stuff, even the VMs that we have for Hyper V.

What is most valuable?

For many years, I used it at work. It was good at backing everything up. All the features were good in the 2012 and 2016 versions but the file system went really bad in 2019, and their move to ARIA caused a lot of issues. They kept releasing update signals to fix it, but it never fixed the problem.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (388 words)
Arthur Fan - PeerSpot user
Deputy Director at MPICorporation
Verified user of Microsoft DPM
Aug 5, 2022
Product version discussed: 2019
Scales well, free to use, and simple setup

Pros

"Microsoft DPM is scalable."

Cons

"Microsoft DPM could improve if it was available in a public or private cloud."

What is our primary use case?

We are using Microsoft DPM to backup and restore data from our server farm.

What needs improvement?

Microsoft DPM could improve if it was available in a public or private cloud.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (256 words)
PeerSpot user
DBA, Developer at a government with 201-500 employees
Verified user of Microsoft DPM
Jul 2, 2020
Product version discussed: 2019
Good recovery functionality, however lacks an online community and is not a turn-key solution

Pros

"The solution backs up Microsoft workloads as well as anything on the market. "

Cons

"There is a very poor online user community in terms of people blogging about their experiences with DPM. "

What is our primary use case?

We're a local government entity and also a very Microsoft-centric shop. We use it for backing up the following workload types (All servers running Windows Server 20xx): 
- Physical Windows Servers
- Hyper-V Servers (at the host level)
- Hyper-V Servers ( at the guest level)
- Sharepoint
- Exchange 
- Network File Shares, implemented as CAFS (Continuously Available File Shares)

How has it helped my organization?

DPM has improved our RPO over the previous solution, which was dated and had been in place for years.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (1255 words)
PeerSpot user
Microsoft Specialist at a computer software company with 201-500 employees
Verified user of Microsoft DPM
Aug 24, 2023
A centralized management solution that is suitable for businesses of all sizes

Pros

" This solution helps us to manage all of the operations across servers and different workstations."

Cons

"To evaluate the solution's abilities and its performance under demanding conditions, it is recommended to carry out a stress test."

What is our primary use case?

The main purpose of this software solution for our company is centralized management for the new projects. Our enterprise is on the bigger side and we have around ten thousand employees based locally and internationally. This solution helps us to manage all of the operations across servers and different workstations.

How has it helped my organization?

Because of our business structure and the need for global connectivity, we faced some issues regarding authentication and integration that have been solved by Microsoft DPM.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (510 words)
RK
M. I. S. Manager at Ruby Mills Ltd
Verified user of Microsoft DPM
Jan 12, 2020
Has the ability to give a BMR for all the workstations or servers that I want to connect to

Pros

"Its capability to give a BMR for all the workstations that I want to connect to."

Cons

"The user friendliness could be improved."

How has it helped my organization?

I found Microsoft DPM pretty useful. It satisfied most of my requirements. We have a local tape drive as well, so we do an online backup of the exchange onto hard discs which later gets transferred to the tape drive. It seems to be fulfilling all the requirements, except I would say it's not very user-friendly.

What is most valuable?

One of its most valuable features is its capability to give a BMR for all the workstations that I want to connect to or to the servers, as well as the fact that it could do an online backup off the exchange.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (426 words)