Has ATI 2021 become over complicated?
As a regular reviewer of the annual beta version updates of the ATI product I have in recent years expressed concern to Acronis about the increasing complexity of the product. I have ventured that Acronis may consider introducing a “Lite” version option of ATI that reverts to the original roots of a simple easy to use backup solution for the “average” user. Modifications to the product though have continued to introduce greater complexity and as a result seem more prone to introduce obstacles to its successful installation and use.
I have recently installed (upgraded) ATI 2021 on three computers. The installation was initially successful but since Build 30480 have uncounted problems with the Protection features. One computer (a tablet) slowed considerably and displayed the message “Operations are in progress please wait” for some time when rebooted. This was fixed by turning the Protection Features off. Another a workstation (NVMe SDD) machine continually displays “Download protection updates failed” and the Protection features will not turn on. The third machine (an older PC) appears to operate normally with the Protection features working correctly. The OS on all 3 machines is W10 Pro Ver 2004 Build 19041.508. I have raised a ticket with Acronis in relation to the workstation but as yet have not had a reply.
I can appreciate that Acronis have followed a course of improving and adding to the ATI product to promote new sales and encourage existing users to update. Judging by some of the posts on this Acronis Forum though there seems to be a risk of them losing some existing customers due to the problems introduced.
Perhaps a better strategy would have been to offer the Protection features in a separate product?
Thanks for your support Ian, I have posted on the in-app feedback.
Let's hope more people send Acronis their constructive feedback and they take notice.
Cheers
Ted B.
+1 from me too here!
It has gotten overly complicated. The standard user will not be able to use it successfully. I have ATI 2020 for my spouse to backup her system and she gave up and she is technically adept. She has reverted by to ATI 2018.
I have also stopped using 2020 and gone back to 2018. Simple and less issues and it has never failed me.
I understand progress, but when it makes doing a simple backup a tedious task, it defeats its original purpose.
My proposition(Feedback an Ati);
The program should get a switch with the setting "Simple"
-Backup Recovery Cloud
With links to a video / picture instruction for operation
So everyone can use the program in a simple way.
I personally would be happy for it to stay as it was with ATI 2020 but with all the core issues fixed properly, i.e. cloning settings, mounting images, validating only the most recent file(s) and dealing with performance, time remaining estimates etc.
I was happy with the AAP in 2020 as just ransomware protection and do not want all the extra overheads of ATI trying to be a full blown security suite with antivirus etc (and making a real hash of doing so!).
I also want the Perpetual version of ATI 2021 to stop all its new CyberProtect services when the user does not elect to take the 3 month trial of these - this is just plain bloatware when isn't being used! Better still, only install what is being used and allow the user to choose what to install.
I agree with you completely Steve.
@Steve Smith, you hit it on the head. I share your views, which both us made forcefully during beta testing and subsequently
+1 for Steve's comments.
I agree with the assessments here concerning the new protection features.
I also want to say that just backups themselves have become more problematic, especially with the advent of the .tibx format. I've seen enough problems expressed here that would indicate the need to improve the backup capabilities to make it less inclined to hiccup. There should be better built-in tools to insure the integrity of backups. How many times have we seen users report "backup not found" errors when it's right there. It should be easier to run backups tasks to different drives too.
I'm still running ATI 2018 and 2019 here. But I don't recall much being done to improve the user experience for backups... especially for those less technically savvy.
+1 and more
As a long time devoted and enthusiastic advocate of TI have become very concerned with the growing scope of functions and inherent complexity. I do appreciate most of the 2020 advances, but enough is enough.
In a very recent survey I pleaded with Acronis to not try to duplicate functionality of other proven solutions and that I would rather they focus on reliability and performance - work to perfect backup and recovery in all respects. The survey asked about anti-malware, cybersecurity, etc.. Little did I know that my answers mattered little. It was already a done deal!
Now this on top of the "dashboard fiasco", which clobbered many backup scripts and backup archives, I am spending way too much time helping the many, many friends, family and co-workers I have helped get on the TI train. I'm seriously thinking it might be time to look at other solutions.
It's a shame that it's coming to that, TI has (had) so much promise.
+1000
I am wondering if the next release will be the last nail in the ATI coffin, or if Acronis get the message. The delay of the Beta to the next year is a little, but good sign.
Can anyone tell me why Acronis is moving more towards major Security software with Disk Backup software when Windows Operating System itself provides firewall with security features.