Synology Active Backup for Business is one of the most popular backup solutions for protecting:

  • Physical devices
  • Virtual machines
  • File servers
  • Cloud data

However, before deploying it, it’s important to understand its requirements and recovery options. In this comprehensive walkthrough, I’ll explain:

What is Synology Active Backup for Business?

Synology Active Backup for Business (ABB) is a complete recovery and email backup solution developed by Synology. With its centralized dashboard, users can back up multiple workloads simultaneously, such as:

  • Windows PCs
  • Windows Servers
  • Linux Servers
  • Physical Servers
  • VMware Virtual Machines
  • Hyper-V Virtual Machines
  • Microsoft 365 Data
  • Google Workspace Data
  • File Servers

Synology Active Backup for Business stores backup data on a Synology NAS device. 

The important points to remember: 

  • Synology ABB saved data inside the Active Backup repository on the NAS
  • The individual backup files option is not available

Where is the Synology ABB Data Stored?

There is huge confusion among the users about where Synology Active Backup for Business stores data, in which folder. So, the answer is on a: 

  • Synology NAS volume
  • Shared folder created by Active Backup for Business
  • Active Backup repository database
  • Optionally replicated to another:
    • NAS
    • Cloud storage
    • External storage

One more thing, I want to clear that Active Backup for Business does not save backups in common formats, such as:

  • PST
  • ZIP
  • VHD
  • ISO

Now, the question is, Synology Active Backup for Business stores data on which location? The answer is that it uses its own backup storage, i.e., Active Backup for Business repository (ABB Repository) located on the Synology NAS. 

I found this to be an advantage, that I can recover my data directly from the Active Backup for Business console with just a few clicks. I don’t need to open any backup file like PST, ZIP, MBOX, etc. According to me, it is an advantage of this, as it makes the recovery process much faster. 

However, some users found this a limitation because the backup data is not stored in a standard file format that can be accessed directly. To view or restore the backup, they must use the Synology Active Backup for Business console. 

Still, many businesses prefer this approach, but why? Let me explain next.

Why Businesses Use Active Backup for Business Synology?

Many businesses choose Active Backup for Business Synology because it provides these facilities: 

  • Manage all backups from one place/single dashboard
  • Works with different types of devices (computers, servers, and virtual machines)
  • Restore data quickly
  • Recover a full computer or server simultaneously
  • Back up only new changes (incremental data backup)
  • Save storage space by avoiding backing up the same data multiple times.
  • No extra license fees for each device
  • Supports both physical and virtual systems

For both businesses and enterprises, this approach seems good as it offers all the backup features that are needed to protect data. 

Any doubt? No worries. Next, I’ll share the features for the same, so you can make an informed decision quickly. 

Main Features of Synology Active Backup for Business

I personally used this periodically, and I found several features of this, which are:

#1. Instead of managing multiple backup tools, everything can be handled from a single dashboard. Administrators can:

  • Create & monitor backup tasks
  • Configure schedules
  • View storage usage
  • Restore data simultaneously

#2. Avoid duplication precisely, and its benefits include:

  • Reduced the risk of exceeding storage limits
  • Makes the backup process faster
  • Helps to improve the working of NAS (Network Attached Storage)

#3. After the initial backup, only the changed or newly arrived data is backed up. This feature helps you save only recently arrived data without restarting the entire backup process. 

#4. I can restore VMware and Hyper-V environments with this, without installing any other software.

#5. This also enables different types of retention policies. I can configure:

  • Daily retention
  • Weekly retention
  • Monthly retention
  • Custom retention

This helps me to reduce clutter and avoid the risk of the storage limit being full.

So, these five features I found in this which makes it better among others. 

Synology Active Backup for Business: Supported Workloads

Synology ABB supports multiple workload types:

#1. Physical Devices

  • Windows Desktop
  • Windows Laptop
  • Windows Server
  • Linux Server

#2. Virtual Environments

  • VMware vSphere
  • Microsoft Hyper-V

#3. Cloud Services

  • Microsoft 365
  • Google Workspace

#4. File Servers

  • SMB Servers
  • Windows File Servers

Synology Active Backup for Business Agent Explained

The Synology Active Backup for Business Agent is a small application that you install on a Windows computer or server that you want to protect. It helps Synology NAS automatically back up and restore that device’s data. 

Let me explain it simply: Synology Active Backup for Business Agent is a bridge between your computer and the Synology NAS. Without the agent, the Synology NAS cannot automatically access and back up the data stored on that computer.

After installation, the agent helps Synology Active Backup for Business:

  • Find the data to back up from the computer or server
  • Send backup data to the Synology NAS automatically
  • Run backups on a schedule (daily, weekly, or at custom times)
  • Back up only the new or changed files after the first backup
  • Help recover files or the entire system if data is lost

When Do You Need this Agent?

You need the agent when backing up:

  • Windows PCs
  • Windows laptops
  • Windows servers

Without the agent, Synology Active Backup for Business cannot automatically create full system backups of most Windows devices. The agent makes automated backups and system recovery possible.

How to Set Up Synology Active Backup for Business?

Many users ask me how to set up Synology Active Backup for Business properly. As per my experience, the process is straightforward when completed step by step. 

Here’s how:

#Step 1. Before installation:

  • Update DSM to the latest version
  • Verify storage capacity
  • Configure network settings

#Step 2. Install Active Backup for Business:

  • Open Package Center
  • Search for Active Backup for Business
  • Click Install
  • Launch the application

#Step 3. After installation:

  • Accept the license agreement
  • Enable backup repository creation
  • Configure storage allocation

#Step 4. Create a dedicated shared folder for backups:

  • Separate backup storage from user files
  • Enable snapshots
  • Configure access permissions

#Step 5. Install Active Backup for Business Agent. For physical devices:

  • Download the Active Backup Agent
  • Install it on target devices
  • Connect the device to the Synology NAS
  • Verify communication

#Step 6. Create backup tasks:

  • Backup source
  • Schedule
  • Retention policy
  • Encryption settings

#Step 7. Start the backup process.

The first backup will take some time because all data is copied to the NAS. Future backups are faster because only new or changed data is backed up. 

How to Use Synology Active Backup for Business

Another common question I hear is how to use Synology Active Backup for Business after installation. Here’s the answer:

#1. From the management console:

  • Select device type
  • Choose backup source
  • Configure scheduling
  • Set retention settings (optional)

#2. The dashboard allows administrators to:

  • Track backup success rates
  • View failed jobs
  • Analyze storage usage
  • Generate reports for auditing

#3. Restore options include:

  • Individual files
  • Entire folders
  • Complete systems
  • Virtual machines

Synology Active Backup for Business: Recovery Options Available

Here’s the list of data types which can be recovered by ABB:

#1. File-Level Recovery

  • Documents
  • Images
  • Databases
  • Individual folders

#2. System Recovery

  • Operating systems
  • Installed applications
  • System settings

#3. Bare-Metal Recovery

Recover an entire device after:

  • Hardware failure
  • Ransomware attacks
  • Operating system corruption

#4. Virtual Machine Recovery

  • VMware
  • Hyper-V

Is Synology Active Backup for Business Free?

A common question is “Is Synology Active Backup for Business free?”

The answer is yes.

Active Backup for Business is included with supported Synology NAS devices at no additional software licensing cost.

There is NO:

  • Per-device fees
  • Subscription costs
  • Backup agent licensing costs

However, organizations still need:

  • Compatible Synology hardware
  • Storage capacity for backups
  • Network infrastructure

Limitations of Synology Active Backup for Business

Although I consider ABB a powerful solution, it does have some limitations to consider:

  • Requires a Synology NAS.
  • New administrators need time to understand all the features, because of its complex set-up.
  • Large environments require much time for the first backup.
  • If the NAS is offline or inaccessible, backup and recovery operations can get stuck or not even start.
  • Not ideal for users who need backup files in standard formats. 

The major issue with this backup is that you don’t receive any standard file formats, like PST, MBOX, MSG, EML, or any other, as all the data is stored in NAS.

Some organizations use Synology solutions to protect business email data, including Microsoft 365, Exchange Online, and other IMAP-enabled mailboxes. In such cases, users may need to export IMAP to PST, MBOX, or other portable formats for migration or sharing purposes.

Next, I’ll explain how to do so.

Export Synology Backup Data to Standard File Formats

Synology Active Backup for Business backs up data inside the Synology NAS repository. It becomes challenging when you need your data in a standard file format, or want to:

  • Export emails to PST for Outlook.
  • Save IMAP to MBOX, EML, or MSG format.
  • Share backup data with another team or organization.
  • Migrate data to a different platform.
  • Keep an offline copy that can be opened without a Synology NAS.

But if you are using Synology Mail Server or MailPlus, then you can use IMAP for saving data locally. 

For the same, I recommend using the SysTools Synology Backup Software for free. It allows users to connect their IMAP-supported accounts and export mailbox data into multiple file formats, including PST, MBOX, EML, MSG, PDF, and others.

The tool also provides features such as:

  • Selective mailbox backup
  • Date-based filtering
  • Incremental backup
  • Support for multiple IMAP-enabled email services
  • Compatible with both Windows 10/11 (64-bit) & macOS

So, if you need your email data in portable file formats for sharing, migration, or long-term archiving, a dedicated solution such as SysTools becomes the best option.

Best Practices for Synology Active Backup for Business

Although I shared all the tricks to safeguard Synology data, there are some points to keep in mind:

  1. Protect backups from ransomware attacks by taking the local IMAP backup. 
  2. Review reports and address issues quickly.
  3. Always keep DSM updated to improve security and performance.
  4. Use strong access permissions. Allow only authorized users to access backup data and settings to avoid ransomware attacks or a permanent data loss situation. 
Author’s Verdict

After using Synology Active Backup for Business, I found it to be a reliable backup and recovery solution for organizations already using Synology NAS. It supports a wide range of workloads, including:

  • PCs
  • Servers
  • Virtual machines
  • Cloud services

However, there is one limitation of this that backup data is stored within the Synology repository and is not available in standard file formats such as PST, MBOX, EML, or MSG.

So, if you need portable backup files for sharing or migration, then opt for the specified SysTools utility to backup Synology in portable file formats simultaneously. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Does Synology Active Backup for Business support VMware?

Yes. It supports VMware vSphere environments with agentless backup capabilities.

Q. Can I back up Linux servers?

Yes. Linux server backups are supported.

Q. Is the Active Backup for Business Agent required?

The agent is required for physical Windows and Linux devices, but not for certain virtual machine backups.

Q. Can I restore individual files using Synology ABB?

Yes. File-level recovery is fully supported.

Q. Is Synology Active Backup for Business free?

Yes. Synology Active Backup for Business is included with supported Synology NAS devices and does not require separate per-device licensing fees. 

Q. What can Synology Active Backup for Business back up?

It can back up:

  • Windows PCs
  • Laptops
  • Windows servers
  • Linux servers
  • VMware virtual machines
  • Hyper-V virtual machines
  • File servers
  • Microsoft 365 data
  • Google Workspace data

Q. Where does Synology Active Backup for Business store backup data?

The backup data is stored on a Synology NAS in an Active Backup repository. The data is not saved as portable files such as PST, ZIP, or MBOX.

Q. Can I restore individual files and folders?

Yes. You can restore specific files and folders without recovering the entire device.

Q. Can Synology Active Backup for Business recover an entire system?

Yes. It allows you to restore a complete computer or server, including the:

  • Operating system
  • Settings
  • Applications
  • Data

Q. Does Synology Active Backup for Business support Microsoft 365 backups?

Yes. It can back up:

  • Exchange Online emails
  • OneDrive files
  • SharePoint data
  • Other Microsoft 365 workloads

Q. What happens if the Synology NAS becomes unavailable?

If the NAS is offline or inaccessible, backup and recovery operations will not run until the NAS becomes available again.