Symantec has launched a major upgrade for its Windows-based bare-metal system restore software with Backup Exec System Recovery 7.0.

Backup Exec System Recovery is disk-based restoration software that can perform full recovery to both similar and dissimilar server hardware. Symantec says BESR can restore a server's operating system, system settings, applications, data and user settings from a recovery point within minutes.

BESR 7.0 has a new centralized management program that provides visual analysis and system reporting as well as a calendar to see past, present and schedule future recovery points.

The version also adds more support for Microsoft Exchange and is able to recover individual messages, folders and mailboxes from the program.

A new "Google-like" search tool called Backup Exec Retrieve has been added as well as support for the even more "Google-like" Google Desktop as options for file search and retrieval.

The new version adds support to Vista and Extended 64-bit environments. Also in the line-up: BESR 7.0 can now convert physical recovery points to two popular virtual formats: VMware ESX Server and Microsoft Virtual Server.

BESR is priced at $1,095 per server and $69 per computer for the desktop edition. Current Backup Exec customers can purchase the server system recovery option for $695. The product will be available next month. ®