What is the BDRShield Free Edition?
The BDRShield Free Edition is a no-cost version of BDRShield that allows users to back up a limited number of workloads—across endpoints, virtual machines, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and cloud VMs—without paying anything.
What are the limitations of the Free Edition?
1. Workload Limits
You can backup the following for free:
- Endpoints: 10 endpoints (Disk-image & file backup for Windows and Mac)
- Microsoft 365: 10 users (Mail, Calendar & Contacts)
- Google Workspace: 10 users (Mail, Calendar & Contacts)
- Virtual Machines: 10 VMs (VMware, Hyper-V, KVM, Proxmox, oVirt)
- AWS EC2: 10 instances
- Azure VMs: 10 VMs
2. Technical Support
Free Edition users only get community/forum support.
Can I use the Free Edition for production environments?
Yes—ideal for small environments, labs, testing, or small production setups. For larger environments or unlimited workloads, upgrade to Enterprise edition.
How long can I use the Free Edition?
The Free Edition does not have a time limit. You can use it indefinitely, but with the limitations on the number of workloads.
What types of backups are supported in the Free Edition?
The Free Edition supports all core BDRShield features, identical to Enterprise, within workload limits:
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Endpoint backup (Disk Image & File Backup for Windows and File Backup for macOS)
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Agentless VM backup (VMware, Hyper-V, KVM, Proxmox, oVirt)
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Microsoft 365 backup (Mail/Calendar/Contacts)
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Google Workspace backup (Mail/Calendar/Contacts)
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AWS EC2 backup
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Azure VM backup
Can I restore data using the Free Edition?
Yes, the Free Edition allows you to restore data from backups. You can perform full or granular restores depending on the workload type.
Is there a storage limit in the Free Edition?
The Free Edition does not impose a specific storage limit. You can store backups anywhere:
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On-Premise storage - Local disks, NAS, SAN or Deduplication Appliances, External/USB drives
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Your Public Cloud - S3, Azure Blob, Wasabi, Google Cloud, Backblaze & other S3 compatible storage
Can I upgrade from the Free Edition to a paid plan?
Yes, you can easily upgrade to a paid plan at any time. Upgrading unlocks additional features, removes workload limits, and provides access to premium support.
How do I download and activate the BDRShield Free Edition?
To start using the Free Edition:
Step 1 — Go to the BDRShield website and download BDRShield installer (BDRShield does not have a separate installer for Free/Enterpise Edition. Only after installation, you will be able to switch between free/enterprise edition).
Step 2 — Install & Log In After installation and login, you will automatically receive a 30-day full-featured free trial of the Enterprise Edition.
Step 3 — Go to Edition Menu: Select Free Edition and confirm activation.
Switching between Trial → Free Edition → Enterprise is handled directly from the Edition Menu. Your Existing Backups stay intact. Switching to the Free Edition does not delete or affect existing backups. You can continue to restore data normally, within the Free Edition workload limits.
What happens if I exceed the workload limit in the Free Edition?
In free edition, the backups will fail for the workloads that exceeded the free edition limit. For unlimited workloads, you need to switch to Enterprise edition and purchase licenses to ensure successful backups and restore.
Is technical support available for the Free Edition?
Free Edition users typically have access to BDRShield community forum and Technical Documentation. For priority technical support, upgrading to a paid plan is recommended.
Are there any hidden costs in the Free Edition?
No, the Free Edition is completely free to use within its limitations. There are no hidden costs or subscription fees.
Can I schedule backups in the Free Edition?
Yes, the Free Edition allows you to schedule backups at convenient times (starting Every 15mins, hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly).
What happens to my backups if I uninstall the Free Edition?
Your backup data will remain intact in the storage location you configured. However, you will no longer be able to manage or restore backups unless you reinstall BDRSuite.
Can I use the Free Edition for educational or testing purposes?
Yes, the Free Edition is ideal for testing, evaluation, or educational purposes. It’s a great way to explore BDRSuite’s capabilities before committing to a paid plan.
How does Free Edition differ from Enterprise Edition?
Feature | Free Edition | Enterprise Edition |
Workload Count | Limited (10 per category) | Unlimited
|
Features | All features included | All features |
Support | Community | 24/7 support
|
Can I backup multiple types of workloads simultaneously in the Free Edition?
Yes, you can backup multiple types of workloads (e.g., virtual, physical, cloud, SaaS) simultaneously, as long as you stay within the workload limits of the Free Edition.
Does the Free Edition support incremental backups?
Yes, the Free Edition supports incremental backups to save time and storage by only backing up changes since the last backup.
Can I backup to cloud storage in the Free Edition?
Yes, Free Edition allows you to backup directly to your own cloud storage (e.g., AWS S3, Azure, Google, Wasabi, or S3 Compatible storage)
Is there a limit to the size of backups in the Free Edition?
No, there is no specific limit on the size of backups. However, you are responsible for managing your own storage capacity.
Can I backup Windows or Linux servers in the Free Edition?
Currently, the Free Edition does not supports backing up physical servers (Windows & Linux).
Does the Free Edition support file-level backups?
Yes, the Free Edition supports file-level backups, allowing you to backup specific files and folders.
Can I backup VMware and Hyper-V VMs together in the Free Edition?
Yes, you can backup both VMware and Hyper-V virtual machines in the Free Edition, as long as you stay within the 10 VMs limit.
Does the Free Edition support encryption for backups?
Yes, the Free Edition includes end-to-end encryption for backups to ensure your data is secure during transit and storage.
Can I backup Office 365 data in the Free Edition?
Yes, you can backup 10 Microsoft 365 user data including mails, contacts, calendar in the free edition. To backup more users or other data such as SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, you need to switch to Enterprise Edition.
Can I backup endpoints (e.g., laptops or desktops) in the Free Edition?
Yes, you can backup 10 endpoints (e.g., laptops or desktops)
Does the Free Edition support compression for backups?
Yes, the Free Edition includes backup compression to reduce storage requirements.
Does the Free Edition support email notifications?
Yes, the Free Edition supports email notifications for backup status, failures, and other alerts.
Can I backup multiple Hyper-V hosts in the Free Edition?
Yes, you can backup VMs from multiple Hyper-V hosts, as long as you stay within the 10 VMs limit.
Does the Free Edition support backup retention policies?
Yes, you can configure backup retention policies in the Free Edition to automatically purge older backups and save storage space.
Can I backup to a remote location in the Free Edition?
Yes, you can back up to a remote location (e.g., a different server or NAS) as long as it is accessible over the network.
Does the Free Edition support backup reporting?
Yes, the Free Edition includes backup reporting to track backup status, successes, and failures.
What happens when the BDRSuite trial period ends?
When the trial period ends, you have two options:
- Purchase a license and continue using the full version of BDRSuite.
- Convert to the Free Edition and continue using BDRSuite with limited features.
How do I convert to the Free Edition after the trial expires?
To convert to the Free Edition, follow these steps:
Step 1: Register with BDRSuite Portal
- Go to the BDRSuite web console.
- Navigate to Backup Server Tile -> Management -> License Menu.
- Choose one of the following options
Step 2: Run License Check
- After registration, go to the web console and perform a Run License Check to update the license status.
Step 3: Activate Free Edition
- Navigate to Backup Server Tile -> Management -> Edition Menu.
- Select Free Edition and proceed with activation.
Step 4: Log Out and Log In
- Log out of the BDRSuite web console.
What if my server is already registered with the BDRSuite Portal?
If your server is already registered, skip Step 1 and directly:
- Go to Backup Server Tile -> Management -> Edition Menu.
- Select Free Edition and activate it.
- Log out and log back in to apply the changes.
Can I switch back to a paid license after activating the Free Edition?
Yes, you can upgrade to a paid license at any time. Simply:
- Go to Backup Server Tile -> Management -> License Menu.
- Purchase a license and activate it.
- Perform a Run License Check to apply the changes.
Will my existing backups be affected when switching to the Free Edition?
No, your existing backups will remain intact. However, you may not be able to back up additional workloads beyond the Free Edition limits.
Can I use the Free Edition indefinitely?
Yes, the Free Edition does not have a time limit. You can use it indefinitely, but with the limitations on workloads.
What if I don’t register with the BDRSuite Portal?
If you do not register with the BDRSuite Portal, you will not be able to activate the Free Edition or continue using BDRSuite after the trial period ends.