R1Soft says its new process is the first to enable the recovery of a Windows machine without using Windows Pre-Execution or Remote Installation Services. The company provides customers with a Linux Live CD ISO image compatible with popular Windows Server storage and network devices.

To restore, says R1Soft, an administrator need only insert the CD, power on and choose a point-in-time full virtual backup from R1Soft's continuous data protection server web interface.

The tool lets administrators skip the time consuming OS re-installation step previously required. According to R1Soft, bare-metal restore alternatives offered by companies like IBM and Symantec still require the use of Windows PE or RIS during restores, which can translate to a time-difference of hours.

"Bare-metal restore has been a real thorn in the side of software makers when it comes to Windows servers. It has proven difficult to boot Windows without using a hard disk for restore. Windows PE, for example, requires a separate Windows license for every instance that is booted and it is very complicated and time consuming just to get it to work. The nearest alternative is RIS, and that can take days to get working, especially in a large data center," said David Wartell, vice president of R1Soft, in a quote included in the announcement. "With our new release of CDP for Windows, we have finally solved the problem. Bare-metal restores on Windows servers from disk backups can now be completed by simply inserting a CD in the tray."

R1Soft launched a hosting partner program in February, through which hosting providers can deliver its data protection solutions to their own customers. It provides partners with access to volume licensing discounts and marketing materials. Last week, the company added web host Future Hosting as a new partner.