Service guide
Managed Backup & Disaster Recovery Services
Data loss can end a business. Whether caused by ransomware, hardware failure, human error, or natural disaster — businesses without tested backup and disaster recovery (BDR) plans face catastrophic risk. Managed BDR services eliminate that risk with automated, verified, always-ready protection.
What Is Managed Backup & Disaster Recovery?
Managed BDR is the ongoing administration of your backup systems and disaster recovery procedures by your MSP. It includes configuring and scheduling backups, monitoring backup success, performing regular restore tests, and executing your recovery plan when disaster strikes.
The 3-2-1 Backup Rule (Minimum Standard)
- 3 copies of your data
- 2 different storage media types (e.g., local + cloud)
- 1 copy stored offsite or in an immutable cloud location
Any MSP that can’t clearly describe their backup architecture using this framework or better is not ready to protect your business.
Key BDR Metrics to Understand
| Metric | Definition | What to Target |
|---|---|---|
| RPO (Recovery Point Objective) | Maximum acceptable data loss (how old can restored data be?) | Under 1 hour for most SMBs |
| RTO (Recovery Time Objective) | Maximum acceptable downtime after a disaster | Under 4 hours for most SMBs |
| Backup Frequency | How often data is backed up | Every 15–60 minutes for critical systems |
| Restore Test Frequency | How often restores are actually tested | Monthly minimum |
Ransomware & BDR: The Critical Connection
Ransomware is now the #1 cause of catastrophic data loss for SMBs. A properly configured BDR system with immutable cloud backups is your most reliable recovery option after a ransomware attack — allowing you to restore clean data without paying a ransom. Ask your MSP specifically about immutable backup storage and air-gapped copies.
Questions to Ask Your MSP About Backup
- How often are backups taken for our critical systems?
- Where are backups stored (local, cloud, both)?
- Are backups encrypted in transit and at rest?
- How often do you test restores, and can we see the results?
- What is our RTO and RPO under your plan?
- Are our backups protected against ransomware (immutable storage)?