18 Best Cloud Backup Solutions 2023
As a business owner, you know keeping your data safe and secure is essential, but knowing how best to protect it can be difficult. Until recently, businesses relied on on-premise devices to back up data. Many companies have migrated to the cloud for heightened security and cost-efficiency, while others are still considering the move.
The benefit of direct-to-cloud backup solutions is they eliminate the cost, complexity, and management required with local appliances. Backing up to a secure, encrypted cloud removes the risk of physical damage to on-site devices during natural disasters and in the event of hardware failures and human error. Cloud backup solutions often include modern, automated features and advancements that companies can leverage to accelerate recovery and achieve business growth.
Modernizing your approach to business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) is crucial to operating in today’s cyber landscape. To help you vet your options, this article includes a list of cloud backup tools and solutions from different cloud backup providers. Keep reading to learn more about BCDR and review the list of 18 cloud backup tools to find the best cloud-based backup solution for your needs.
9 Considerations for Choosing the Best Cloud-Based Backup Solution For Your Data
You realize the importance of a robust, secure, and reliable cloud backup service, but how do you choose from everything out there? Here are the top criteria to consider:
1. Storage capacity
How much data do you store now, and how much do you see yourself storing in one year? What about three years? Do you have a large number of files, including videos and photos? Look for a solution that offers enough storage space to meet your needs now and in the future. Pooled storage for a simple price is ideal because you don’t run into surprise overages or next-tier price hikes. Any time there are limits, be cautious of what that could mean for scalability.
2. Cost
Different cloud backup solutions have different pricing models. Some influencing factors include data storage and retention limits, administrative requirements, and service level agreements (SLAs). After determining your budget, assess the business’s security and compliance needs based on relevant industry regulations and cyber insurance requirements. Then, find a solution that satisfies both.
If you have a limited budget, choose a backup solution with straightforward pricing for billing predictability. Find a vendor specializing in your type of business, clientele, or compliance standards to get the most bang for your buck. Tailored solutions, services, and support are best suited for understanding your unique challenges and helping you overcome them.
3. Security
This is arguably the most important criterion when choosing the best cloud backup solution. Cloud backups must be protected to ensure recovery. To avoid permanent data loss, modern cloud backup solutions are leveraging automation. For example, anti-ransomware and data loss technology automatically separate data deletion requests from the mechanics of data deletion in an air-gapped archive. Only after multiple human controls confirm the legitimacy of the deletion request is data deleted from the archive. This and other modern technologies are removing the security risks of human error to reinforce data protection.
Where your backups are stored is also critical to business continuity and disaster recovery. Your vendor should be SOC2 certified with SSAE 16 Type II certification and 99.999% reliability. Don’t let a less-than-safe vendor charm you away from inquiring about the security of their cloud and data centers. A security-first vendor will be more than happy to discuss the inner workings of their multi-layer security approach and offer proof to back it up (pun intended).
4. Backup and recovery process
In a disaster, you must restore your deleted files quickly, easily, and safely. Look for a solution that offers an automated backup plan and user-friendly disaster recovery tools. For example, multiple daily backups, monitoring and verification with notifications, instant search and filtering, and an air-gapped data archive can all improve your BDR processes. With these critical capabilities, you can back up with oversight and recover confidently.
Recovery Point Objective (RPO) and Recovery Time Objective (RTO) are both units of time that help predict the recovery process. RPO is the maximum time a business can tolerate lost and unrecoverable data during an incident. It’s how often backups must occur to ensure disaster recovery. RTO measures when a disruptive event occurs and when IT resources must be fully operational. Essentially, it determines how long the company can afford a business interruption. RPO and RTO are critical to setting expectations for downtime, disaster recovery, data restoration, and business continuity.
5. Additional features
Some cloud backup solutions offer additional features to increase productivity, lower costs, and simplify administrative tasks. Leveraging modern automation instead of performing tasks manually significantly decreases the chance of human error. Additionally, automated features can lower labor costs and free up employees for more value-add activities.
Similarly, a unified management platform conveniently streamlines onboarding and training, support, billing, backup oversight, and disaster recovery in comprehensive solutions. Furthermore, single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and multi-tenant management accelerate and secure output while reducing total cost of ownership (TCO).
6. User-friendliness
You want to be able to handle your cloud backup solution with ease. The interface should be straightforward and come out of the box, ready to secure data. Before you commit, take advantage of demo and trial opportunities to see, use, and experience the solution in your environment. Invite the people using the solution to weigh in on product vetting. If they aren’t satisfied with usability and access, adoption of the solution, and thus data security, are in jeopardy.
7. Customer support
Even the best cloud backup services can have issues from time to time, and when you need to recover, you’ll need support. That’s why choosing a solution that offers reliable customer support is essential. As a new client, you should receive onboarding and training, plus ongoing training for new members of your team, as well as on-demand training, to review topics and reinforce procedures.
A well-organized knowledge base of step-by-step product instructions, feature guides, and solution information is also helpful for DIY problem-solving. And on top of having a dedicated client representative, you should also get 24/7/365 access to responsive and practical support.
8. Compatibility
Ensure the cloud backup solution you choose is compatible with major operating systems and any other software you use. For example, if you use a Mac, you need a solution that is compatible with macOS.
9. Integration with other tools
If you use other tools or services, such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, look for online backup providers that integrate with them. Built-in integration saves time and makes it easier to manage data.
The 18 Best Cloud Backup Tools: Which Is the Best Cloud Backup Solution for You?
1. Axcient x360 Recover
Axcient x360Recover protects business-critical data with both appliance-based and cloud-based BCDR in just one solution. With x360Recover Direct-to-Cloud (D2C), MSPs can solve multiple business use cases – including endpoint backup, hardware-free BDR, turn-key BDR, and public and private cloud backup. Using silent installation, x360Recover D2C eliminates the pains of rip and replace. Instead, deploy the agent through your RMM, configure the backup schedule, and let it rip. When D2C is up and running, remove the other backup agents, and enjoy automatic, reboot-free upgrades as new features deploy.
2. Axcient x360Cloud
Axcient x360Cloud automatically backs up productivity suite data in Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace so it can always be located, restored, and audited for uninterrupted business continuity after a data loss incident. Data backs up to the encrypted, tamper-proof, SSAE 16 Type II certified Axcient Cloud with 99.999% reliability. Always-on, automated AirGap technology protects data from ransomware and accidental deletion. Axcient is 100% MSP-focused, SOC 2 certified, and can help MSPs comply with HIPAA, FISMA, FINRA, and GDPR.
3. Acronis Cyber Protect
Acronis Cyber Protect is a cyber protection solution for every type of organization and service provider, plus IT teams and home office users. The tool protects data from any threat and natively integrates data protection and cybersecurity. Back up disks, partitions, files and folders, and virtual machines using full image, differential, or incremental chain backups – or a combination.
4. Arcserve Cloud Direct
Arcserve Cloud Direct is a direct-to-cloud backup and disaster recovery as a service (BaaS/DRaaS) for MSPs and value-added resellers (VARs) to protect small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and mid-market clients. The agent is installed on local servers and replicates data in its native file format to create a server image backup. That data is transferred to the Arcserve Cloud, and after an initial full backup, only changed data is sent. Cloud backup requires a 50+ TB commitment.
5. Backblaze Business Backup
Backblaze Business Backup is a cloud backup service tool that safeguards systems and files for individuals and SMBs. The product backs up Veeam, servers, NAS, and computers to B2 Cloud Storage. Features include pricing per TB, file level and image backup depending on the backup software used, and server-side encryption. MSPs, IT consultants, retailers, and affiliates can resell Backblaze to residential and business customers.
6. Carbonite™ Cloud-to-Cloud and Server Backup
Carbonite Cloud-to-Cloud Backup is a backup and recovery tool for SaaS applications commonly used by SMBs – including Microsoft 365, Google, Salesforce, Box, and Dropbox environments. Carbonite Server Backup is a server cloud backup and recovery solution for physical, virtual, and legacy systems that works for local, cloud, and hybrid configurations. The solution can retain data for up to seven years and uses incremental chain backups after the initial full backup completes.
7. CrashPlan for Business
CrashPlan for Business is a backup and disaster recovery tool that uses a cloud-based setup and deployment for businesses of various sizes – from SMBs to large enterprises. As an endpoint backup software product, it enables self-service restores and supports device migration, ransomware rollback, and legal hold assistance. Simple pricing is charged per month, per device, and support is available Monday through Friday via chat and email.
8. Datto
Datto, a Kaseya Company, provides business IT solutions designed specifically for IT professionals to backup, restore, and protect data, simplify operations, and manage networks. Unified Continuity for MSPs includes cloud backup through Cloud Continuity for PCs and SaaS Protection + for cloud-to-cloud backup. Inverse chain backups protect single-drive devices at a base price for up to 1TB of data before moving MSPs and their clients to a tiered storage pricing model.
9. Dropbox
Dropbox provides products for cloud storage and sharing, eSignature, document tracking, and backup for single users and teams with more than three users. With Dropbox Backup included in all Dropbox plans, customers get automatic, always-on cloud backup for fast file recovery. It only takes a few clicks to restore files from the cloud backup to their original locations. The Standard plan includes 5,000 GB of shared storage, while Advanced and Enterprise plans are available for larger amounts.
10. iCloud
iCloud is built into every Apple device for automatic cloud backup with 5GB of storage for free. Users can upgrade to iCloud+ for up to 2T of storage and enhanced privacy features, including iCloud Backup, which automatically backs up the device whenever it’s connected to power and WiFi. With Apple Business Essentials, small businesses can get device management, 24/7 support, and cloud storage in one subscription.
11. IDrive
IDrive is an online cloud backup solution for PCs, Macs, mobile devices, and external hard drives. The tool retains up to 30 previous versions of all files backed up to the account, and deleted files can be recovered from Trash within a 30-day period. IDrive serves resellers, small businesses, and enterprises.
12. NordLocker
NordLocker is an end-to-end cloud storage platform that lets businesses store, manage, and share data with internal and external stakeholders. Customers predict how much storage they need for business files without purchasing or maintaining a server. Files are encrypted on devices, cloud lockers sync and back up, and the data is accessible from any device.
13. OpenDrive
OpenDrive is an all-in-one cloud backup solution with cloud storage and backup and cloud content management. OpenDrive Business Plans enables syncing and backup across multiple users or computers. A virtual private network is created between computers to sync or backup files across computers connected to any account. Storage space is available on demand through various plan options.
14. pCloud Business
pCloud Business is a cloud-based platform for businesses to store, sync, and collaborate on business files with colleagues. Subscriptions start at 1TB storage per user and 180 days of file versioning to track and restore older versions of files. pCloud Encryption to encrypt sensitive files on any device is available for a lifetime with a one-time payment.
15. ShadowProtect
ShadowProtect was formerly a StorageCraft product until the company was acquired by Arcserve in 2021. The chain-based cloud backup solution serves SMBs and MSPs with varying levels of protection. Based on budget and risk tolerance, plans range from data recovery to full network recovery.
16. Sync Pro
Sync Pro is a cloud storage and file synchronization tool for individuals and teams starting at 1TB of storage and 180-day file history and recovery. All plans include client-side, end-to-end encrypted features and real-time, automatic file backup. File archive in the cloud is available for long-term storage with Sync Vault.
17. Unitrends
Unitrends, a Kaseya Company, provides backup and recovery for cloud, SaaS, data centers, and endpoints managed in the channel. Unitrends backs up data and Windows servers to the cloud from anywhere with the internet. The Unitrends Cloud provides digital records for up to 90 days. Workstation backup is priced at 1TB storage per endpoint with 30 days retention, and server backup is priced in 500GB licenses of shared storage starting with 90-day retention.
18. Veeam Data Platform
Veeam Data Platform is a cloud backup solution with recovery anywhere in the hybrid cloud designed for various business sizes – from SMBs to enterprises. With three different tiers available, businesses can prioritize additional backup and recovery capabilities for monitoring and analytics, and recovery orchestration. Veeam-powered BaaS and DRaaS are delivered through Veeam Cloud and Service Provider Partners.
Wrapping up
As you can see, many online backup services are available to help protect your data and keep it safe. Whether you’re an individual looking for a simple backup service to store and share your files, or a business in need of a comprehensive disaster recovery plan, there’s an online backup solution for you. Securing the best online backup service depends on your specific needs, budget, and goals. By considering the features, pricing, and reputation of the options we’ve highlighted, you can find the right backup solution for you.
FAQs
What are cloud backup solutions?
Cloud backup solutions allow users to store and protect their data by transferring it to remote servers, or “the cloud.” These solutions provide a secure, off-site location for data storage, ensuring that important files and documents are protected from local threats such as hardware failure or natural disasters.
One of the key benefits is the ability to provide access to data from any location with an internet connection.
In addition to providing secure data storage, cloud backup solutions often offer features such as automatic backups, versioning, and file sync and share, making it easy for users to keep their data up-to-date and organized.
What are the differences between cloud backup and backup appliances?
Businesses and individuals have two options when storing and protecting critical data – cloud backup and backup appliances. While both technologies serve a similar purpose, there are some critical differences between the two.
One of the main differences between cloud backup and backup appliances is the location of the stored data. With cloud backup, data is stored in an off-site location. Backup appliances, however, store data locally on private cloud backup solutions typically stored on physical devices like external drives or servers. Some of them allow you to have an online and local backup.
Another difference is the level of security provided. Cloud backups are typically more secure than backup appliances, as they are often encrypted and stored in secure data centers. This helps to protect against unauthorized access to sensitive information. Backup appliances, on the other hand, may offer a different level of security, as they are stored on-site and are vulnerable to theft or physical damage.
In terms of cost, many online backup services may be more expensive monthly than backup appliances. However, backup appliances typically require a more significant upfront investment, as they require purchasing and maintaining the hardware.
Why are cloud backup solutions important?
In today’s digital age, data is an essential part of our lives, whether we’re talking about necessary documents, photos, or other types of files. As such, it’s crucial to have a reliable and secure way to store and protect this data.
Cloud backup services are essential for data security. They offer an extra layer of protection against data loss. Various factors, such as hardware failure, natural disasters, cyberattacks, or accidental human error can cause this. With a cloud backup solution, your data is stored in an off-site location in remote cloud servers, which means it is safe and accessible even if something happens to your local hardware.
Furthermore, cloud storage services offer easy access to data from any device and location with an internet connection. Employees can access important documents and files from anywhere, at any time. This can be especially useful for businesses that have employees working remotely or in different locations.
Cloud backup solutions are typically more secure than traditional backup methods. Off-site data centers and encryption protect against data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information. A high level of protection with a multi-layer security approach is especially important for businesses handling sensitive or confidential data.
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, cloud backup solutions are generally easier to manage and maintain than traditional backup methods. With an online backup service, purchasing and maintaining hardware is unnecessary, as the provider handles everything in their infrastructure.
Overall, cloud backup solutions are essential for businesses and individuals who want to store and securely protect their data.
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