Choosing the right data backup solution can be overwhelming for MSPs. It's easy to fall into the trap of glittery ratings demonstrating how a vendor’s product is at least three stars better than anyone else’s.

But, choosing a data backup solution goes beyond just rave reviews. Whether you’re making a switch or installing your first data backup solution, it needs to fit right into your data protection goals of 2018 and beyond.

Otherwise, even with a fancy solution, blocking ransomware will be a constant struggle. One setback is all it takes to put your business out for good.

1. Establish data protection goals

Data protection goals will help you assess your data backup needs. Evaluating these needs will point you in the direction of choosing the right data backup solution for your MSP.

Let's say these are goals you want to achieve in 2018:

Maintain 99% uptime
Around the clock data recovery
Proactively identifying data breaches

These act as a way to filter out the relevant solutions from the irrelevant ones. You save time and money, making your shopping experience a bit less daunting.

2. Prioritize scalability

You should be choosing a data backup solution for your current as well as future needs. Switching solutions just because the current one can’t handle your storage needs can be an operational nightmare.

Do your research to find out the various plans offered and whether there is a possibility of adding more storage space in the future. It guarantees business continuity, ensuring smooth operations.

3. Make a budget

MSPs tend to focus only on price range when scouting for a data backup solution — Big Mistake!

This approach completely ignores follow up costs like team training and the loss from operational inefficiency during the transition, to name a few.

The better way is to include both direct and indirect costs to get the total cost of ownership. This allows you to choose a solution that offers a healthy ROI over a long period.

4. Ensure usability for business continuity

Usability defines how quickly your team adopts a new solution. The longer they take, the more hits your business continuity has to bear.

To evaluate the usability of a data backup solution, focus on two factors:

• User-friendly dashboard: Instead of having information scattered all over the place, go for a solution that offers a unified portal. You will have an eagle’s view on everything to identify threats, clear off pending backup jobs, and monitor and manage reports on all your backups.
• Accessible: It’s important to know where you and your team can access the data backup solution. Preferably, teams want to be on top of things at all times, irrespective of whether they are in the office or on the road — uninterrupted business continuity for sure.

Pulseway, the world’s first portable RMM solution enables you to back up data on-the-go, all from a single place. Learn more.

5. Support from the vendor

Poor customer support from your data backup vendor has a ripple effect on your business. Like you, your customer will have to bear the inconvenience caused by the operational disruption.

Downtime if left unattended can have serious implications for your business. Not only does it create customer dissatisfaction, but you can potentially lose an average of $1 million per year.

Choose based on the level and frequency of support you would require. For instance, certain solutions have free support service included while others charge a fixed rate for every ticket.

6. End-to-end protection

Recovery is pointless if the bad guys get their hands on your data. That’s why you need to have an additional layer of security that protects your data at all times. Whether in transit or rest, your data should have end-to-end protection.

Advanced encryption protects your data when in transit. Its popularity has grown over the years so much so that, in 2018 63% of enterprises have extensively employed encryptions.

Apart from this, check if the backup solution comes with add-ons like antivirus solutions and monitoring software.

Test drive before choosing a data backup solution

The best part about choosing a data backup solution in 2018: It’s not a do-or-die situation.

Today, most companies provide trial periods where teams get a sneak peek into the quality and usability of the solution. Use this time to see if the solution would be the right fit for your MSP.