The Future of Data Management with Microsoft 365 Backup and Archive

In the ever-evolving world of digital information, the need for effective and secure data management tools has never been more crucial. Amidst the rising concerns over cybersecurity breaches and ransomware attacks, organizations are in dire need of solutions that not only protect their data but also enable swift recovery in times of crisis. One of Microsoft’s biggest announcements during their 2023 Microsoft Inspire event was their plan to deliver a public preview of two new additions to the Microsoft 365 ecosystem that aim to address these needs: Microsoft 365 Backup and Microsoft 365 Archive. 

The Unveiling of Microsoft 365 Backup 

Microsoft 365 Backup tool is designed to offer unprecedented speed and scalability for backing up and restoring mission-critical business data. Whether it's SharePoint sites, OneDrive, or Exchange mailboxes, this new solution enables IT administrators to set up specific backup policies efficiently. 

Organizations face an increasing risk of ransomware attacks that could potentially cripple their operations. To mitigate this, Microsoft 365 Backup comes with a powerful feature that allows the swift recovery of data to a healthy state from a point in time before the content was affected. This can be managed directly from the Microsoft 365 Admin Center Backup page, providing a centralized and user-friendly interface for all backup operations. 

Microsoft has also collaborated with partners such as Veeam, Veritas, Barracuda, Rubrik, Commvault, and AvePoint to enhance the functionality of the Microsoft 365 Backup. For those organizations looking to back up non-Microsoft 365 data or use a different partner, these collaborations offer a plethora of choices to suit their unique needs.  

Introducing Microsoft 365 Archive 

Apart from the backup solution, Microsoft also announced Microsoft 365 Archive, a cost-effective solution designed to retain Microsoft 365 data securely. Its application is particularly beneficial with SharePoint, where administrators can create policies to automatically archive sites that haven't been used recently. 

By doing so, organizations can save significantly on additional storage expenses. This is especially handy when your SharePoint storage nears its limit – admins can just click on the M365 Archive recommendation button at the top of the SharePoint Admin Center to create a policy to automatically archive sites.

Moreover, Microsoft 365 Archive introduces a cold storage tier to keep inactive or aging data within SharePoint at a cost-effective price point, making it an ideal choice for businesses that are required to retain data even if it's no longer actively in use. 

On the Horizon 

Both the Microsoft 365 Backup and Microsoft 365 Archive are set to be launched as a preview later in the year. Microsoft is yet to reveal the pricing details for these solutions, but their secure integration within Microsoft's existing infrastructure adds to their appeal. 

In addition to these enterprise solutions, Microsoft is also previewing a consumer-grade backup solution for Windows. It is designed to enable users to restore personal data when migrating to a new Windows PC or setting up a Windows PC, thereby bolstering Microsoft's commitment to data protection across different user bases. 

In Conclusion 

As we navigate through the ever-evolving digital landscape, having reliable and secure data management tools becomes paramount.

As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, CloudServus is fully equipped to assist you in harnessing the full potential of these exciting new solutions . If you're keen on exploring these solutions and their potential benefits to your organization, please feel free to reach out to us. We are committed to providing tailored solutions to meet your unique needs. Stay ahead of the curve and let us guide you in your digital transformation journey.