#5. Limited versioning CCPs are attractive as a backup solution because they offer versioning capabilities that resemble endpoint backup. But the fact is, even these versioning functions are severely limited when compared with true backup. CCPs tend to capture a file’s history in shallow snapshots, allowing a user to restore the file at stretched cadences. These platforms also run into trouble when it comes to file corruption, not allowing file restoration to a specific point in time, or beyond a certain limit. By contrast, good backup is continuous, and comprehensive. Since it’s a dedicated solution, it usually allows file restoration with extreme accuracy and selectability. With a business at stake, the snapshot model of versioning that CCPs offer simply isn’t good enough. The simple solution There will be no surprises at the solution to these risks; don’t allow the businesses in your care to settle for anything less than a dedicated endpoint backup and recovery solution. MSPs need to educate their customers and advocate strongly and consistently the importance of dedicated backup and recovery to mitigate the risks above and to position their customers into a strong data resilience posture. CCPs are tempting because they are pale shadows of endpoint backup and recovery. They share some common, limited characteristics, and they’re often thought of as conveniently bundling the dual prerogatives of collaboration and data security all into one solution. But they’re only designed for the former, and MSPs need to make it clear to their customers that these design limitations are serious and can come with significant financial, operational and reputational consequences. And, most pressingly, MSPs should know these consequences don’t simply impact their customers — they can impact them as well. MSPs are valued and trusted IT partners for their customers, so it is important for them to educate and articulate risks and solutions to enable their customers with the right data protection and resilience tools. Remember, collaboration tools are for collaboration, and purpose-built backup and recovery tools are for backup and recovery. o Todd Thorsen is the CISO of CrashPlan. He brings more than 15 years of information security experience across various disciplines. 43 MARCH - APRIL 2024 | CHANNELVISION
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