Comparing Native Microsoft 365 Backup with Partner Solutions

You probably don’t even realize that you are doing it, but there is a good chance that you have leaned into the false belief that native backup systems are enough to keep your databases safe. The problem with this type of thinking is the fact that you are probably relying on systems that are not meant to protect your data in all scenarios. While looking at your backup needs, consider some of these common assumptions about how backup solutions work and why these assumptions aren’t correct:

• Deleted Files Can Always Be Recovered - It would be wonderful if this was the case, but it isn’t. Typically, deleted files will be removed forever after they have hit the built-in retention dates that are already established within the system itself.

• Retention Policies = Backup - The retention policies set up internally within systems are meant only for basic governance and compliance reasons. They are NOT designed to be used for disaster recovery purposes.

• My Data is Safe Even if Microsoft 365 Fails - Unfortunately, this is not the case either. If the Microsoft 365 platform fails, it is likely that your data will be gone as well.

For these reasons, and many more like them, you should understand that partner solutions may be necessary to use in concert with native Microsoft 365 backup solutions.

What Native Microsoft 365 Backup Offers

There are certain features offered by native Microsoft 365 backup that might be of use to you. Some of those features include:

• Deleted Item Recovery - A basic recycling bin feature allows users to recover data that has been recently deleted. For example, it is possible for users to recover deleted e-mails for 30 days after they have deleted them.

• Retention Policies and Litigation Hold - For compliance purposes, native Microsoft 365 backup offers retention policies that hold information for a short period of time. However, if that data is put on a litigation hold, then it can be held indefinitely until the litigation is resolved.

• High Availability - The Microsoft 365 platform is designed to remain available to users the vast majority of the time. You generally do not have to worry about massive crashes taking down the system, but you should still be mindful that such events can happen, and you should work to retain as much of your data in alternative backup systems in case it does.

These are things that you will get automatically just for using the native Microsoft 365 backup offerings. That said, many feel that this is not enough on its own, and there are plenty who want even more than what is available via their native options.

Advantages of Partner Solutions

You can enjoy many advantages when using partner solutions such as the following:

• Cross-Platform Backup Protection - All that Microsoft 365 native backup can promise is to back up files that are stored directly on the Microsoft 365 platform. That doesn’t serve you well when you might need to back up files that exist on other platforms. Partner solutions make it possible to back up data across other platforms as well to offer you the highest levels of protection.

• Longer Retention Policies - You can enjoy longer retention rates on your files with many partner solutions. This longer retention period gives you the opportunity to hold on to your most critical data assets longer than you otherwise could have.

• Automated Protection for New Users - As your organization grows and new users come on board, you will need backup protection for them as well. You can keep all your databases more secure by having all of those new users automatically protected with the backup features that you apply to your existing users as well. Partner solutions typically offer this as a guaranteed service that allows you to get back to focusing on growing your business.

• Compliance Features Such as Audit Logs - Remaining compliant with all relevant regulations remains a very big deal for all organizations, and you don’t want to ever find yourself in a position where you run afoul of some regulation that you were meant to be following. Partner solutions can help you always remain within the lines of all compliance requirements that are placed upon you.

These are some of the ways that third-party partner solutions offer a leg up on the native backup solutions that are offered as part of the Microsoft 365 eco-system. Keep this in mind as you consider the actions that you want to take when installing your own fully-functional backup solution.

Use Cases for Third-Party Vendors

Several types of organizations can directly benefit from using third-party vendors to take care of their most urgent backup solution needs. A few examples of the use cases for organizations that utilize the services of third-party vendors include the following:

• Heavily Regulated Industries - Any organization that deals with data or materials that are heavily regulated can certainly benefit in a major way from using third-party vendors. Those vendors offer them additional layers of security they need around the data they protect. As such, any company that handles data which falls under HIPAA, CMMC, or FedRAMP regulations should consider using third-party vendors.

• Multi-Cloud Environments - Organizations that use multiple cloud platforms to get work done can also benefit from the use of third-party vendors for backup security purposes. It will help them find the coverage they require across all the various platforms, and you really can’t put a price on that.

• Large Enterprises - Any large enterprise should consider using a third-party vendor for help with their backup needs. There is simply too much data to protect, and the failure to do so could lead to devastating impacts in the event of a data breach.

These are all cases when turning to an outside vendor for help simply makes sense. Explore those options with your team and make sure that you have given fair consideration to every option that is out there for you. Oftentimes, native backup is simply not enough.

For more information on how to keep your data safe and how to best compare Microsoft 365 backup to partner solutions, reach out and contact us today.