In the modern, digital era, more and more organisations are being persuaded to employ cloud services in place of their previously "in-house" IT operations. It makes sense to investigate cloud-native options for backing up this crucial data given the rising number of enterprises using cloud-hosted software like Microsoft 365 and hosting data there.

Do I need to back up my cloud-hosted data?

Yes, to answer briefly. Contrary to popular belief, cloud services do not, in fact, "back themselves up."

Use Microsoft 365 as an illustration. Although the product line includes certain features that resemble backup capabilities, such as georedundancy and retention policies, you soon realise that these features are not meant to replace a full-service data backup. One of the main reasons for data loss is accidental deletion, and by default, Microsoft only keeps deleted files for up to 30 days. Permanent deletion frequently takes place before a file is noticed to be missing. Additionally, while 365 does have certain data finding tools, they are far more constrained and difficult to use than the tools provided by specialised backup providers, and often only allow retrieval of the most current document versions. Last but not least, using Microsoft's 365 retention features frequently would deplete your cloud storage and is unlikely to be an economical way to copy a lot of data.

Microsoft's shared responsibility model also makes it clear that users are responsible for the security and recoverability of their own data, while Microsoft's primary obligation is the delivery and availability of its cloud services. Therefore, you require a thorough third-party backup for both your on-premises and cloud-hosted data.

Cloud-hosted backup services

The backup services offered by the cloud, sometimes referred to as remote backups, online backups, or online managed backups, make copies of your data and store them on distant servers. Backups stored in the cloud can be set up to safeguard data stored locally as well as in public and private cloud settings.

Why should I use a cloud-hosted backup service?

The 3-2-1 backup rule can be used to identify recommended practises for data backup. This entails maintaining three copies of your data, two of which ought to be hosted locally (on different storage media) and one outside.

You can meet this need by using a cloud-hosted backup service because it offers the crucial off-site storage space needed for disaster recovery. In order to advance your goals for data protection and recoverability, you should think about employing a cloud-hosted backup solution in addition to, not instead of, your on-premise backup solution.

The Advantages of Cloud-hosted backups

Minimal upfront costs

The majority of cloud backup companies offer their services through subscriptions, with monthly fees reflecting the backup's features, capabilities, and storage restrictions. You won't have to worry about paying for hardware installation or maintenance because the service provider will take care of the underlying infrastructure.

Cutting-Edge Security

Your data is stored in off-site data centres for cloud backups, which often have security features that would be prohibitively expensive to implement on an on-premise server. Your cloud backup data will be protected by measures including 24-hour manned security, sophisticated site access controls, CCTV, and alarm systems.

Risk Management

Utilizing an off-site cloud backup solution reduces the risk that your data is exposed to and provides a recovery alternative in the event that your on-premise equipment or data is irreparably harmed by a natural disaster or cyberattack.

A generous range of features as standard

The features and specifications that cloud backup companies offer vary, but the vast majority of cloud backups come with:

  • Versioning and point-in-time recovery
  • Remote access
  • End-to-end encryption (to protect data in transit both in the backup and restoration processes)
  • Automation to trigger backups according to a predefined schedule
  • Generous storage limits

The Disadvantages of Cloud Backups

Needs careful management

When utilised properly, the subscription-based aspect of cloud backups saves money, but caution is needed to prevent holding too much data, which could result in expensive monthly storage fees. Deduplication and strict application of retention regulations are required to prevent unnecessary hoarding of data and to make your storage reasonable and economical.

High-performance internet is beneficial

It helps to have a dependable and somewhat fast internet connection in order to backup and restore huge amounts of data quickly. It's also crucial to keep in mind that in the event of an internet outage, a cloud backup will not function (in both backup and recovery mode).

Conclusion

On-premise and cloud-hosted data backups each offer advantages over the other, but a well-thought-out disaster recovery and business continuity plan will combine the two for the highest level of resilience and data recoverability. No matter where your data is kept, it's essential to make sure it's backed up to several different places to enable recovery in the event of an unlucky combination of events.

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