Looking for Server 2003 SP2 cloner / image

[adtrance]

I'm about to roll out a major HVAC software upgrade on one of our production servers but before I do, I'd like to clone that server entirely just in case the upgrade is not working as intended. I'm looking for a software package that allows me to restore the image exactly as the original and will be up and running as if nothing ever happened.

I've read about Acronis True Image and TeraByte Unlimited Image for Windows but am wary using these products on Server 2003 SP2. Anyone with experience in using a cloning product on Server 2K3SP2 with a similar scenario?

Also, why would I need to spend $999 for Acronis True Image Echo Enterprise Server -vs- $39 for TeraByte Image for Windows since they both are compatible with Windows Server OS?

 

[imported_snikt]

You're concerned about your production server, got it. You want to roll out your software on a production server just to see how it works on Windows Server 2003? If that's the case build another server and just install the software on it and do your observations.

 

[adtrance]

Originally posted by: snikt
You're concerned about your production server, got it. You want to roll out your software on a production server just to see how it works on Windows Server 2003? If that's the case build another server and just install the software on it and do your observations.

Reason why I can't virtualize or run this upgrade on a separate development environment is that the software requires a USB security dongle to work.

 

[CalvinHobbes]

I've used Acronis and Ghost on every server OS that Windows makes. Never had any issues at all. Now we only use Acronis on the new equipment and Ghost on the legacy stuff.

 

[yinan]

You can virtualize this and use a USB dongle at the same time. VMware workstation allows for the presentation of USB devices to a virtual machine.

Run it in a vm in a development environment.

 

[JDMnAR1]

Ghost works flawlessly with Server 2003 SP2.

 

[Thor86]

+1 Symantec Backup Exec Livestate.