The term purpose-built backup appliance (PBBA) was coined almost a decade ago by International Data Corporation (IDC) analyst Robert Amatruda. IDC defines PBBA as a “standalone disk-based solution that utilizes software, disk arrays, server engine(s), or nodes that are used for a target for backup data”. Years since they first came onto the scene, these handy standalone backup appliances have grown in prominence and became an important addition contributing to the ongoing data centre evolution.