Datto today unveiled additions to its data protection cloud service that include backup for data stored on Microsoft Office 365 and a dedicated router that managed service providers can implement to maintain connections to the Datto data protection cloud service.
In addition, Datto announced support for a Linux agent and file and synchronization software from the open-source ownCloud project that is now included as part of the company’s cloud service for data protection.
At the Datto Partner Conference this week, CEO Austin McChord said file synchronization software at this juncture really should be included within any storage solution. “We think file sharing and synchronization has become table stakes,” McChord said. “Using ownCloud provides that capability at no cost.”
The Datto Networking Appliance (DNA) Router provides support for 4G wireless connections that can be invoked as an alternative network in the event the primary network relied on for backup and recovery is no longer available.
In addition, support for Linux means that MSPs can now provide persistent incremental backups, integrated storage, cloud replication, individual file restores and instant local virtualization to both Linux and Windows systems, McChord said.
Datto is also promising to update its portal this fall to include support for a Datto Activity Feed through which they can access important notifications and updates.
The combination of local appliances and cloud services makes it possible for MSPs to back up and recover virtual and physical servers running on-premise or in the cloud alongside software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications, such as Microsoft Office 365. In Datto’s case, that means being able to take advantage of a 140-petabyte private cloud to deliver data protection services.
With more organizations than ever taking a cloud-first approach to IT, it’s only a matter of time before organizations ask MSPs to help them protect data in the cloud, McChord said.
In fact, given the margins that solution providers make on SaaS applications these days, it may very well turn out that protecting data in the cloud is a lot more profitable than actually putting data in the cloud.
Michael Vizard has been covering IT issues in the enterprise for 25 years as an editor and columnist for publications such as InfoWorld, eWEEK, Baseline, CRN, ComputerWorld and Digital Review.