Microsoft Corp. today announced the public beta release of the Microsoft� System Center Data Protection Manager (DPM) version 2 at the Storage Decisions conference in New York. The next version of System Center DPM delivers continuous data protection (CDP) for Microsoft application and file servers through advanced technology for enterprises of all sizes. Building on the rapid and reliable recovery, efficient protection, and operational simplicity found in Data Protection Manager 2006, customers will be able to extend these cost-saving benefits from individual file servers to their mission-critical Microsoft applications using fully integrated disk-to-disk-to-tape protection.

�Customers who have been dissatisfied with the complexity and cost of alternative backup solutions are looking for Microsoft to deliver a superior data protection solution. DPM version 2, which includes support of Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft SQL Server� and Microsoft Office SharePoint� Portal Server, sets a new standard for data protection,� said Kirill Tatarinov corporate vice president of the Windows Enterprise Management Division at Microsoft. �DPM version 2 combines the concepts of continuous data protection and traditional tape backup, online and offline, into a single product, enabling a zero-data-loss configuration for applications. This innovation represents a significant milestone in Microsoft�s Universal Distributed Storage and systems management strategies.�