This week we upgraded one of our original data recovery tools. Hardware based recovery tools make a big difference in DR work, many times it’s the difference between recovering data and failure. The tools aren’t cheap which is one reason there isn’t a DR shop on every corner. They also require training, experience, and updates for high percentage results. At our DR lab we use hardware/software recovery systems from Ace Lab’s (PC-3000). In the past we have used the Dolphin Data Labs tool models DFL-DDP, DFL-FRP, and the DFL-SRP.
While it is not considered the pinnacle of DR tools the DFL-SRP has made some advances and continues to improve. The disk imaging software is easy to use and boasts many of the same features as the PC-3000. If you are just starting out you may not be ready to invest $6500-$10,000 for a tool that you can’t sell if you change your mind. That’s where the DFL tools come in. You get a license file so you can install the hardware/software combo on any PC, copy the license file to that PC, and start using the tool. There is no online activation or restriction from selling the tool. As long as you provide the software and the license it will be usable. It’s a good tool to learn with and if you decide the data recovery business is not for you then you have the option to sell the tool. Of course, this could always change in the future, so be sure to check with Dolphin Data Lab to see what their current licensing policy is.