Microsoft now positions itself firmly as the be-all-end-all solution for businesses seeking security, stability, and efficiency. In many ways, this is true. But it can become dangerous to rely on a single platform for everything. By far the biggest example of this is backups. Companies using Azure often incorrectly assume that their data is safely backed up.
It isn’t. And many of these businesses won’t realise this until it is far too late. To truly protect your data, you need an external Azure backup solution. But with hundreds of options available, which should you choose? How can you identify the right software for your needs?
These are the questions this article will answer.
Why Native Isn’t Good Enough
One of the biggest mistakes businesses make when using Microsoft tools is assuming that because there are multiple ways to store data, this counts as having a backup. It’s easy to see why. If critical information is held in OneDrive, SharePoint, and Azure, you might think there are very few situations where all three of these solutions are offline at once.
This logic, however, makes one crucial error. It does not account for the fact that they are controlled by the same platform. It’s not unusual for even big companies such as Microsoft to experience outages. In fact, one occurred on the 28th of April 2026. While that particular incident only shut off access to Outlook, it demonstrates just how easily you could be locked out of other solutions (such as OneDrive or Azure). One flawed update prevented businesses from sending or receiving emails for hours.
The truth is, if your data is controlled by one company, you do not have a backup. You’re still relying on a single point of failure, which risks downtime and data loss. A true backup must be entirely independent of your normal software and storage systems.
Learn about another major incident – and what we can learn from it
What to Look for in Azure Backup Software
Now you understand why a third-party Azure backup software is crucial. But there’s one more hurdle to jump: choosing the right one. With something this important, you can’t afford to make mistakes. A poor decision could cost you everything, lulling you into a false sense of security while not actually protecting your business at all.
Here are the traits you should look for when selecting Azure backup software:
Broad Coverage
The best Azure backups won’t just protect files, but workflows, virtual machines, emails, and all other crucial data needed to keep operations running. Look for a solution that covers every aspect of your Azure environment, and preferably even more.
Fast and Flexible Recovery
Your backups are only valuable if information can actually be recovered. An effective platform should support not only full workload recovery, but also granular restoration (the ability to retrieve specific pieces of data). Remember that not every loss incident will involve a total shutdown of all storage. Sometimes an employee accidentally deletes a file.
You should also ensure the solution is capable of achieving your desired RPO (recovery point objective) and RTO (recovery time objective).
Strong Security Controls
Your backups are as valuable as gold, and should be treated with just as much care. Choose a solution that offers or supports:
Your backups are as valuable as gold, and should be treated with just as much care. Choose a solution that offers or supports:
- Strong access controls
- Multi-factor authentication
- Immutability (to prevent accidental or malicious tampering)
- Encryption
- Complete separation from your IT environment when needed
Scalability
The last thing you want is to run out of storage space without realising. Ensure your chosen platform can scale quickly and endlessly to continue meeting your needs during periods of growth.
Redundancy
As stated above, your business should never be reliant on a single point of failure. All good Azure backups should provide multiple redundancies, keeping data accessible no matter what happens.
Automated Backups
Humans make mistakes. Your employees might forget to backup or update data for months on end, when left to their own devices. Choose a solution that allows you to completely automate the process.
Compatibility with Hybrid Environments
It goes without saying that Azure backup software must be cloud compatible. However, it also needs to integrate smoothly with on-premise solutions. Realistically, no business relies on the cloud alone, and your staff probably need to move data back and forth more often than you suspect.
The Case for Managed Azure Backups
There is much to consider when developing an Azure backup strategy, and it can become overwhelming. If you need additional guidance, or simply don’t have the time to oversee backup and recovery management, consider outsourcing this task to an expert. The specialist will:
- Help you choose the best platform for your needs
- Set up, configure, and update your backup software
- Test recovery procedures regularly to ensure they work
- Implement data security measures
- Assist with the recovery process during an emergency
- Provide ongoing support and guidance
If that sounds valuable, consider searching for a backup expert.
Azure Isn’t Invincible. Your Backup Strategy Can Be.
Just because your data is stored in Azure, that doesn’t mean it’s safe. To ensure that critical information actually exists when you need it, you need an external backup. By focusing on the most important things first, you can choose a solution that not only stores your Azure data, but actively protects it.
Need help getting Azure backups up and running? We work behind the scenes to make sure no matter how many challenges come your way, your business always has what it needs to operate. Discover our Azure backup solutions to learn more.
FAQ
What is Azure Backup Software?
Azure backup software is any digital solution designed to store and recover an additional copy of your Azure data. These solutions are often tailored specifically for this platform.
Is Windows Azure Backup Enough on its Own?
Native Windows Azure backups are not enough on their own, and don’t even truly count as having a backup. If you’re relying on a single platform for both your regular storage and all additional copies, then you’re completely unprotected against loss. Note that if your primary data storage is on a different platform, then it’s fine to backup to Azure software or servers. The important thing is using two different platforms.
What Should We Prioritise When Choosing Azure Backup Servers or Software?
When choosing Azure backup servers or software, always look at recovery speed, coverage, security features, and whether a hybrid work environment is supported.
Can We Safely Use Cloud Backup for Server Data?
You can absolutely use cloud backups for server data. Just remember to use a different platform from your main storage, and check that your chosen cloud solution supports this feature.
When Should We Consider Outsourcing Azure Backups?
You should consider outsourcing Azure backups if you lack the time or internal expertise to effectively handle them alone. Outsourcing is always better than neglecting backups.