Why Every MSP Should Offer Microsoft 365 Backup

(And How to Do It Right)

Welcome, tech professionals.

Many MSPs assume that Microsoft 365’s built-in redundancy protects their clients’ data from loss. However, Microsoft operates on a shared responsibility model—meaning data backup is still the client’s responsibility. If you’re not offering Microsoft 365 backup solutions, you’re leaving your clients vulnerable to data loss from accidental deletions, ransomware, insider threats, and compliance risks.

Why Microsoft 365 Backup Matters

1. Retention Policies Are Not Backups – Microsoft 365 provides versioning and retention policies, but they aren’t true backups. If a user deletes data beyond the retention period, it’s gone.
2. Ransomware Protection – Encrypted files sync across SharePoint and OneDrive, making ransomware recovery difficult without a separate backup.
3. Insider Threats & Accidental Deletion – Employees sometimes delete files intentionally or by mistake. Without a proper backup, these may be permanently lost.
4. Compliance & Legal Requirements – Many industries require long-term data retention. Microsoft 365 alone doesn’t guarantee compliance.

Best Practices for MSPs Offering Microsoft 365 Backup

🔹 Choose the Right Backup Solution – Solutions like Veeam, Acronis, Datto, and AvePoint provide reliable Microsoft 365 backups. Ensure the tool covers Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams.
🔹 Follow the 3-2-1 Backup Rule – Three copies of data, on two different storage types, with one offsite backup. Cloud-to-cloud backups are ideal.
🔹 Automate & Monitor Backups – Ensure daily automated backups and set up alerts for failed backups.
🔹 Test Restores Regularly – A backup is useless if you can’t restore it. Perform periodic test restores to verify data integrity.
🔹 Educate Clients on Backup Value – Many SMBs don’t realize Microsoft 365 doesn’t include full backups. Offer backup as a managed service to generate MRR (monthly recurring revenue).

Final Thoughts

MSPs need to proactively protect their clients' Microsoft 365 data. By offering backup solutions, you safeguard businesses against data loss while adding value to your services. Are your clients fully covered?

💬 Let’s discuss! What backup solutions do you use for Microsoft 365?