A reliable backup of your systems and data is crucial to your recovery after a server failure, a malware attack, or even an accidental file deletion. Any loss of data loses you time and money. While migrating to the cloud can help you increase security and modernize your infrastructure, your current license may be complicated to navigate.
For example, some software does not allow licenses to be transferred from on-premises to the cloud. Other licenses can transition to the cloud, but sometimes there are limits on timing or number of servers allowed. It’s important that you understand what your license allows so you remain in compliance.
Traditional contracts can also be costly. Not only do many have substantial start-up costs, but their prices can also go up unexpectedly at renewal sometimes.
If these issues sound familiar, subscription-based backup may be the solution you’re looking for. It provides reliable data protection for a low monthly cost. Plus, subscription backup gives you evergreen technology, predictable renewal costs, and easy transfers to cloud data backup.
In that context, a robust, highly integrated approach to cloud-native backup is essential to protect your cloud-based resources from both inadvertent and malicious threats. Every cloud platform—including Amazon Web Services Simple Storage Service (AWS S3), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP)—must support seamless backup and recovery capabilities. Choosing the right approach is critical.
There are basically two strategies for cloud-native backup. One option is to leverage existing, legacy backup software and run it as a virtual instance in the public cloud. Some providers have adopted that strategy with primary storage, but that path is not the optimal use of cloud resources.
A better cloud-native backup approach is one that either intrinsically in the public cloud or that leverages public cloud-native features to deliver services. There are inherent advantages of more fully cloud-integrated solutions. For one, your backup provider’s costs can be closely aligned to the cost of delivering the service because key components (including the underlying storage, associated databases, and any on-demand virtual machines) can all scaled as needed.
Keep Up with New Technology
Subscription-based backup ensures that you always have the latest programs and features. For example, when you buy a traditional software program, such as Photoshop or Microsoft Word, you usually have to pay to upgrade when a new version is released. When you subscribe to Adobe Creative Cloud or Microsoft 3650, however, all updates are included.
It’s the same concept for subscription backup. When you subscribe, you can always stay current on your software and future-proof your data center as you migrate to the cloud.
Accurately Predict Your Costs
Traditional on-premises backup contracts can be inflexible and have high costs up front. Then the price can increase substantially when it comes time to renew. Using subscription-based backup lowers your initial investment and gives you regular, predictable costs. Plus, all “add-ons” and updates are included, so there are no hidden fees. Plus, when you don’t have to overpay for complex licenses, you can redirect resources into business initiatives that build customer loyalty.
Migrate Data to the Cloud at Any Time
Skip the hassle of renegotiating your backup contract when you’re ready to migrate data to the cloud. Don’t get entangled in a contract that requires you to repurchase your on-premises license when you migrate data to the cloud. With subscription backup, you can migrate data to the cloud anytime with no hassle, contract adjustments, or additional costs.