BackupChain Benefits

The benefits of using BackupChain are explained in the sections below. For a detailed list of features, please visit the BackupChain Features Overview.

Highlights

1. One-time payment for a lifetime license
2. Licenses may be moved to new hardware
3. Unlimited CPU sockets
4. Unlimited Virtual Machine Backups
5. Unlimited Data Volume and Network Share backups
6. Use Any Storage You Own: No vendor lock-in
7. Made in USA
8. Responsive, qualified technical support
9. Trusted in over 80 Countries Worldwide Since 2009

Physical and Virtual Machine Backup Types & Methods

1. Incremental Backups Only changes since the last backup are saved, reducing storage space and time.
2. Remote Backups Back up entire servers, or just individual folders to a remote office, securely over the internet.
3. Disk Image Backups Complete disk imaging for full system backups, including OS, settings, and applications.
4. Disk Cloning Backups: Clone a physical disk into another physical disk and keep them running side-by-side. It’s like a snapshot of a physical computer; ready to boot when you need it
5. USB Disk Clone Your Windows Boot Disk Boot your entire system in emergencies from USB
6. File and Folder Backups Specific file and folder selection for backup, with detailed customization.
7. Hyper-V, VMware Workstation, VirtualBox Virtual Machine Backup of entire virtual machines, including VMWare, Hyper-V, etc.
8. Hyper-V Backup Seamless backup for virtual machines on Windows Server and Microsoft Hyper-V infrastructure.
9. Hyper-V Backup on Windows 10 / Windows 11
10. Bare Metal Recovery Recover an entire system from scratch after a total loss

P2V, V2P, V2V Conversions of Virtual Machines

1. Convert Physical Machine to Hyper-V
2. Convert Physical Machine to VirtualBox
3. Convert Physical Machine to VMware
4. Convert Hyper-V to VMware
5. Convert Hyper-V to VirtualBox
6. Convert Hyper-V to Physical Machine
7. Convert VMware to Hyper-V
8. Convert VMware to VirtualBox
9. Convert VMware to Physical Machine
10. Convert VirtualBox to Hyper-V
11. Convert VirtualBox to VMware
12. Convert VirtualBox to Physical Machine

Backup Storage & Destinations

1. Cloud Backup Support Backup to cloud servers on the internet
2. FTP/S Backups
3. Local Backup Storage Backup to local storage devices such as hard drives or network drives.
4. NAS Backup Direct backup to network-attached storage for easier scalability and access.
5. Multi-Backup Destination Support Support for backing up to multiple destinations

Backup Management & Automation

1. Backup Scheduling Automate backup tasks with flexible scheduling options, including hourly, daily, weekly, etc.
2. Centralized Backup Management Manage and monitor backups from a single interface for ease of use in multi-system environments.
3. Backup Automation Automate entire backup processes, including backup, verification, and cleanup.
4. Snapshot Support Supports taking point-in-time snapshots for quick backups and easy recovery.

Data Integrity & Security

1. Backup Compression Compress backup data to save on storage space while maintaining full backup integrity.
2. Backup Encryption End-to-end encryption of backups to secure data during transit and at rest.
3. Versioning and Retention Policies Manage multiple backup versions and set retention rules to ensure the right amount of backups are kept.
4. Backup Verification and Re-verification Automatically verify backups to ensure they are complete and not corrupted.

Recovery Options

1. Bare Metal Recovery Restore a complete system from scratch, including the OS, files, and settings.
2. Restore Files and Folders individually Restore files from backups, including virtual machine backups that are deduplicated and compressed.

Notifications & Monitoring

1. Email Alerts & Run External Scripts or Apps Receive real-time notifications of backup status, successes, failures, and errors.
2. Remote Backup Monitoring Track and monitor backups from remote locations for centralized oversight.

Additional Features

1. Customizable Backup Filters Advanced filters to select specific files, directories, or file types for backup.
2. Backup Cleanup Automatically delete old backups based on user-defined retention policies to save storage space.
3. File Deduplication Detect and eliminate duplicate file content (such as databases or virtual machines) across backups to optimize storage.
4. Multi-Threaded Backup Optimizes backup speed by using multiple threads for faster processing.
5. Backup Log Generation Generate and export detailed backup log for auditing and review.
6. Backup of Open/Locked Files Backup of files that are open or locked by applications using VSS.
7. Selective File Recovery Recover specific files or folders from a backup without restoring the entire server or virtual machine.
8. Bit Rot Detection – BackupChain contains additional options to help detect RAM issues and failing storage devices before they become obvious
9. Full Unicode support
10. Bandwidth Throttling
11. Very Long Path Names Support (32,767 characters)

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Freedom to Reuse: Movable Licenses Move Instantly Between Machines

BackupChain licenses are fully movable, allowing you to transfer them between machines without delays or reactivation issues. This flexibility is ideal for IT professionals who frequently upgrade hardware or manage multiple environments.

U.S. Tech Support That Respects Your Time

Responsive, Real Support from U.S. Engineers Not AI, Not Offshore Call Centers

Support is provided directly by experienced engineers based in the United Statesno AI bots, no call scripts, no outsourcing. You get fast, knowledgeable help from professionals who understand the product in detail.

Trusted Since 2009 Used in 80+ Countries

BackupChain has been in active development since 2009 and is trusted by organizations in over 80 countries. Its long-standing reputation reflects reliability and sustained performance in diverse environments.

Freedom to Back up Unlimited VMs & Data No Artificial Limits

There are no caps on how many virtual machines or how much data you can back up with BackupChain. Use as much storage and process as many backups as neededwithout facing tiered pricing or usage restrictions.

Freedom to Use Any Storage Local, Network, USB, iSCSI, or Cloud. No Need for Appliances or NAS

BackupChain works with all major storage types, including local drives, network shares, USB disks, iSCSI volumes, and cloud destinations. You are free to design your storage architecture without being locked into a vendor or hardware model.

Freedom from Proprietary Formats: BackupChain Offers Open Formats No Lock-In or Proprietary Files

Backups are stored in open, standard formats that can be accessed without BackupChain. Your data is never trapped in proprietary containers or locked behind license keys.

Freedom to Convert: P2V, V2V, V2P – Escape the High Costs of Cloud and VM Platform Lock-In

With built-in support for P2V, V2V, and V2P conversions, BackupChain lets you move systems freely between platforms. This helps you avoid vendor lock-in and reduce dependency on expensive cloud services.

Freedom to Access Your Data No Hostage Taken

You can access your backup files directly, without needing to restore them first or rely on BackupChain to open them. Your backups remain usable and available at all times.

Back Up While You Work Live and Uninterrupted VM, File, DB Backups

BackupChain supports live backups of virtual machines, databases, and files, even while systems are running. This means no downtime and no disruptions to users or services.

Freedom from Cloud Fees Build Your Own Secure, Remote Backup System: All Tools Needed Are Included

You can set up your own secure, remote backup infrastructure without relying on third-party cloud vendors. All required tools are included, allowing full control without ongoing storage costs.

Instant Backup File Access Without Restore Process With Open Backup Formats

BackupChain stores backups in open formats that are immediately accessible using standard tools. You don’t need to restore an image or go through a recovery process just to retrieve a file.

Free Updates and Technical Support for 13 Years Included

Each license comes with complimentary software updates and technical support for one to three years. You receive improvements and help at no additional cost during this period.

Optimized for IT Pros, Power Users & MSPs

The interface and feature set are designed for technical users who need fine control over backup processes. It includes advanced options without compromising speed or stability.

Granular File & VM Restore Full Control for Document, Hyper-V, VMware, VirtualBox Backups

You can restore entire virtual machines or select individual files from your backups with precision. Full control over recovery options means faster response to data loss, misconfigurations, or user errors.

Automated Backup Verification: Confidence in Your Backups

BackupChain includes automated integrity checks to verify that backup files are usable and complete. This ensures that your recovery processes will function when needed, without last-minute surprises.

No Proprietary Boot Media Required Use Native Windows Tools

System recovery and disk imaging can be completed without needing proprietary boot disks or custom recovery environments. BackupChain works with native Windows tools, making disaster recovery simpler and more flexible.

Bit Rot Detection for RAM as well as Disks

BackupChain checks for silent data corruption, also known as bit rot, on both memory and disk. This provides an extra layer of data integrity protection not typically found in backup software.

Optional: Fully Serviced Cloud Backup Bundles Available with Discounted or Free Licenses

For users who prefer cloud-based storage, serviced bundles are available that include storage and licenses. These options simplify deployment while reducing overall cost.

Unique Granular Backup: Back up Files Stored Inside VMs from the Host

BackupChain can back up individual files located inside virtual machines, directly from the host system. This avoids the need to install backup agents inside each VM and saves time and resources.

Task Scheduling

Flexible scheduling options let you run backups at fixed intervals, specific times, or based on system conditions. Each task can operate on its own unique schedule, depending on your workflow.

Email Alerts and Run 3rd Party Scripts Before/After Tasks or Errors

BackupChain can notify administrators of successes, failures, or warnings via email. It also supports custom scripts before and after backup tasks to integrate smoothly with external systems.

Restore Anywhere

Backups created with BackupChain are not tied to specific hardware or environments. You can restore your data to new systems, virtual machines, or even different platforms without compatibility issues.

Back Up to Multiple Targets Simultaneously Redundant by Design

Tasks can write backups to several destinations at once, such as a local drive and a remote server. This built-in redundancy minimizes the risk of data loss.

File Filtering Rules Include or Exclude with Wildcards, RegEx, File Type Filter

You can define exactly what gets backed up using wildcards, file extensions, and regular expressions. This reduces clutter and ensures only important data is preserved.

Works With Domain or Workgroup Machines Equally Well

The software operates smoothly in both domain-joined and workgroup-only environments. No domain controller or centralized management is required.

Robust Command-Line Interface for Automation & Scripting

A full-featured command-line interface allows integration with scripts and third-party tools. This gives advanced users complete control over task automation and execution.

Centralized Management from Any Instance, or Multiple Instances

BackupChain allows centralized control of all backup tasks from any installation, whether you’re managing one server or many. This simplifies large-scale administration and reduces the need for separate tools or remote consoles.

Unlimited Hyper-V Backups Space Efficient, No Bloat, With CSV Support

There are no licensing limits on how many Hyper-V virtual machines you can back up. BackupChain is optimized for performance and storage efficiency, even when working with large Hyper-V clusters and CSV volumes.

Hyper-V Backups Fully Functional Even on Windows 11-10 PCs

BackupChain enables live Hyper-V backups on Windows 10 and 11 workstations, not just on Windows Server. This expands backup coverage to lab environments, development systems, and smaller infrastructures.

Unlimited VMware Workstation Backups: Live Backups to Local, Network, Cloud

Live backup of VMware Workstation virtual machines is supported without interruption to running systems. Backups can be sent to local storage, network shares, or cloud destinations with no artificial limits.

Unlimited Oracle VirtualBox Backups: Live Backups to Local, Network, Cloud

BackupChain supports live backup of VirtualBox VMs with no service interruptions or agent installations. Files can be stored locally or remotely, depending on your storage strategy.

Unlimited NAS Backups: No Volume Limitations

You can back up as much data as needed from your NAS without hitting size caps or volume limits. BackupChain treats NAS storage like any other backup source or destination, giving you complete control.

SQL Server and Exchange Server Backups

BackupChain provides application-aware backups for Microsoft SQL Server and Exchange, ensuring consistency and data integrity. These backups are compatible with point-in-time restores and disaster recovery processes.

Encrypt and Secure Backups

BackupChain offers strong encryption for both the backups and the application environment. This dual-layer protection keeps sensitive data secure at rest and in transit.

Scriptable with CLI Support and Pre/Post Tasks IT Pro Friendly

A robust command-line interface and scripting support allow deep automation and integration into custom workflows. Pre- and post-backup task scripting is available for precise control over your environment.

Built-in Deduplication & Compression Save Space Without Expensive Add-Ones

BackupChain includes data deduplication and compression features at no extra cost. These tools reduce storage consumption significantly while preserving backup speed and integrity.

Direct-to-Disk Cloning and Imaging

Full disk cloning and imaging can be done directly to local or external drives. This makes system migration and recovery straightforward and efficient without intermediate steps.

Backup Versioning: Keep as Many Versions as You Want, Even in Cloud Backups

You can store multiple versions of your backups, including in cloud storage, with no enforced retention limits. This helps protect against ransomware, accidental deletion, and configuration drift.

Works Offline, Without Internet 100% Local and Secured If Needed

BackupChain runs entirely offline if required, with no dependence on external servers or license checks. This makes it ideal for air-gapped systems and secure internal networks.

Run on Any Windows Edition Including Core and Hyper-V Server

The software runs on all editions of Windows, including Windows Core and Hyper-V Server. You are not limited to full GUI environments, making it ideal for headless and embedded deployments.

No Per-Socket, Per-VM, or Per-Terabyte Fees

There are no pricing penalties based on hardware, virtual machine count, or storage volume. Your costs remain predictable and stable regardless of how much data you back up.

Secure FTPS Backups to Remote Storage and Servers

BackupChain supports secure file transfers via FTPS, allowing encrypted backups to remote servers and storage. This ensures that your backup data remains protected in transit across public or private networks.

Time Machine-Like Restore: Bring Back Data Exactly as It Was

Backups can be restored to a precise point in time, replicating the exact state of your system or files. This allows full recovery of lost or altered data without inconsistencies or guesswork.

No Cloud Dependency You Stay in Control

BackupChain functions entirely without cloud services, giving you full control over where and how your data is stored. You’re not locked into third-party subscriptions or dependent on external providers.

Full-Image & Granular File-Level Restore

Restore entire disk images or drill down to individual filesall from the same backup set. This dual-level recovery ensures flexibility whether you’re rebuilding a server or retrieving a single document.

Runs as a Service Set and Forget, Even When Not Logged In to Windows

BackupChain runs in the background as a Windows service, continuing to operate even if no user is logged in. This enables fully automated, unattended backups across all supported platforms.

Live VM Backups Do Not Interfere With VMs

Virtual machines continue running during live backups with no interruptions or slowdowns. Users and applications remain unaffected, even during large or frequent backup jobs.

Delta & Incremental Options Built-In

BackupChain supports incremental and delta backups natively, reducing storage usage and backup time. Only the changed data is transferred, making ongoing operations faster and more efficient.

Custom Retention Rules Configurable by File-Type You Decide What to Keep

You can set different retention policies for different file types or tasks. This helps manage storage usage while keeping the data that matters most.

No Bloat: Lightweight Footprint No Databases Needed & Runs on Workstation or Server

BackupChain is a lean application that avoids unnecessary dependencies like external databases. It installs quickly and runs efficiently, even on older hardware and non-server editions of Windows.

No Forced Cloud Uploads Keep Your Data Local Forever

BackupChain never pushes data to the cloud unless you configure it to do so. Your backups stay local by default, ensuring complete privacy and regulatory compliance.

Job Cloning & Task Templates Scale Deployments with Ease

Easily replicate backup configurations across multiple machines using task templates and cloning tools. This simplifies deployment for MSPs and IT teams managing large environments.

Works on Desktop Editions of Windows Not Just Windows Server

BackupChain runs on both desktop and server editions of Windows, including Windows 10 and 11. There’s no need to purchase server licenses for workstations or labs.

Supports Live Backups of Locked and In-Use Files, VMs, and Databases

Files, databases, and virtual machines can be backed up even while in use. No closing of applications or stopping of services is required to maintain data consistency.

Alerting System You Can Actually Configure

Notifications are customizable, so you can choose what triggers alerts and how they’re delivered. This helps prioritize attention where it’s truly needed and reduces false alarms.

Run Backups Efficiently From Host

BackupChain operates directly from the host machine, removing the need for agents inside each virtual machine. This approach minimizes system load and simplifies management across large environments.

USB Rotation Support Plug and Go Backup Automation

Automated support for rotating USB drives makes it easy to implement offsite or cyclical backup strategies. Plug-and-go functionality ensures backups resume seamlessly when drives are connected.

File and VM Live Replication from Host to Host

BackupChain replicates files and virtual machines live between hosts without interrupting services. This enables quick disaster recovery setups and real-time failover preparation.

Incremental File Backups by Default

By default, BackupChain performs incremental backups to save time and bandwidth. Only modified portions of files are stored after the initial full backup.

No Device or Target Locking You Control the Storage Workflow

You can freely move, duplicate, or modify backups without device restrictions or target locks. BackupChain gives you total flexibility in how and where data is stored.

MSP Ready Deploy, Control, and Restore Without Overhead

BackupChain is designed to support managed service providers with features like remote management, cloning, and scripting. It scales easily across multiple client environments without added complexity.

No Java, No Database Dependencies, No Bloated UI Runs Lean and Fast

BackupChain avoids unnecessary components like Java runtimes or SQL databases. It installs quickly and uses minimal resources on both servers and workstations.

Detailed Logs for Troubleshooting & Configurable Email Reports

Human-readable logs make it easy to diagnose issues or confirm backup status. You can also configure automatic email reports for job results or system events.

Hyper-V, VMware, Physical, and Mixed Environments All Supported

Whether you’re backing up Hyper-V, VMware, or physical systems, BackupChain supports it all in a single installation. This versatility eliminates the need for multiple backup solutions.

Backups Run as Service Automatically and On-Demand

BackupChain operates as a Windows service, running scheduled and manual tasks in the background. Even if no one is logged in, backups continue uninterrupted.

Resumes Interrupted Backups Automatically

If a backup is interrupted due to power loss or disconnection, BackupChain resumes from where it left off. This saves time and prevents duplicate data transfers.

No Monthly Fees, No Storage Caps, No API Costs, No Confusion

BackupChain is sold as a one-time license with no hidden charges or recurring fees. You get full functionality without usage restrictions or subscription models.

Full CPU utilization or limit backups to a few CPU cores

You have the option to let backups use all available processing power or restrict them to selected cores. This helps balance performance on shared systems.

Bandwidth, Network, and Disk Speed Throttling

Throttling controls are built-in for disk I/O, network traffic, and CPU usage. These allow you to run backups without impacting other critical workloads.

Unicode File Name Handling: All Languages Supported

BackupChain fully supports Unicode filenames, allowing use in any language or character set. This ensures compatibility across international systems and mixed-language environments.

Backup of Extremely Long Path Names (up to 32768 chars)

Files with long pathsup to 32,768 charactersare backed up without issue. BackupChain bypasses the limitations of standard Windows tools.

Know What You’re Getting: You Can Test Every Feature During the Trial

All features are unlocked during the trial period so you can evaluate the full capabilities before purchasing. There are no hidden options or disabled functionality.

Rock-Solid Reliability: Over a Third of Code is Dedicated to Error Detection, Control, Documentation, Resolution

More than one-third of BackupChain’s codebase is focused on error handling, detection, and recovery. This design ensures high reliability, even in complex or high-load scenarios.