The Simple Guide To Adopting BaaS

But moving solutions is difficult, right?

Even with all the additional benefits possible to be realised with the adoption of a Cloud based Backup solution, the perceived complications associated with the actual switch from existing solution to a new Cloud service can make it an unattractive proposition for many organisations.

In reality though, the switch need not be complicated at all. This is in part because Backup as a Service provides granular cost control as well as a contractual, SLA backed solution ensuring consistent high availability as well as DR options as part of the same service. Therefore, switching to BaaS simply means you need to think about your Recovery Point Objectives (RPOs) and Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs) in conjunction with the importance you place on the data to the business. Once this is done the rest is relatively simple.

Finding a reliable partner

The first step to switching solutions is finding a Cloud service provider that meets your business requirements. We suggest you consider the following when reviewing BaaS providers:-

1: Where is the data actually held? There may be jurisdictional restrictions in your sector or you might just want peace of mind by knowing where you data resides.

2: Don’t be afraid to ask about the service and technology design. Ensure that your partner is using an industry recognised solution that integrates easily into your environment. Be sure you understand the network, platforms and service designs to such a degree that you are comfortable that the solution will work.

3: How reliant will you be on the service provider to support you? Will the design do most of the work or is there a lot of configuration required to make the service work?

4: Consider the background of the supplier and what credibility they have in the space – i.e. you wouldn’t buy a car from a fishmonger.

5: Review your contract and Service Level Agreement carefully. A good supplier should be happy to negotiate on points of detail or at least explain the service in terms that you understand. Additionally, identify what underlying risk is passed onto their suppliers – i.e. Datacentre, WAN and software agreements.

6: Can you derive additional benefit from the service offered? Does it offer DR as a Service or Virtual machine burst capability, for instance.

7: Can you work with the service provider? This is a commonly overlooked part of the decision, which is slightly intangible but important to consider. They may have the best technology but are they unreachable in a crisis? They may have cheap technology but will they move heaven and earth for you? All important questions to ask yourself in the decision process.

8: How will they help you to migrate? Is it down to you to work out how to consume the service or will they provide you with an onboarding service?

Simple steps to the switch

Once you have selected the service provider, the actual migration should be fairly straight forward, even if the requirement is complex. After deciding on the relevant data sets and their appropriate RPO’s and RTO’s it should be as simple as:-

1: Agreeing a network design to connect to the service – VPN/Internet/Private Circuit

2: Set up and test a simple backup job to prove the service works

3: Work out the cutover plan from your existing backup solution that enables all of the data to ‘seed’ into the supplier solution

4: Agree a cutover date

5: Retain your existing backups until the RPO’s have expired

6: Review and negotiate your contract.

7: Measure and monitor performance of the solution and supplier

The long and the short of it, with the advancements in technology there are now lots of very capable BaaS providers that can save you money and stress, including us!! Find out how much our service costs by using our simple pricing calculator or get in touch to discuss your requirements, we’re positive we can help.