Why does my company need a SaaS Backup solution?  Doesn’t Microsoft backup my data?

You might be surprised to hear, that Microsoft only retains Customer Data (for Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, Email) stored in Online Services in a limited function account for 30 days after expiration or termination of a Customer’s subscription, so that the Customer may extract the data.

In addition, should you inadvertently delete data, the same rules apply.  You may be able to recover your data within 30 days, but there is no guarantee.

Cloud data protection: a shared responsibility

If you hire a firm like LMJ Forte as your MSP, there is a shared responsibility for your data.

Microsoft is responsible for their cloud: Hardware Failure, Software Failure, Natural Disaster or Power Failure

You and your MSP are responsible for data incase of: Human Error, Malicious Insiders, External Hackers, Viruses/Malware

Important thresholds for Microsoft Data Archive and Deletions:

  • Inbox or Folder Data – 2 years, then moved to Archive
  • Deleted Items – 1 month, then permanently deleted (they may reside still in your local Outlook, but are removed from the cloud)
  • Auto-archive – usually 1 month, then moved to Archive
  • Deleted SharePoint Objects (Sites/lists) – 1 month, then held for two more months, then permanently deleted
  • OneDrive Files – same as above
  • Employee turnover – if you don’t move to a shared mailbox, the data may be permanently deleted after 1 month

Is this just a Microsoft 365 issue?  Unfortunately no.

Google is clear regarding limited recovery:

“You have a limited time from when the data was permanently deleted to restore files and messages. After that, the data cannot be recovered and is gone forever.”

“Any file that is put into a Google Drive trash will be automatically deleted after 30 days. Previously, trashed items would be retained indefinitely until the trash was emptied by the user.” (Source: Google)

So, why a SaaS backup solution?

Maximizing Protection – protect against permanent data loss

Recover from any Ransomware or user-error quickly

All this provided via a low, per employee license cost.

For more information, please send us a note!