Dantz Development Corp. has announced the release of a public beta version of Retrospect Client for Mac OS X. The new software is ready for download from Dantz’s Web site now.
Using Retrospect Client, you can back up your Mac OS X-equipped systems to a Retrospect server over a network, using either Retrospect Workgroup Backup 4.3 or Retrospect Desktop 4.3 with a Retrospect Clients Pack.
Distributed as a public beta version, Retrospect Client for Mac OS X will expire on July 1, 2001. The software is being released without support, although Dantz is providing an e-mail list server for users who want to exchange info with each other about the software (more details are available on Dantz’s Web site).
Dantz notes that there are a few issues with this early public beta — the client installer demands much more available hard disk space than is actually necessary or used; sometimes the software doesn’t show up in the finder (restarting fixes that); and various features in the software have not yet been implemented. All these issues are documented in the release notes included with the software.
Please bear in mind that this software will not allow you to backup to a local archival system connected directly to your OS X-equipped Mac via Retrospect Desktop — as the Client software, it’s designed to work specifically over the network. Since your Mac OS X machine will be functioning as a Retrospect Client, you’ll also need to make sure your server is equipped with an available license, as well.