Veeam Software today released the Veeam 2024 Cloud Protection Trends Report, a comprehensive research project that explores the use of cloud-based protection mechanisms for data production. The new report examines several cloud-based data protection strategies, including cloud storage, Backup as a Service (BaaS), Managed BaaS, and Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS). The findings are based on 1,600 unbiased responses from IT decision makers responsible for protecting data on their on-premises servers or workloads and using cloud services as part of their data protection strategy.
“Companies are beginning to realize that it’s not about whether or when they will be attacked by cyber or ransomware, but rather how often,” said Dave Russell, Veeam’s senior vice president of strategy. “As No. 1 leader in data protection and ransomware recovery, Veeam’s latest Data Protection Trends Report indicates that two of the main drivers affecting changes in data protection strategy are the desire to integrate cyber technologies with data protection and backup and, Second, the consistent and improved protection of cloud-hosted workloads. As our recurring market research observed the evolutions within the BaaS market, Customer preference that ‘the proprietary software provider should offer BaaS’ has grown to become the most important aspect for new buyers. In line with customer demands, Veeam launched Veeam Data Cloud, which provides Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Azure-native protection. We strive to support organizations on their path to cloud-based data protection and as part of Veeam’s ongoing mission to enable cyber resilience and keep businesses running.”
The Veeam 2024 Cloud Protection Trends Report highlights several key trends and ideas:
- Drivers for cloud-based backup: The main drivers for companies to consider cloud-based backup are the desire to integrate cyber technologies with data protection and backup, and enhanced/consistent protection of cloud-hosted workloads.
- BaaS stands for cloud technology, managed and reliable: BaaS solutions are expected to run in the cloud, be managed through a web-based user interface and have data stored in a cloud repository outside of the production environment. Organizations prefer BaaS solutions from the same provider that produces the backup software.
- Reasons to use BaaS and DRaaS: Organizations choose BaaS to improve operational efficiency by reducing hardware upgrades, internal resources, and management capacity. The appeal of DRaaS is driven by companies looking to leverage the expertise of third-party subject matter experts for implementation and planning, thereby allowing in-house IT teams to focus on strategic tasks.
- The journey to cloud-based protection: Organizations often start by simply adding cloud storage to their existing on-premise data protection tools. Only 22% still use the same mode they originally started using for their cloud data protection, while 78% switched to another mode. 51% now use managed BaaS, while 49% rely on self-managed cloud storage. When making the change, companies prefer managed BaaS to fully benefit from the experience and operational support.
- Multiple roles responsible for protection and recovery: The report highlights that there are multiple roles involved in data protection, such as IT operations, BaaS managed teams or DRaaS, backup teams, workload managers, and trusted distributors/integrators. On average, organizations have 2.3 roles dedicated to securing backups and 1.8 responsible for restoration. This shows the importance of having experience in data recovery processes.
- IT wants to run BaaS instead of outsourcing: IT teams have different expectations about the involvement of MSPs in the management of backup services. Most prefer to take care of day-to-day operations themselves, and only a quarter expect to share responsibility equitably. This indicates the desire of companies to choose how to leverage the expertise and support of MSPs while aligning with their unique operational processes.
- Organizations seek results when choosing a MSP: Organizations prioritize results-driven capabilities and expertise when choosing a MSP. This includes disaster recovery, hybrid cloud operations and cyber resilience. Providers that offer enhanced disaster recovery and compliance are driving businesses to shift from “simple” BaaS solutions to strategic DRaaS solutions.
Veeam recently launched Veeam Data Cloud, which offers the confidence and reliability of the industry-leading ransomware backup and recovery platform with the ease and accessibility of a cloud service. Microsoft and Veeam announced an expanded strategic alliance to jointly develop AI innovation and jointly sell Veeam Data Cloud.
VeeamON 2024
Registration is now open for the 10th annual VeeamON event, which will take place from June 3-5, 2024 at the Diplomat Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and online. VeeamON’s Diamond sponsors include ExaGrid, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Lenovo and Microsoft, and Platinum Backblaze, Hitachi, Pure Storage, Scality and Wasabi, and many others. Register now for VeeamON 2024 on site or attend virtually for free.
