Placing second by just a hair is TimeSpring Software Corp.'s TimeData for SQL Server 2005. It grabbed the Silver Award in SearchSQLServer.com's Products of the Year 2006.

TimeData's point-in-time restores is described as a top feature by one judge, who adds that TimeData has a "novel and creative approach to restoring data lost due to damage, overwriting or other problems."

TimeData allows quick and simple recovery from data loss or corruption by turning back to the precise moment before the transaction occurred. "This seems to be a good internally supported way, "said the judge, adding that it works in conjunction with the way SQL Server itself actually works.

Another benefit is that the product avoids costly pitfalls by providing transparent data protection in a moment-by-moment view of SQL Server data and transactions. Even though TimeData placed second, it surpassed the number of points received by the Gold Award winner in the performance category. TimeData's continuous data protection software automatically and transparently captures all data changes as they occur. It automatically captures all changes to data in real time and maintains an efficient repository.

SQL Server backups, snapshots and other traditional methods can leave periods of time when changes occur but are not protected. Gaps can range from 15-minute intervals to days. TimeData eliminates all gaps in data protection and, hence, the costly loss of data.

TimeData costs $3,995 per SQL Server.

SearchSQLServer.com