What SaaS Data Protection Covers

SaaS backup solutions capture and retain email, user files, content creation and management sites, collaboration conversations, and application data from CRMs and accounting systems that run in the Cloud.

Key Benefits for SaaS Protection

• Compliance Ready: Support HIPAA, GDPR, and industry retention requirements with auditable backups.
• Faster Recovery: Reduce downtime with rapid restores and minimal business disruption.
• Risk Reduction: Protect against human error, malicious insiders, and cyberattacks.

How to Evaluate SaaS Data Protection

Ask these questions: What data sources are covered? How often are backups taken? Where is backup data stored and encrypted? Can you perform point-in-time restores and export data for audits? Ensure the solution aligns with my regulatory needs and recovery time objectives.

SaaS makes collaboration easier—but it also creates new responsibilities for data protection. For most businesses, implementing a dependable SaaS backup service is both a risk-mitigation strategy and a competitive differentiator. 

Avoid fines, recover faster, and keep business moving by making SaaS data protection part of your infrastructure. For assistance in finding out if SaaS data protection is right for you, contact your trusted technology advisor today.

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What Software as a Service Backup is and Why You Need It

Any business – no matter the size – generates, transmits and stores high volumes of data every day. How will your business protect that data from theft or corruption, and your mission-critical applications from misuse? Software as a Service (SaaS) Backup is a cloud-based way to guard SaaS applications data against data leaks, cyber attack and natural disasters. Cyber threats abound, from business email compromise including ransomware that can steal your data, to bad actors stealing or corrupting data through employee error, or even accidental or unintended deletion. How can SaaS Backup help?

Key Features and Use Cases of Software as a Service (SaaS) Backup

SaaS Protection offers a variety of services to safeguard your data and applications, including:

• Compliance Management, to assure that SaaS applications and data meet relevant compliance regulations.

• Strong Security Posture: an overall and ongoing process of assessing the security of data and processes, and managing that security.

• Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery: Setting plans in place to back up and recover data due to employee error or data exfiltration.

Cloud backup vendors offer services for various use cases. For instance, for the many users of MS Office Suite applications like Email, OneDrive and others, vendors can provide the additional backup such applications need. For instance, how will your company restore a deleted mailbox? With OneDrive, additional protection is needed, including independent backup and recovery capabilities. Some services include automation of backup. You will need to confer with your vendor about features you need the most. 

What to Consider in Adopting SaaS Protection 

When seeking a SaaS vendor, it’s vital to know what is your responsibility versus the SaaS provider’s responsibility. While the SaaS provider furnishes and handles the infrastructure, your company needs to know what data is mission-critical, and what data regulations you need to follow. Not only that, you need clear and well-enforced policies for data retention and management.

SaaS Backup offers data safeguards that your business needs. To learn more, contact your trusted technology advisor today.

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The Need for SaaS Backup

With expansion of the availability of Software as a Service (SaaS) cloud computing model and its business applications, comes an expansion of the amount of data generated and needing protection. Threats to data include accidental deletion, data leaks due to insider threats or compromise from cyber attacks. The very cloud model that powers business applications and keeps companies running also provides backup of data via SaaS Backup. Data needs to be protected for the sake of customers and other stakeholders as well as to help companies comply with data-handling regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR. Data mishandling can result in fines as well as the loss of customer trust.

The Benefits of SaaS Data Protection

Software as a Service, along with making work more efficient, creates a shared responsibility between your company and the SaaS provider. It is important to consider if your SaaS provider capability is in line with data protection strategy. Email, user data, financial records, customer data and more may reside in the cloud and be managed by your SaaS provider. You may need longer periods of data retention to comply with your industry regulations and your business requirements. SaaS data backup protects files, email, website and more to fill the gaps.

Considerations in Use of SaaS Backup

When discussing needs with a cloud service provider, it’s smart to have some questions answered ahead of time. What is the mission-critical data that needs to be backed up first? How frequently do you need to back up this data? What data-handling regulations do you have to follow, and how will your provider help you do this? 

With the use of cloud-based Software as a Service, data protection is critical to avoid fines and penalties as well as maintain customer trust. For further guidance, contact your trusted technology advisor today.

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Benefits of Using Software as a Service

Software as a service, or SaaS, is becoming increasingly more common, with an average expenditure increasing at 78% between 2017 and 2018, according to Forbes magazine. This cloud-based delivery model is one in which companies can  adopt an economical, ready-to-go approach to accessing the latest technology. The software is managed and maintained by a provider, reducing a company’s need to buy, implement and maintain on-premise infrastructure. With SaaS, rapid deployment of applications–Unified Communications, call center, chat, and more–is possible, all using a unified web-based interface. All that a business needs to have is Internet access and a web browser.

From a cost standpoint, a business can pay a provider a monthly or annual subscription, rather than investing a large sum up front. Not only that, the capital expense of on-premise infrastructure is converted to an operating expense that can be spread out over a longer period of time. This allows businesses to focus on innovation and long-term company strategy.

What to Consider before SaaS Adoption

Even with the benefits of SaaS, individual companies need to assess whether it is the right option. Often, small companies with straightforward operations and which are looking to cut costs, benefit the most from a SaaS model. For those businesses that do opt for SaaS, further considerations exist. For instance, is the network robust enough to handle additional traffic? Are there any weak links that would allow cyber attacks? Is your company subject to industry regulations like HIPAA or PCI-DSS? If your company is responsible to protect customer or patient information, on-premise systems or a private cloud environment might better suit your needs.

Software as a Service can be a flexible, cost-effective option, allowing your business the freedom to work toward bigger goals. If you need assistance in determining whether you can benefit from SaaS, and need a diagnostic check of your network, contact your technology advisor today.

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Recent Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, along with major earthquakes in Mexico, remind us how vulnerable we can be to disasters, and underscore the importance of data protection. As businesses depend on access to a range of systems–including call center, communications and collaboration application, customer management, and more–having a solid data protection plan can help you in a disaster recovery scenario. Now more than ever, a range of options exist to help maintain business continuity. Here are a few options to consider.

Review Your Data Protection Plan

Key to your data protection plan is identification of mission-critical systems. The most important systems should be redundant, with the ability for failover in the event of a disaster. Your data centers and failover options should be geographically dispersed and on different network backbones. This can minimize downtime and get you back up and running sooner. Having your data backup available in Cloud Storage can help you recover other important files and application data if you lose access to your on-premise systems.

SD-WAN for Business Continuity

Software-defined wide area networks (SD-WAN) can also provide you a highly reliable and redundant network. Having the ability to switch Wide Area Networks using SD-WAN as an alternative to more costly MPLS solutions can ensure connectivity during a natural disaster. What’s more, Software-Defined Wide Area Networking can save you money in the long run by giving you the flexibility of a multi-carrier solution.

Software as a Service for Disaster Recovery

More businesses are turning to the Cloud for a range of applications–hosted email, Voice over IP (VoIP), Call Center, and others–to keep communications flowing during a disaster. Using Software as a Service (SaaS) for these important communications and collaborations applications keeps your employees, customers and business partners connected even when you are unable to gain physical access to your facilities. Having these applications in the Cloud can help you ensure everyone on your team is present and accounted for.

Don’t wait until a disaster strikes to review your data protection and disaster recovery plans.  Contact your technology advisor today if you are unsure how well you will weather the storm.

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Cloud Computing adoption continues to outpace the growth rate of total IT spending. According to research firm Gartner, the market for public cloud services will continue expanding, with year-over-year revenue growth of 17.3%. Compare this to Gartner Growth expectation of total IT Growth of 1.4% and you can see how the market for Cloud Computing is maturing. Cloud Service Providers offer a wide range of solutions. According to CompTIA Trends in Cloud Computing, Cost reduction is the primary driver for VoIP, cited by 67% of companies with a VoIP implementation. Integration with other applications was cited as the second biggest driver by 36% of VoIP adopters. Here are a few tips to help realize the benefits of savings and integration of popular Cloud Services.

Manage Rogue IT

Rogue IT is a term for technology deployed without the aid of a technology advisor. Cloud Computing empowers Line of Business (LOB) owners to rapidly deploy Software as a Service (SaaS) applications and to minimize the involvement of a technology advisor. Financial management, HR management, Call Center and Help Desk services are common SaaS application purchase decisions made by LOB owners.

More often than not, LOB owners involve a technology advisor in the purchase decision for final approval and consultation. Cloud integration, security concerns, and the need to centralize technologies are common reasons to include a technology advisor. Without the input from a trusted advisor, the costs of Cloud adoption can increase, and the creation of silos from lack of integration can result.

Navigate Cloud Security Concerns

Due to the nebulous nature of Cloud Computing, Cloud Security can be a challenge to manage and is only as strong as its weakest link. By proactively managing their technologies and workflows, companies can avoid security issues including lack of regulatory compliance, malware infection and denial of service attacks. Seeking the support of a trusted technology advisor provides an unbiased perspective for performing due diligence on suppliers and partners so your business can use the Cloud with confidence.

Ensure that your Cloud Service Providers monitor their systems for malware and utilize firewalls and encryption. These actions protect your assets in the Cloud and ensure that Unified Communications, Web Hosting and other customer-facing applications run smoothly.

Manage Internal Change from Digital Transformation

Cost savings and integration resulting from Cloud Adoption will have a positive impact on internal operations. Building new policies, or updating existing policies and procedures, allows your employees to take full advantage of Cloud Computing Adoption. Also consider reviewing how you monitor performance for your network, applications and Cloud Services. Keeping things performing will contribute to the overall productivity and savings realized from Cloud Computing.

Cloud Computing adoption drives change at many levels in today’s business world. With the help of a technology advisor you can get the most from your Cloud Computing investment. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your technology advisor to lift your business to the Cloud.

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More Choices for Cloud Computing

In a recent study by the Computing Technology Industry Association’s (CompTIA), 43% of those using Public Cloud are expected to migrate to another Public Cloud Provider. For example, companies using Hosted Exchange may find themselves adopting Office 365 or Google for Work to keep current on the latest version of these communications and collaborations applications. The CompTIA “Trends in Cloud Computing” research also revealed 21% of Cloud usage will move from Public Cloud to Private Clouds. This scenario is driven by the need for compliance with industry regulations, including HIPAA regulations for health care and SOX compliance for Financial Services, among other business requirements.

Digital Transformation Will Emerge as Competitive Advantage for Business of All Sizes

Businesses will adopt new strategies for reaching new customers and servicing existing customers in 2017. These new strategies will fuel the need for digital transformation. Reaching new buyers through digital channels, along with automating customer service, order or fulfillment, and linking supply chains, will drive this digital transformation in support of new business strategies. Cloud Contact Center, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Marketing Automation, eCommerce, and other customer-facing technologies will emerge as transformation enablers. Other technologies helping with administrative functions (including workforce recruitment and development) will help companies maintain competitive advantage and manage their growth.

Resolve to Bulletproof Your Network in 2017

In 2017 Business Networks will become a strategic advantage. Access to Cloud infrastructure, connecting remote offices, reliance on VoIP, Cloud Call Center and video streaming will all drive demand for high-performance networking. Technologies allowing wide area networking optimization, known as Software Defined Networks or SD-WAN, will become mainstream technology in 2017. Through simplified management and reliance on business class Internet, network performance is expected to increase while related costs are expected to decrease.

Security will Continue to Keep Business Owners Up at Night

The Gartner Group predicts demand for Security related to the Internet of Things (IoT) will be driven by 11 billion connected devices. Similar to adoption of mobile devices in the workplace, connecting “things” will create the need for additional security and proactive management. Additionally, Cyber Threats from malware and phishing schemes will continue, as will additional threats and downtime from Ransomware and DDoS attacks in 2017. Keeping your network running will be more complex and more important for the foreseeable future.

As you adjust your strategy to accommodate the rapidly changing business environment, consider how technology can influence your outcome in 2017. If you feel you need help with your 2017 technology plan, contact your technology advisor today.

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Low Hanging Fruit for Cloud Migration

Many applications lend themselves to Cloud migration. Communications and collaboration applications including Email, Voice and Web conferencing are great places to start your Cloud Migration. The Cloud can offer a secure, reliable and affordable alternative to maintaining these systems on premise. Along with providing additional capability, such as, File Sync and Sharing, previously unavailable from premise based solutions. Many companies have started their Cloud migrations with these subscription services to gain quick benefits from Cloud Computing.

Planning Your Cloud Migration

Moving your applications and their data to the Cloud, along with reliable data protection and online backup, should be carefully planned. First, determine which applications are candidates for Cloud Computing. When moving files, applications and back ups for data protection to the Cloud, consider your data volumes and network bandwidth. When this business infrastructure is in the Cloud you will need reliable connectivity to access critical information.

Maintaining Security in the Cloud

One of the many benefits of Cloud Computing is cross platform access to your applications via mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets. If not carefully planned, deployment of these Cloud Solutions may add additional strain on your wireless network. You may also increase your security risks, as mobile devices are susceptible to loss. Ensure you have a security policy for company owned and individually owned devices that access your company network, to mitigate risks of Cloud Migration.

Cloud Computing will provide your company with many benefits including better collaboration and shifting your capital expense to operating expense. Consult your Cloud Services expert to plan your migration and avoid any turbulence along the way.

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What is Your Cost of Downtime?

To develop a Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plan it is imperative to evaluate your risk of loss from downtime and business interruption. There are many factors to consider when calculating the risk of loss due to downtime. How much revenue would you lose per hour, day or week if your business was off line and you were unable to process orders? Could your inventory lose value if your factory, warehouse or retail operation were shut down? If you suffered a privacy breach what would be the impact to your company’s reputation? The risks and costs are different for each company based on industry, size and other factors. Start by assessing the risk to determine how quickly you need to react during and after a disruption.

How Fast do You Need to Recover (RTO vs RPO)?

The cost of downtime to your business is expensive. It is important to evaluate which applications and data are critical to your operations. During or after a disaster do you need these systems available within minutes, hours or days? Primary Factors that can influence your ability to recover are the Recovery Point Objectives (RPO), which is the time between backups and the Recovery Time Objective (RTO), which is how long it takes to get your data back. If you backup weekly to offline media including tape backup, your business is at risk of losing one week of data and it may take days or weeks to get your systems operational. There are various ways to ensure failover and rapid restore if you suffer a system wide outage. Cloud Backup and Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure as a Service (Iaas) including application hosting and other remote data protection methods can ensure your systems are available within your RPO/RTO goals.

Human Element of a Business Continuity Plan

Don’t forget the human element in your business continuity plan. Ensure your employees are trained and understanding policy during and after a disaster. Have a plan for safe evacuation during a disaster will protect your employees and minimize business risk. Giving your employees the ability to access core communications and collaborations applications like email, file sharing, wide area networks, software as a service (SaaS) and other remote applications improve overall communications and could get your employees productive if they are unable to work on premise due to business interruption.

There are many other factors to consider when assessing risk and building a business continuity and disaster recovery plan. Take a holistic view of your business, systems and network security needs. If you feel your business may be at risk and your business continuity plan is out of date, contact your IT Service Professional for a Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Risk Assessment.

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Cloud Computing Adoption Remains Strong

Cloud Computing adoption is expected to continue throughout 2016. Software as a Service (SaaS) applications are expected to lead the way. Migration to Cloud based email, sales and customer management applications and other SaaS solutions will drive Cloud growth in 2016. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) will continue to grow, however demand will be driven by backup and disaster recovery, single sign on, file sync and sharing, application hosting and other core IT services.  With this increased demand for Cloud Solutions, migration and integration services are expected to also be in high demand.

Greater Need for Fast, Affordable and Secure Broadband

Mobile Computing and Cloud Computing will put additional demands on network infrastructure. With the additional need for SaaS applications, remote backup and file sync and sharing applications, companies will upgrade business Internet technology for fast and affordable broadband options. Companies will pay particular consideration to available, reliability and security as they adopt broadband network technologies.

Internet of Things (IoT):  More Devices, More Security

Tablets, Laptops, desktops and smartphones are expected to continue to grow. Now Smart Devices or Internet of Things (IoT) will put more devices in and near the workplace. Office Equipment, Watches, TVs, and cars now equipped with WiFi connections which will create additional opportunities for Cybersecurity breaches, as these devices may become targets of hackers and Cybercriminals. If compromised and connected to your network, your applications and their data may also be exposed. Maintaining network security including updated anti virus and malware definitions will have exponential importance with the abundance of more connected devices in 2016.

As  you plan and budget for next year, take these 2016 technology predictions into account. Also,  consider any additional changes in industry regulation, compliance considerations and your business growth objectives for 2016. In doing so, you will be well prepared to turn these 2016 technology trends into competitive advantage.

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