In a world where data never stops growing exponentially — not even for a millisecond — it’s hardly surprising that many IT companies are struggling with data backup. More and more, the process is becoming challenging, expensive and a real drain on time better spent.
Backup-as-a-Service (BaaS), or online backup services or cloud backup, is a way of storing data in the cloud. Rather than utilizing the services of a centralized, on-premises IT department to perform your backup duties, BaaS connects your system to a remote cloud, leaving the management of required backup and recovery infrastructure, software and support services to an external service provider.
Why is Backup Important?
Data can be jeopardized in any number of ways: user error, hackers, sync issues or malicious insiders — just to name a few. But anxiety-inducing data loss can easily be avoided by coupling Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications with a BaaS backup and recovery solution.
Many of the same companies who once struggled with on-premises data backup processes are witnessing how just how cost-efficient and secure cloud adoption can be. Not to mention, they have more time and money to spend on business-critical activities.
Data backup as a service can solve your time, cost and operational challenges by supporting:
- Business continuity and disaster recovery. If data is lost or deleted for any reason, backups are readily available and easily located. Thanks to multiple levels of redundancy, your BaaS keeps multiple copies of your data in separate locations. The more levels of redundancy the better because each level further protects your data against loss or potential corruption. With encryption, archiving and rapid recovery built-in, BaaS should accompany all business continuity plans as an element of disaster recovery services.
- Compliance regulations. Not all BaaS providers are created equal. It’s important to choose a BaaS provider which tailors their specific risk profile to your compliance program, helping you meet the requirements of ever-increasing regulatory scrutiny. While most BaaS providers are conscientious about ensuring they comply with regulations, it never hurts to ask for your BaaS provider’s compliance certifications. This can also make passing compliance audits a lot more straightforward.
- Cybersecurity best practices. In the world of data backup, security is most definitely among the top priorities. As such, BaaS solution vendors take cybersecurity concerns extremely seriously, providing users with numerous types of capabilities, from encryption to identity and access management needs. These high levels of security are generally understood as unprecedentedly reliable, even in the face of strict data storage and transfer compliances.
Why MSSPs Should Offer BaaS
There has never been a better time to be a managed service provider (MSP) or managed security service provider (MSSP) with the right solutions! Offering cyber-resilient BaaS is a smart idea for many reasons, including but not limited to:
- Cost savings. As mentioned, when using BaaS, there’s no need to build and maintain costly local storage infrastructure. Additionally, using backup as a service allows MSSPs to eliminate lengthy CapEx buying cycles and switch to OpEx subscription pricing. Plus, given the fact that there’s a growing demand — and indeed, an expectation — for providers to offer cyber security services, BaaS represents a revenue opportunity, without much extra work involved.
- Scalability & convenience. BaaS is infinitely scalable — no matter how fast your data grows, these services grow in tandem. It’s also extraordinarily convenient, allowing you to manage as many computers and servers as you need from one device. Additionally, since you don’t own the infrastructure, it’s the solutions provider who maintains and manages the hardware. BaaS lets you concentrate on more valuable work without having to worry about losing data.
Backup Tools to Consider
Every self-respecting backup system must include processes to prevent ransomware and malware-infected files from contaminating backup storage. A BaaS worth its salt is a lot more than just a remote file copy function.
Here are a few options to consider when choosing a BaaS provider:
- Veeam. Partnering with a Veeam provider for backup as a service and disaster recovery as a service (DRaaS) grants you access to experts, reduces the complexity of day-to-day IT operations, and speeds up your time-to-value.
- Acronis. Acronis offers a package of systems for endpoints, including a patch manager, an anti-malware system and a backup service. This is the only cyber protection solution that natively integrates cybersecurity and data protection.
- N-able. N-able Cove Data Protection‘s cloud-first, SaaS architecture neutralizes ransomware while vastly cutting costs, over-complicated processes, and maintenance needs. It can be used for recovery, replication, or migration purposes, and offers secure, mirrored storage space.
There is no shortage of BaaS options out there, so feel free to research other ones too!
Work With an Experienced BaaS Partner
Why not offer BaaS with the backing of an expert partner? Sherweb helps thousands of MSPs and MSSPs to successfully grow their cloud businesses. Have a look at our Partner Guide to learn more.
Guest blog courtesy of Sherweb. Read more Sherweb guest blogs here. Regularly contributed guest blogs are part of MSSP Alert’s sponsorship program.
