[Discuss] Revisiting VMWare ESX backup options

[scott at ehrlichtronics.com (Scott Ehrlich)]

We have some new Dell rack servers running new installs of ESX 5.5 U1,
and looking to buy a redundant server to use as a backup for the
primary.

The budget is healthy enough for appropriate hardware and storage
(likely a duplicate of the primary).   The primary is very appropriate
for its tasks.

So backup plan will be two parts:

1) Back up primary to in-house backup server (to be purchased) in another room

2) Find a recommended off-site location to back up to remotely -
cloud, storage at Rackspace, or something

1 and 2 will augment each other.

I have read about VMWare's SRM product, and read reviews of Veeam,
Zerto, and PHD products.

Reviews of SRM appeared to indicate it is limited in capability.

Reviews of Veeam appeared to indicate it is a capable product, but
their cost model was exponentially higher over time than the product
is worth?

Reviews of Zerto appear favorable and PHD seemed new on the block but
still got good reviews.

What are your thoughts on product(s) to use for primary to backup and
for options for off-site - cloud vs storage facility that gives us
space on a system?

Staying within the US for the remote backup is favorable, but all
options are welcome.

Thanks.
Scott