DCIG names Acronis a Top 5 backup vendor for VMware in two categories

The Data Center Intelligence Group (DCIG) recently named Acronis a Top 5 vendor in two categories, VMware backup for midsize enterprises and VMware backup for managed service providers (MSPs).

An analyst firm for the IT industry, DCIG provides informed third-party analysis of various cloud, data protection, and data storage technologies. DCIG independently develops licensed DCIG Top 5 reports in a variety of categories.

In DCIG’s 2025-26 Midmarket VMware Backup Report, the firm recognized Acronis Cyber Protect as a Top 5 solution in the category. And in a separate report, on VMware backup for MSPs, DCIG recognized Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud as a Top 5 solution. This recognition is a testament to Acronis' commitment to providing robust, flexible and secure backup solutions that meet the evolving needs of midmarket enterprises. Both reports are available for free on the DCIG website.

The report evaluated solutions in multiple categories, including:

• Backup Administration
• Configuration, Licensing, and Pricing
• General Data Protection Capabilities
• Recovery and Restore
• Service and Support
• VMware vSphere ESX/ESXi VM Backup

Acronis performed well, and DCIG cited several critical functions of Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud for its presence on the list.

Modern VMware backup solutions for MSPs need more than just basic VMware vStorage API for Data Protection (VADP) support. They require features like AI-driven anomaly detection, cross-hypervisor capabilities and expanded cybersecurity functionality. Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud excels in all of those areas.

AI is increasingly important for identifying backup anomalies and potential ransomware infections. Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud leverages artificial intelligence (AI) effectively for those purposes.

Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud delivers strong functionality in data immutability, encryption and multifactor authentication to protect backups against ransomware.

Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud supports common but critical features such as AWS S3 backup target, encryption, Microsoft SQL Server support, multiple guest operating system (OS) support, REST APIs, various technical support channels and the use of VADP APIs.

Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud supports backing up Microsoft 365 components.

Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud is an integrated cyber protection solution specifically designed for MSPs. It combines cybersecurity, data protection and endpoint management into a single, unified platform, significantly reducing the complexity and overhead associated with managing multiple tools.

The solution features advanced AI-based static and behavioral heuristic antivirus, anti-malware and anti-ransomware technologies, along with data loss prevention through device control. Acronis Extended Detection and Response (XDR) further enhances endpoint protection with full-stack anti-malware, improving detection speed and accuracy while ensuring zero false positives. Additionally, Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud supports fail-safe patching, forensic backup and robust automation capabilities, all of which are aimed at simplifying the management of client environments and streamlining business operations.

DCIG based its recognition of Acronis Cyber Protect in the midmarket VMware backup space on several critical features, including:

The significant changes in VMware's licensing model have led to substantial price increases, prompting midmarket enterprises to seek backup solutions that support multiple hypervisors. Acronis Cyber Protect stands out for its ability to back up a virtual machine on one hypervisor and restore it on another. This feature is crucial for organizations considering migrating their existing VMware VMs to alternative hypervisors, ensuring a smooth transition and cost savings.

Acronis Cyber Protect integrates AI and anomaly detection to identify backup anomalies and expose undetected strains of ransomware. This proactive approach helps in preventing data loss and ensuring the integrity of backups. Additionally, these technologies optimize backup job scheduling and facilitate efficient restores, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Acronis Cyber Protect includes essential features such as Active Directory integration, AWS S3 backup target support, compression and deduplication, encryption, VADP API support, a web-based GUI and robust technical support. These features ensure a seamless and secure backup experience.

Acronis goes beyond the basics with advanced AWS S3 API operations, deduplication appliances, cloud object storage targets, replication and storage array integration. These advanced features provide midmarket enterprises with the tools they need to manage and protect their data effectively.

Acronis Cyber Protect offers proactive technical support, ensuring that any issues are addressed promptly and efficiently. This level of support is crucial for midmarket enterprises that may not have dedicated IT staff and need reliable assistance to manage their backup and recovery processes.

Acronis Cyber Protect's comprehensive feature set, advanced AI and anomaly detection and cross-hypervisor support make it a top choice for midmarket enterprises and MSPs. By choosing Acronis, organizations can ensure data integrity, enhance cybersecurity, and maintain operational continuity in an increasingly complex IT landscape.

Acronis Cyber Protect is a comprehensive cyber protection solution for businesses that seamlessly integrates backup and data protection with advanced cybersecurity features. It offers secure, immutable backups and rapid recovery capabilities, including cloud-to-cloud backups for major productivity suites. The software includes robust security features such as AI-enhanced behavioral heuristic antivirus, anti-malware, anti-ransomware and anti-cryptojacking technologies, as well as endpoint detection and response (EDR) and real-time threat protection.

Additionally, it provides endpoint management tools like proactive patching, automated scripts and remote access for troubleshooting, along with detailed compliance reporting and data protection maps. Centralized management through a single console simplifies the administration of cybersecurity, backup and endpoint management tasks, while AI and machine learning (ML) technologies enhance predictive alerts and anomaly detection.