# What Are 3-2-1 Backups

Data loss strikes without warning. A crashed hard drive, an accidental deletion, or a ransomware attack can instantly wipe out years of work, precious memories, and critical business information. While the technology landscape evolves rapidly, one backup strategy has stood the test of time: the 3-2-1 backup rule.

Recognized by the [United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT)](https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/data_backup_options.pdf) and Carnegie Mellon as the best practice for data protection, This methodical approach to data protection has been the gold standard for IT professionals for nearly two decades. According to the IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2023, the average data breach cost in the United States is $9.48 million, underlining the critical importance of implementing an effective backup strategy.

&nbsp;

## Rising Compliance Pressure

The need for comprehensive backup strategies extends beyond just protecting against data loss. Recent regulatory changes, such as the NIS2 Directive, have transformed the data protection landscape globally. The directive places specific emphasis on supply chain security and disaster recovery capabilities, affecting all businesses that exist in or interact with the EU.

The importance of these requirements was highlighted in July 2024, when a faulty software update at CrowdStrike affected 8.5 million Windows devices worldwide. Airlines, retailers, and financial institutions faced system-wide failures - all from a trusted supplier. This incident demonstrates why compliance requirements increasingly emphasize disaster recovery capabilities: threats can come from anywhere, and organizations must be prepared.

With potential penalties reaching [up to €10 million or 2% of global turnover for non-compliance](https://nis2directive.eu/nis2-fines/), organizations worldwide must demonstrate they can protect and rapidly restore their data. A well-implemented 3-2-1 backup strategy helps meet these regulatory requirements while ensuring business continuity.

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## What Is the 3-2-1 Backup Rule?

The 3-2-1 backup rule is a straightforward data protection strategy that requires three total copies of your data, two local copies on different storage devices, and one copy stored off-site. This approach ensures that no single point of failure can result in permanent data loss, with each component serving a specific purpose in protecting your information against different types of threats.

&nbsp;

## Breaking Down the Components

### Three Total Copies
The first number in the rule specifies maintaining three complete copies of your data: your primary working copy (the original data) and two backup copies. Having multiple copies ensures redundancy – if one copy becomes corrupted or inaccessible, you have others to fall back on.

### Two Different Storage Types
The second number requires storing your local copies on different types of storage media. This might include combinations of internal hard drives, external hard drives, network-attached storage (NAS), solid-state drives (SSDs), or USB drives. Using different storage types protects against device-specific failures and reduces the risk of losing multiple copies to the same type of hardware failure.

### One Off-site Copy
The final number mandates keeping one copy at a different physical location. This protects against natural disasters, theft, fire, and any other location-based threats. Off-site storage options include secure storage facilities, secondary office locations, or dedicated data centers. Having a physically separate copy ensures business continuity even in cases of site-wide disasters.

&nbsp;

## How to Implement the 3-2-1 Backup Strategy

When implementing the 3-2-1 backup rule, consider these key factors:

### Regulatory Compliance
Ensure your backup strategy aligns with relevant regulations and standards for your industry. Document your backup procedures and maintain records of testing and verification to demonstrate compliance during audits.

### Automation
Set up automated backup systems where possible. This ensures regular backups occur without relying on manual intervention.

### Verification
Regularly verify your backups to ensure they're complete and recoverable. A backup is only useful if you can restore from it when needed.

### Security
Implement appropriate security measures through encryption of sensitive data, securing physical storage locations, and protecting access credentials. For off-site storage, establish strict protocols for physical access and transportation of backup media.

&nbsp;

## What is the 3-2-1-1 Strategy?

While the 3-2-1 rule provides solid protection, modern threats like [ransomware](https://www.macrium.com/blog/five-ways-you-can-protect-your-backups-from-ransomware) have led to enhanced strategies. One such enhancement is airgapping, which involves keeping one backup copy completely disconnected from any network. This isolated copy provides extra protection against cyber threats because it cannot be accessed or corrupted by network-based attacks, including ransomware.

This enhanced approach, sometimes called the 3-2-1-1 strategy (with the extra "1" representing the airgapped copy), is particularly valuable for organizations with sensitive data and businesses concerned about ransomware. As cyber threats evolve, airgapping becomes an increasingly crucial security measure.

&nbsp;

## Best Practices for Implementation

### Strategic Planning
Start by identifying and prioritizing your most important information. Create a clear implementation plan and document your backup strategy to ensure consistency across your organization.

### Storage Selection
Choose storage options that match your needs in terms of capacity, accessibility, cost, and security requirements. Consider factors like backup and recovery speed, durability, and physical space requirements.

### Backup Scheduling
Establish regular backup schedules based on:
- How frequently your data changes
- Business continuity requirements
- Recovery point objectives (RPO)
- Available storage capacity

### Testing and Documentation
Regular testing of your recovery process is crucial. Document the steps needed for restoration and perform periodic test recoveries to ensure your backup strategy works as intended.

### Continuous Monitoring
Maintain consistent monitoring of your backup systems and address any failures or issues promptly. This proactive approach helps prevent data loss and ensures backup reliability.

&nbsp;

## Common Pitfalls to Avoid

The most frequent backup strategy failures include:
- Neglecting to verify backups
- Storing all copies in the same location
- Using the same type of storage for all copies
- Failing to encrypt sensitive data
- Not testing the recovery process
- Inadequate tracking of backup media transportation

&nbsp;

## Choosing the Right Backup Software

According to the [Ponemon Institute](https://www.ponemon.org/), 60% of companies that experienced data loss could have prevented it with better backup practices. This statistic highlights why choosing the right backup software is crucial for successfully implementing the 3-2-1 strategy. Many organizations focus on basic backup features while overlooking capabilities that become essential during critical recovery scenarios.

Key capabilities to look for include:

### Complete System Protection

Look for software that offers comprehensive system imaging, with incremental and differential backup options to optimize storage and backup times.

### Speed and Performance

With the cost of downtime increasing, backup software must meet aggressive Recovery Time and Point Objectives (RTO/RPO) to minimize business disruption.

### Recovery Flexibility

Your backup software should offer multiple recovery options, including the ability to restore to different hardware configurations when needed.

### Security Features

Beyond robust encryption and ransomware protection, consider whether you need airgapped activation for maintaining security in sensitive environments.

&nbsp;

## Securing Your Data's Future

In a recent [webinar](https://info.macrium.com/expect-the-unexpected-cyber-resilience-disaster-recovery?_gl=1*1wht0ur*_gcl_au*Njc1NDA5MDc5LjE3MjM3MzIwMjM.*_ga*NzcwNzEzNjc3LjE3MjIzNDQ5NjQ.*_ga_DKMXB7VRYC*MTczMTQyMzkzMC4xOTYuMS4xNzMxNDI0MDUzLjI0LjAuMTY3MzMyNTI2MA..), Founder and CEO of Cyber SimulAItion, Bill Mew, highlights the importance of a strong backup and recovery strategy: "You have the protection and the detection, which hopefully are going to keep you secure. But you also need to realise that they're never going to be 100% secure. So you also need to look at recovery and response."

The 3-2-1 backup rule provides a solid foundation for data protection, helping organizations meet both operational needs and regulatory requirements. While the basic principle remains unchanged, implementing additional measures like airgapping can enhance security against modern threats.

With increasing regulatory pressure and evolving cyber threats, an effective backup strategy is no longer optional – it's a business necessity. The time and resources invested in implementing the 3-2-1 rule are minimal compared to the potential costs of data loss and regulatory non-compliance.

Want to learn more about protecting your business data? [Speak to our team](https://www.macrium.com/contact) today.


321-backup-strategy-hero-image

Learn how the 3-2-1 backup rule protects your business data, meets compliance requirements, and guards against data loss. Discover implementation strategies and best practices.

3-2-1 Backup Strategy: Essential Guide for Business Data Protection

The 3-2-1 backup rule is a proven data protection strategy requiring three total copies of data, two local copies on different devices, and one off-site copy. This guide explains how to implement the strategy effectively, including enhanced measures like airgapping, while meeting modern compliance requirements. Discover why this straightforward approach remains essential for protecting your business data against loss, theft, and cyber threats.

What is 3-2-1 Backup and Why You Need It

# Introducing Macrium SiteBackup: The Next Step in Centralized Backup

The way businesses handle their critical data is constantly evolving. The need for robust, centralized backup solutions has never been greater, and we've seen this first-hand through the growing number of organizations implementing SiteManager as their trusted backup platform. As this adoption grew, we listened to your feedback and recognized the opportunity to innovate further. Today, we're excited to announce Macrium SiteBackup – the next step for SiteManager. It's the same powerful centralized backup platform you know and trust, only better, with enhanced capabilities and a new name that better reflects its dedicated backup focus.

&nbsp;

## What's New in SiteBackup?

### Supercharged Performance

In the world of enterprise backup, speed and reliability aren't just nice-to-have features – they're essential. That's why we've focused significant development effort on performance optimization. SiteBackup now delivers backup operations up to twice as fast as previous versions, helping organizations meet increasingly demanding Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) without stretching their backup windows.  We've also improved the resilience of our backup processes, implementing intelligent retry mechanisms for those moments when network hiccups or temporary system issues threaten to interrupt your backup operations. This means fewer failed backups and more reliable data protection – exactly what you need when managing backups across multiple sites and systems.

### Enhanced Recovery Options

When system downtime means lost revenue, recovery speed becomes crucial. SiteBackup brings substantial improvements to restore operations, cutting recovery times by up to 50% through enhanced multithreading and compression algorithms. We've also included an out-of-the-box PXE server, eliminating the need for manual boot media creation and simplifying your disaster recovery process.

### Intelligent Resource Management

One of the most significant additions is our intelligent file filtering system. This feature gives you granular control over what gets included in your backups, helping you prioritize critical data while reducing storage requirements and network traffic. The result? Faster backups, quicker restores, and more efficient use of your storage resources.

### Simplified Licensing

We understand that flexibility in licensing is crucial for businesses of all sizes. That's why we've completely reimagined our licensing model with SiteBackup. We're introducing single-seat licensing, ensuring you only pay for exactly what you need – no more, no less. Whether you're managing a handful of systems or thousands of endpoints, you can scale your licensing precisely to match your requirements.

### Improved Security Features

For organizations working in high-security environments, we've improved our offline activation process, making it easier to deploy and manage SiteBackup in air-gapped networks. This enhancement significantly reduces the time and complexity involved in setting up backup protection in secure environments.

&nbsp;

## A Smooth Transition

We recognize that change can be challenging, especially when it comes to critical infrastructure like backup systems. That's why we've ensured complete compatibility between existing Site Manager backups and Site Backup. Your historical backups remain fully accessible and protected, allowing you to transition at your own pace.
For our current customers, we're providing clear upgrade paths and continued support for existing implementations. Site Manager 8 will receive system-critical updates and fixes for one year following the release of Site Backup, giving you plenty of time to make the switch when you're ready.

&nbsp;

## A Foundation for the Future

Site Backup represents more than just a name change – it's a reflection of our commitment to innovating alongside our customers, evolving our solutions to meet their changing needs in an ever-more complex IT and OT landscape. With enhanced performance, improved recovery options, and flexible licensing, we're giving organizations the tools they need to protect their critical data effectively.
We understand you may have questions about the transition to Site Backup and what it means for your organization. For more information, visit our [FAQ](/sitebackup-faq) page or [get in touch](https://www.macrium.com/contact) with our team.


site-backup-blog-whats-new

Learn about Macrium SiteBackup, our enhanced centralized backup solution delivering 2x faster performance, intelligent file filtering, and flexible licensing for enterprise-wide protection.

Introducing Macrium SiteBackup | Enhanced Centralized Backup"

Discover how we've transformed SiteManager into SiteBackup, bringing faster performance, smarter features, and enhanced centralized backup capabilities to meet the growing needs of modern enterprises.

Introducing SiteBackup: Evolving Enterprise Backup

# What Upgrades Am I Eligible For?

Whether you're a long-time Macrium user or a recent adopter, we've made the upgrade process for Reflect X smooth and straightforward. This guide will walk you through identifying which upgrade offer is available to you.

**If you already know what offer you’re eligible for, [go straight to our upgrade process](https://knowledgebase.macrium.com/display/KNOWX/Upgrading+to+Reflect+X).** Otherwise, to quickly find the best upgrade offer for you, these 2-3 questions will show you what’s available:

### 1) Are you a home user or do you have a business Workstation license?

[Business Workstation](/blog/what-upgrades-am-I-eligible-for#2a-when-did-you-buy-your-current-reflect-workstation-license)

[Home User](/blog/what-upgrades-am-I-eligible-for#2b-when-did-you-buy-your-current-reflect-home-license)

### 2a) When did you buy your current Reflect Workstation license? 

[After April 1st 2024](/blog/what-upgrades-am-I-eligible-for#purchased-after-april-1st-2024)

**On or Before March 31st 2024** - Click on the version you have:

[Reflect 8 (with support and maintenance)](/blog/what-upgrades-am-I-eligible-for#purchased-on-or-before-march-31st-2024)

[Reflect 8 (out of  support and maintenance)](/blog/what-upgrades-am-I-eligible-for#for-business-users-on-v6-v7-v8-out-of-support))

[Reflect 7 or older](/blog/what-upgrades-am-I-eligible-for#for-business-users-on-v6-v7-v8-out-of-support)

### 2b) When did you buy your current Reflect Home license? 

[After July 1st 2024](/blog/what-upgrades-am-I-eligible-for#for-reflect-8-home-users-who-purchased-on-or-after-july-1st-2024)

**On or before June 30th 2024** - Click on the version you have:

[Reflect 8](/blog/what-upgrades-am-I-eligible-for#for-reflect-8-home-users-who-purchased-before-july-1st-2024)

[Reflect 7 or older](/blog/what-upgrades-am-I-eligible-for#for-home-v6--v7)

&nbsp;

## For Business users

### Purchased after April 1st 2024

If you purchased a perpetual license on or after April 1, 2024, you are eligible for the 3-year Reflect X Plan at no extra charge.  This offer is valid for 6 months from your Reflect 8 purchase date. Your new plan start date will be pro-rated to the end of your current Support & Maintenance period.

### LTSC edition:

Alternatively, you can stay on Reflect 8 and migrate to our Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) edition and get a free upgrade when the new LTSC edition becomes available. 

### Purchased on or before March 31st 2024

If you purchased a Reflect 8 perpetual license before April 1, 2024 and have active Support & Maintenance, you are eligible for 33% off on 1, 3, and 5 Year Annual Plans. You will get immediate access to Reflect X and your subscription start dates will be pro-rated to the end of your current Support & Maintenance period. This offer is valid until September 30th 2025. 

### LTSC edition:

Alternatively, you can stay on Reflect 8 and migrate to our Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) edition and get a free upgrade when the new LTSC edition becomes available. 

### For Business users on v6, v7, v8 out of support: 

We are offering 33% off on 1, 3, and 5 Year Annual Plans. This offer is valid until March 31st 2025. 

&nbsp;

## Upgrade Wizard

Can enter your purchase email address and either a Order Reference or a License Key to see the upgrade options for your keys:

[Upgrade Wizard](BUTTON_SUCCESS=https://portal.macrium.com/renewalwizard1)

&nbsp;

## For Home users

As a valued Reflect 8 Home user, we're thrilled to offer you some fantastic ways to upgrade to Reflect X:

### For Reflect 8 Home users who purchased on or after July 1st 2024:

You can trade in your valid perpetual license and choose one of these amazing deals:

- 50% off Annual Plan for life
- 3-year Reflect X Plan at no extra charge.
- Offers are valid for 6 months from your Reflect 8 Home purchase date. 

### For Reflect 8 Home users who purchased before July 1st 2024:

You are eligible for two options. The first option is 50% off Annual plans for life. Option 2 is our “Better than Black Friday 2024 Offer:” 3 years for the price of 2:

- If you choose 50% off annual plans for life, you will have to trade in your current Reflect 8 Home  license. 
- If you choose 3 years for the price of 2, you can keep your Reflect 8 Home license. This amount must be paid up front and at the end of the plan, customers may renew based on offers available at the time (or return to your one-time license.)

### For Home v6 & v7:

We are offering 3 years for the price of two. This amount must be paid up front and at the end of the plan, customers may renew based on offers available at the time (or return to your one-time license.)This offer ends March 31st 2025. 

&nbsp;

## Upgrade Wizard

You can enter your purchase email address and either a Order Reference or a License Key to see the upgrade options for your keys.

[Upgrade Wizard](BUTTON_SUCCESS=https://portal.macrium.com/renewalwizard1)

&nbsp;

reflect-x-here

This guide will walk you through identifying which upgrade offer is available to you.

Reflect X Upgrade step by step

Whether you're a long-time Macrium user or a recent adopter, we've made the upgrade process for Reflect X smooth and straightforward. This guide will walk you through identifying which upgrade offer is available to you.

What Upgrades Am I Eligible For?

# Macrium Releases First Native Bare Metal Recovery Solution for ARM-Based Windows Devices 

&nbsp;

**OCTOBER 08 2024, DENVER, CO, USA:** Macrium, a global provider of backup and disaster recovery, imaging and deployment software solutions that support critical infrastructure, for Operational Technology (OT) and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) businesses, releases [Reflect X](https://www.macrium.com/) – the first solution to support Copilot + ARM devices with native bare metal restore and boot menu recovery options.

Macrium’s well-established Reflect backup and recovery software was created 15 years ago, and the latest version utilizes a redesigned compression technique and optimized multithreading processes to double the speed of backup and recovery, allowing businesses to reduce downtime and increase productivity.

Many of Macrium’s OEM, manufacturing and energy sector customers cite downtime from hardware failure as a major challenge, which can potentially cost tens of thousands of dollars per minute. Businesses use Reflect X to recover quickly from hardware failure and to achieve better RPO / RTO objectives.

Dave Joyce, CEO at Macrium, commented on the launch, “We're the first backup and recovery vendor to natively support ARM devices with bare metal recovery and boot menu options, which highlights our innovation muscle; not only this, but we've taken our fast backup and recovery software and made it even faster - twice as fast in fact, which shows how Macrium continues to raise the bar.”

While the benchmark test results (available here) are based on controlled internal tests and may vary in different real-world storage scenarios, they demonstrate the significant performance enhancements achieved with Reflect X.

Macrium has also included innovations in other areas, including making the backup files created by Reflect X open source. 

Joyce added, “This liberates customers from a dependence on their existing backup provider and ensures they retain ownership of their data regardless, helping to build transparency and trust with customers.

We believe that customers should always own their data and not be tied to any vendor - that's why we boldly made our backup file formats open source. We're the only large-scale vendor that dares to give customers complete control over their backup files because we know they love using our products.”

With a singular focus on backup and recovery, and image deployment, Macrium is able to dedicate its entire development effort to ensuring that its products deliver a key element of an organization's cyber resilience. Macrium’s customers require the best-in-class solution for each pillar of their cyber security strategy, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.

"Reflect X has been designed and developed around the needs of businesses, with an increased focus on metrics that matter most, such as Recovery Time Objective, and Recovery Point Objective. As well as enabling businesses to better protect their data, whilst minimising downtime in increasingly complex IT and OT environments,” concluded Joyce.

For customers who have recently bought Reflect 8 prior to the arrival of Reflect X, Macrium has announced a [grace period](/blog/reflect-x-grace-period), to help ensure both new and long-time Macrium users can benefit from Reflect X’s innovative technology.

&nbsp;

### To find out more about Reflect X, visit our [hub](/reflect-x).

Macrium announces the release of Reflect X – the first solution to support Copilot + ARM devices with native bare metal restore and boot menu recovery options.

Macrium Releases Reflect X for Windows ARM

Reflect X is here!

# Macrium Reflect X: Pushing the Boundaries of Backup Speed and Reliability

In this video, we put Macrium's upcoming [Reflect X](https://www.macrium.com/reflect-x) to the test against its predecessor, Reflect 8. Watch as Reflect X restores a system image in just 1 minute and 29 seconds, a groundbreaking improvement over Reflect 8's time of 8 minutes and 10 seconds.

Reflect X achieves this remarkable performance through revolutionary compression and backup optimization techniques. While these results are from controlled internal tests and real-world outcomes may vary depending on storage scenarios, they clearly demonstrate the significant enhancements in speed and efficiency that Reflect X brings to the table.

But it's not just about speed. Reflect X also introduces advanced resumability features, ensuring that even if a backup is interrupted, it can be seamlessly resumed without data loss or having to start over. This is a game-changer for businesses looking to minimize downtime and protect critical data.

*For more information on how we conducted these tests, see the detailed test parameters further down the page.*

![thinner-paragraph-break](https://strapistoragemacrium.blob.core.windows.net/strapi-uploads/uploads/thinner_paragraph_break_2862d54882.png)

YOUTUBE_VIDEO=https://www.youtube.com/embed/CT8vSOep3EY

![thinner-paragraph-break](https://strapistoragemacrium.blob.core.windows.net/strapi-uploads/uploads/thinner_paragraph_break_2862d54882.png)

## Backup and Restore Speed Test

### The Hardware:

CPU: 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13400, 2496 Mhz, 10 Cores, 16 Logical Processors
Motherboard: MAG b760 TOMAHAWK WIFI (MS-7D96)
Installed Physical Memory (RAM): 64GB 5200MHz
Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
NIC: Realtek Gaming 2.5GbE Family Controller

### Test Data:

The test data here is a non-compressed Macrium disk image of a Windows operating system. This data is then copied and pasted up to the required source data size (in this example XXXGB). An XOR script was run over each of the image files which would flip the bits in the image file based on a randomly generated HEX code. This ensures that each image contains unique data after being copied, whilst retaining generally representative compressibility found in a Windows operating system.

### NVMe to NVMe

This is a best-case scenario test. For this test, the image will be created of a KINGSTON SNV2S1000G to a KINGSTON SNV2S2000G and restored the same way to a now cleaned KINGSTON SNV2S1000G.
![paragraph-break-macrium](https://strapistoragemacrium.blob.core.windows.net/strapi-uploads/uploads/paragraph_break_macrium_blog_762eafa4ae.png)

## Resumable Imaging Reliability Test

In this example, we backed up a virtual machine to a Windows network share. During the backup, the virtual network adapter was disconnected for around 50 seconds before being reconnected. As the video shows, the backup continued from where it had left off once the adapter was reconnected.

Following this, the virtual machine was also restarted during the backup. Once the virtual machine restarted, the backup resumed automatically. The backup went on to complete, following two events that would have previously caused a backup to fail.


**Reflect X is setting a new standard for backup speed and reliability. To find out more, visit our Reflect X hub [here](https://www.macrium.com/reflect-x).**

reflect-x-vs-8-reliability-speed

Discover how Macrium Reflect X compares to our previous version Reflect 8 in our backup and recovery speed and resumable image reliability test.

Reflect X vs Reflect 8: Speed and Reliability Test

Reflect X vs Reflect 8: Speed and Resumable Imaging Test

# How Macrium's Upcoming Reflect X Could Save Your Business Thousands in Downtime Costs

*Global provider of backup and recovery solutions provides a sneak peek at powerful new product set to redefine industry speed and resilience standards*

&nbsp;

**23 SEPTEMBER 2024, MANCHESTER:** [Macrium](https://www.macrium.com/), a global leader in backup and disaster recovery, imaging and deployment software solutions that support critical infrastructure, operational technology and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) sectors, today announces [Reflect X](https://www.macrium.com/reflect-x), a revolutionary upgrade to its flagship product. Launching on October 8th, Reflect X redefines benchmarks for speed and efficiency in system backup and recovery, potentially saving businesses thousands in downtime costs.

At the heart of Reflect X is a game-changing performance boost: operations now run significantly faster than previous versions. Macrium reports initial testing has shown remarkable results, with Reflect X restoring an image up to 2x faster than Reflect 8 due to revolutionary compression and backup optimization. You can [see the test in action here](https://www.macrium.com/blog/reflect-x-speed-reliability-test).

While these results are based on controlled internal tests and may vary in different real-world storage scenarios, they demonstrate the significant performance enhancements achieved with Reflect X.

For downtime-sensitive environments such as Operational Technology (OT) and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), where every second of downtime translates to substantial costs, this improvement alone represents a significant value proposition.

&nbsp;

[Dave Joyce](https://www.linkedin.com/in/davefractionalcoo/?originalSubdomain=uk), CEO at Macrium, commented on the upcoming release: "With Reflect X, we're not just updating our software; we're resetting the industry standard for backup and recovery. In today's market, where tighter regulations and economic pressures are squeezing businesses from all sides, the tolerance for downtime has hit an all-time low. What was considered acceptable even a few years ago simply doesn't cut it anymore."

Joyce continued, "Every minute of downtime now translates to thousands in lost revenue, potential regulatory penalties, and erosion of customer trust. Businesses need a solution they can rely on to get them back up and running as quickly as possible. That's why Reflect X's enhanced speed isn't just an improvement—it's a game-changer for business continuity."

Reflect X is developed with businesses in mind. Recognizing the increasing focus on key metrics such as Recovery Time Objective (RTO) and Recovery Point Objective (RPO), this new solution aims to bridge the gap between current backup and recovery capabilities and evolving industry expectations. Reflect X is designed to help organizations better protect their data and minimize downtime in increasingly complex IT and OT environments. 

Dave Joyce added: "We recognise the added pressure on businesses looking to protect their bottom line. As a technology-led company, we believe innovation is key for businesses to keep up with the new standard. Our team has worked very hard to ensure Reflect X does just that."

&nbsp;

With more information set to be released about Reflect X over the coming weeks, Macrium has announced a [grace period for customers](https://www.macrium.com/blog/reflect-x-grace-period) who have recently bought or are looking to buy Reflect prior to the arrival of version X. Further details around upgrade paths for existing customers will be provided on launch, ensuring both new and long-time Macrium users can benefit from Reflect X’s innovative technology as soon as it becomes available.

In the lead up to the launch, Macrium will be revealing more about the groundbreaking features that make Reflect X such a significant step forward. Customers can expect insights into the advanced technologies powering this new solution, as well as a deeper dive into how Reflect X can revolutionize their backup and recovery processes.

"With Reflect X set to launch on October 8, 2024, we're challenging businesses with complex IT and OT environments to ask themselves a crucial question: Is their current backup solution keeping pace with evolving market demands?” concluded Dave Joyce.

&nbsp;

### About Macrium
Macrium Software delivers intuitive backup and recovery, deployment, and imaging solutions for IT and OT environments. Its core product, Reflect, ensures business continuity, enables rapid critical system recovery, and enhances operational efficiency across diverse industries and infrastructures. Macrium provides reliable, scalable, and dependable tools that minimize downtime and streamline workflows for businesses with complex operational needs.

### Contact Details
For further information or media enquiries, please reach out to the Macrium team at marketing@macrium.com.

reflect-x-is-coming-speed-imaging

Macrium Reflect X redefines benchmarks for speed and efficiency in system backup and recovery, potentially saving thousands in downtime costs.

Macrium Reflect X: faster backup and increased reliability

Macrium announces Reflect X, a revolutionary upgrade to its flagship product. Launching on October 8th, Reflect X redefines benchmarks for speed and efficiency in system backup and recovery, potentially saving businesses thousands in downtime costs.

Macrium Announces Reflect X: Reduce downtime with faster backup and resumable imaging 

# Introducing The Power of X

We’re proud to unveil Reflect X, our most advanced solution yet. Reflect X is set to redefine the standards of backup and recovery for businesses, offering unparalleled speed, flexibility, and reliability for complex IT and OT environments. Reflect X represents a leap forward in system backup, OS imaging, and deployment capabilities.


We've focused on creating a solution that minimizes downtime with lightning-fast backups and industry-leading recovery times. But Reflect X is more than just its features - it's about providing a foundation so dependable; you can focus on what truly matters in your business. 

&nbsp;

## What's New in Reflect X

### Up To 2x Faster Performance

Reflect X operates at up to twice the speed of Reflect 8, significantly reducing time needed to backup systems and helping customers optimize their recovery time objectives (RTOs). These enhancements are  achieved through advanced multi-threading capabilities, improved data compression algorithms, and . This means less downtime, more frequent backup opportunities, and ultimately, a more resilient data protection strategy for businesses and  enterprises of all sizes.


### Resumable Imaging

Our new resumable imaging feature uses checkpoint technology to ensure that even if a backup is interrupted, it can seamlessly continue from the last saved point. This is particularly crucial in environments with unpredictable network conditions or frequent system updates. It reduces the risk of incomplete backups due to outages or reboots, uses resources efficiently by not restarting large backups from scratch, and improves overall reliability for backups in distributed or remote office scenarios.

### Open-Source Accessibility

By making our .mrimg and .mrbak file formats open source, we're empowering IT teams with unprecedented flexibility and control. This move allows for the development of custom tools and scripts for advanced data management, enhances interoperability with existing software ecosystems, and increases transparency in the long-term accessibility of backed-up data. It's a step towards a more collaborative and innovative approach to data protection.

### ARM Hardware Support

As organizations explore ARM-based infrastructure for its power efficiency and performance, Reflect X is ready with full backup and bare-metal restore capabilities for Windows CoPilot+ PCs. ARM hardware is being extensively used for  AI/machine learning, which is becoming more common in businesses of all sizes, to bridge skills gaps and improve efficiency.This forward-thinking support ensures your data protection strategy is ready for the next generation of enterprise hardware.


### Enhanced Backup Filtering

Reflect X introduces file filtering when creating a disk image, which provides users with options to exclude files from disk images. This ensures that only the necessary data is captured, reducing the storage requirements when creating images. Additionally, since unneeded data can be excluded, images can be created and restored faster helping meet RTO and RPO targets.

### Air-Gapped Activation 
For organizations with high-security requirements, or businesses looking to gain control over their environment and how they activate licenses. Reflect X offers a streamlined offline license activation process compatible with completely air-gapped networks. 

&nbsp;

## LTSC Edition 
Our new Long-Term Servicing Channel edition is designed for environments that prioritize stability. It offers critical updates for 3 years included (an option for  5 years is available on request), undergoes a rigorous testing and validation process for each update to ensure compatibility, and provides options for on-premise update management to maintain strict control over software versions. This edition is ideal for OEM and mission-critical systems where consistency and reliability are paramount.

For more information about Macrium Reflect LTSC, [reach out to our team](/contact).

&nbsp;

## Looking to Buy Reflect Now or Recently Purchased?

For those who have recently purchased Reflect 8 and are wondering about the new version or for those who are looking to buy now, don't worry – we have options in place for you.

**If I buy Reflect 8 now, what happens after the launch of Reflect X?**

Firstly, if you want to continue using Macrium Reflect 8, you can (whether you have an annual plan or a one-time license). However, you also have options:

**I purchased an annual plan**

One advantage of the annual plan is that you can always access the latest version. You can upgrade anytime during your active subscription or remain on Reflect 8. Support will continue for the product's life (we will continue to support Reflect 8 with system-critical updates and fixes for one year after the release of Reflect X).

**I purchased a one-time license**

If you purchased on or after April 1st, 2024, you have two options;

- Continue using Reflect 8 for as long as you want. You will continue to have support aligned to your active Support & Maintenance agreement.
- Trade in (your existing license will be deactivated after your new license is activated) your one-time license and receive a 3-year Annual Plan at no extra cost. Plan start dates are prorated to the end of the current Support & Maintenance period, but access to Reflect X is immediate. However, even without a license, Reflect always allows you to restore/recover your data (you won’t be able to make new backups). We’ve also made your backup files open-source - it’s your data and you own it.

Business users have 6 months from the launch of Reflect X  to decide which option suits them best.

&nbsp;

## Frequently Asked Questions

We've addressed some common questions about Reflect X below to help you understand its benefits. For a more comprehensive list of FAQs covering features, compatibility, and the upgrade process, please visit our main [FAQ page](/reflect-x/faq).

**Why have you removed the one-time license option for Reflect X?**

Many of our business customers' feedback indicated a preference for the certainty provided by an annual plan. The annual plan offers assurance that you always have access to the latest version with innovations such as improvements we’ve made in compression speeds and algorithms. It also ensures you have access to critical updates and are protected against new threats and risks. Lastly, our annual plan ensures you always have access to technical support. 

However, we also recognize that many OEM customers and customers with critical infrastructure need stable versions with minimal feature updates. So, we will continue offering one-time licences with built-in support and maintenance and have  LTSC editions available. These will only be available by contacting one of our sales experts or your trusted reseller for more information.


**How long will you continue to support Reflect 8?**

As with our previous releases, we will continue to support Reflect 8 with system-critical updates and fixes for one year after the release of Reflect X. However, we recommend moving to Reflect X for the most secure and up-to-date version. 

We will continue to offer technical support for Reflect 8 until further notice.

Contact one of our Customer Success specialists or your licensing partner to ensure a smooth transition to Reflect X.

**Can I upgrade my one-time license to a Reflect X Annual Plan?**

Further details on the availability to upgrade existing licenses purchased on or before March 31st, 2024, will be communicated at launch.

If you purchased after this date, refer to the offer above.

&nbsp;

### Have more questions?

Check out our detailed [FAQ section](/reflect-x/faq) for additional information about Reflect X.

&nbsp;

### To find out more about Reflect X, visit our [hub](/reflect-x).


whats-new-reflect-x-business

Discover Macrium Reflect X: The fastest, most reliable backup solution for business. Up to 2x faster performance, resumable imaging, and enhanced security.

Reflect X: Advanced Backup, Imaging & Deployment for Enterprise

Discover more about Reflect X for business, launching this October: Our fastest enterprise backup solution yet. Featuring up to 2x speedier performance, LTSC edition for long-term stability, and support for ARM hardware. Learn how Reflect X will revolutionize system protection for complex IT and OT infrastructures.

Meet Reflect X: What's New For Business

# Introducing Reflect X for Home

We're excited to introduce Reflect X, our most advanced and powerful backup and recovery solution yet, coming this October. Reflect X is designed to deliver exceptional speed, accessibility, and security, enhancing your data protection like never before.
In an age where personal data security is more critical than ever, Reflect X stands as a significant advancement in safeguarding your information. 

Crafted with your needs in mind, Reflect X ensures you can use your computer with peace of mind, free from concerns about data loss or cyber threats. Experience enhanced data protection and reliability right at your fingertips with Reflect X.

&nbsp;

## What's New in Reflect X

### Up To 2x Faster Performance 
Reflect X performs backups up to twice as fast as our previous version, Reflect 8. This significant speed boost means less time waiting for backups to complete and quicker recovery when you need it most. The enhanced performance allows for more frequent backups without noticeable impact on your computer's speed, ensuring your important files and system data are always up-to-date and protected.

### Resumable Imaging
Life is unpredictable, and so are power outages or system interruptions. Reflect X introduces a game-changing feature that allows backups to resume seamlessly after interruptions. This means no more frustration over incomplete backups. Whether your laptop goes into sleep mode or you need to quickly shut down your computer, Reflect X will pick up right where it left off, ensuring your data is always fully protected.

### Open-Source Accessibility 
We've made our .mrimg and .mrbak file formats open source, a move that brings numerous benefits. This transparency gives you greater confidence in the long-term access to your backed-up data. For those interested in the technical aspects, it opens up possibilities for community-developed tools and add-ons, potentially extending the capabilities of Reflect X in exciting new ways.

### ARM Hardware Support 
If you're an early adopter of new technology, Reflect X is leading the way with groundbreaking support for ARM-based Windows CoPilot+ devices. As the first solution to offer bare-metal restore for Windows ARM, we’re setting new standards for flexibility and performance. Additionally, Reflect X is optimized for unmatched protection and performance on the latest ARM hardware, ensuring your data strategy is future-ready. Whether you're using an ARM-powered laptop or planning to upgrade soon, Reflect X has you covered.

### Enhanced Backup Filtering
Reflect X introduces advanced filtering options that allow for smarter, more efficient backups. You can easily exclude large files you don't need to back up or set rules to ignore temporary files automatically. This intelligent approach not only saves space on your backup drive but also speeds up the backup process, making it easier than ever to keep your important data safe without unnecessary clutter.

## Looking to Buy Reflect Now or Recently Purchased?
For those who have recently purchased Reflect 8 and are wondering about the new version, don't worry – we have options in place for you.

### I just purchased Reflect 8 and didn't know there would be a new release
Firstly, if you want to continue using Macrium Reflect 8, you can (whether you have an annual plan or a one-time license). However, you also have options:

**Purchased an annual plan**
One advantage of the annual plan is that you can always access the latest version. You can upgrade anytime during your active subscription or remain on Reflect 8. Support will continue for the product's life (we will continue to provide technical support for Reflect 8 until further notice, with system-critical updates and fixes guaranteed for one year after the release of Reflect X).

**Purchased a one-time license**
If you purchased on or after July 1st, 2024, you have three options;

- Continue using Reflect 8 for as long as you want. You will continue to have access to 12 months technical support from the date you bought the licenses.
- Trade in (your existing license will be deactivated after your new license is activated) your one-time license (which has one year support from the date of purchase) and receive a 3-year Annual Plan at no extra cost.  Macrium may make loyalty offers available at the end of your 3-year term. However, even without a license, Reflect always allows you to restore/recover your data (you won’t be able to make new backups). We’ve also made your backup files open-source - it’s your data and you own it.

Home users have 6 months from the launch of Reflect X  to decide which option suits them best.

## Frequently Asked Questions
We've addressed some common questions about Reflect X below to help you understand its benefits. For a more comprehensive list of FAQs covering features, compatibility, and the upgrade process, please visit our main [FAQ page.](/reflect-x/faq)

**Why should I upgrade to Reflect X?**
Reflect X is the most advanced version of Reflect yet. By using advanced data compression techniques and optimized multithreading processes, our backup and recovery is now 2 times faster without putting additional strain on your system.

For users of Copilot ARM devices, Reflect X is the only backup software that offers boot menu recovery and bare metal restore - highlighting our commitment to innovation.

Resumable imaging and making our backup files open source also highlight our ongoing commitment to deliver feature-rich, market-leading backup and recovery software, without holding you (or your data) hostage.

**Why have you removed the one-time license option?**
Many of our home customers' feedback indicated a preference for the certainty provided by an annual plan. The annual plan offers assurance that you always have access to the latest version with innovations such as improvements we’ve made in compression speeds and algorithms. It also ensures you have access to critical updates and are protected against new threats and risks. Lastly, our annual plan ensures you always have access to technical support (one-time licenses only offer 12 months of support).

**How long will you continue to support Reflect 8?**
As with our previous releases, we will continue to support Reflect 8 with system-critical updates and fixes for one year after the release of Reflect X. However, we recommend moving to Reflect X for the most secure and up-to-date version. 

We will continue to offer technical support for Reflect 8 until further notice.


**I own multiple one-time licenses. Can I upgrade only a few of my licenses?**
Yes - you can upgrade one, some or all of your licenses, but note that a 4-pack cannot be partially upgraded! Please see our other upgrade and offers for validity. 


### Have more questions? 
Check out our detailed [FAQ section](/reflect-x/faq) for additional information about Reflect X.

## To find out more about Reflect X, visit our [hub](https://www.macrium.com/reflect-x).



whats-new-for-home

Discover Macrium Reflect X for home: up to 2x faster backups, resumable imaging, and enhanced security. Protect your data with ease and confidence.

Reflect X: Advanced Personal Backup & Recovery Made Easy

Discover more about Reflect X for home, coming this October: Our most advanced backup solution. With up to 2x faster backups, intelligent filtering options, and pioneering Windows ARM support for personal devices. See how Reflect X will elevate your at home data protection.

Meet Reflect X: What's New For Home

# Macrium Reflect X: What It Means for Recent and New Reflect 8 Customers

With the recent launch of Reflect X, you might be wondering what this means if you've recently purchased Reflect 8. 

Here's what you need to know about your options, whether you're a business or home user:

&nbsp;


## For Business Customers

**I bought Reflect 8 after April 1st 2024, what happens to me after the launch of Reflect X?**

Firstly, if you want to continue using Macrium Reflect 8, you can (whether you have an annual plan or a one-time license). However, you also have options.

**I purchased an annual plan**

One advantage of the annual plan is that you can always access the latest version. You can upgrade anytime during your active subscription or remain on Reflect 8. Support will continue for the product's life (we will continue to support Reflect 8 with system-critical updates and fixes for one year after the release of Reflect X).

**I purchased a one-time license**

If you purchased on or after April 1st, 2024, you have two options;

- Continue using Reflect 8 for as long as you want. You will continue to have support aligned to your active Support & Maintenance agreement.
- Trade in (your existing license will be deactivated after your new license is activated) your one-time license and receive a 3-year Annual Plan at no extra cost. Plan start dates are prorated to the end of the current Support & Maintenance period, but access to Reflect X is immediate.

However, even without a license, Reflect always allows you to restore/recover your data (you won’t be able to make new backups). We’ve also made your backup files open-source - it’s your data and you own it.

Business users have 6 months from the launch of Reflect X to decide which option suits them best.

&nbsp;

**For business users that purchased before April 1st 2024**

If you purchased a Reflect 8 perpetual license before April 1, 2024 and have active Support & Maintenance, you are eligible for 33% off on 1, 3, and 5 Year Annual Plans. You will get immediate access to Reflect X and your subscription start dates will be pro-rated to the end of your current Support & Maintenance period. This offer is valid until September 30th 2025.

LTSC edition: Alternatively, you can stay on Reflect 8 and migrate to our Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) edition and get a free upgrade when the new LTSC edition becomes available.

For Business users on V6, V7, V8 out of support: We are offering 33% off on 1, 3, and 5 Year Annual Plans. This offer is valid until March 31st 2025.

&nbsp;

## For Home Customers

**I just purchased Reflect 8 and didn't know there would be a new release.**

Firstly, if you want to continue using Macrium Reflect 8, you can (whether you have an annual plan or a one-time license). However, you also have options:

**I purchased an annual plan**

One advantage of the annual plan is that you can always access the latest version. You can upgrade anytime during your active subscription or remain on Reflect 8. Support will continue for the product's life (we will continue to provide technical support for Reflect 8 until further notice, with system-critical updates and fixes guaranteed for one year after the release of Reflect X).

**I purchased a one-time license**

If you purchased on or after July 1st, 2024, you have three options;

- Continue using Reflect 8 for as long as you want. You will continue to have access to 12 months technical support from the date you bought the licenses.
- Trade in (your existing license will be deactivated after your new license is activated) your one-time license (which has one year of support from the date of purchase) and receive a 3-year Annual Plan at no extra cost. Macrium may make loyalty offers available at the end of your 3-year term. However, even without a license, Reflect always allows you to restore/recover your data (you won’t be able to make new backups). We’ve also made your backup files open-source - it’s your data and you own it.
- NEW: Trade in (your existing license will be deactivated after your new license is activated) your one-time license (which has one year support from the date of purchase) and receive 50% off the normal annual plan price for life (must turn on auto-renew and not allow the license to expire/lapse).

Home users have 6 months from the launch of Reflect X to decide which option suits them best. Step-by-step instructions to obtain either option from the grace period will be published this week.

&nbsp;

**For Reflect Home users who purchased V8 before July 1, 2024:**

You are eligible for two options. The first option is 50% off Annual plans for life. Option 2 is our “Better than Black Friday 2024 Offer:” 3 years for the price of 2:

If you choose 50% off annual plans for life, you will have to trade in your current Reflect Home V8 license.

If you choose 3 years for the price of 2, you can keep your Reflect Home V8 license. This amount must be paid up front and at the end of the plan, customers may renew based on offers available at the time (or return to your one-time license.)

For Home V6 & V7: We are offering 3 years for the price of two. This amount must be paid up front and at the end of the plan, customers may renew based on offers available at the time (or return to your one-time license.)This offer ends March 31st 2025.

&nbsp;

**How do I upgrade?**

For more information on how to upgrade and what offers are available to you, click [here](https://www.macrium.com/blog/what-upgrades-am-I-eligible-for). to see a blog that simply allows you to see which offers are available.

If you already know what offer you would like, please "Check Updates" within Macrium Reflect or click [here](https://knowledgebase.macrium.com/display/KNOWX/Upgrading+to+Reflect+X).

## More Questions?

For more detailed information and answers to frequently asked questions, check out our [FAQ section](/reflect-x/faq). If you have specific questions about your license or the transition to Reflect X, [our support team](https://www.macrium.com/support) is ready to help.

To find out more about Reflect X, visit our [hub](https://www.macrium.com/reflect-x).

grace-period-reflect-x

Learn about your options as a Macrium Reflect customer. Discover upgrade paths and benefits for both business and home users.

Macrium Reflect X Update: What It Means for Reflect 8 Users

Ahead of the launch of Reflect X, discover grace period options for Reflect 8 users. Explore options for both business and home customers who have recently purchased or looking to get reflect now.

Macrium Reflect X: Options for Recent and New Reflect 8 Customers

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