Learn about OneDrive Backup Best Practices, including multiple methods of backing up OneDrive data, how to automate OneDrive backup, and ways to secure OneDrive backups, such as using immutable backups. This guide also compares the pros and cons of multiple OneDrive backup approaches, including native OneDrive backup tools, manual backup, and the use of dedicated, third-party backup platforms such as MSP360 Managed Backup for OneDrive.
It’s Not Too Late: How MSPs Can Still Prepare for a Strong 2025
It’s that time of the year again: the holidays are upon us, and the new year is only a few weeks away.
While business operations may be winding down, December is the perfect time for managed service providers (MSPs) to reflect on their wins and losses in 2024 and proactively start planning for the future.
Why OneDrive Needs a Dedicated Backup Solution
Introduction to why Backup Onedrive needs a third-party solution
If your organization uses Microsoft 365, protecting your data and methods to backup OneDrive is a critical part of a comprehensive backup strategy. While desktop backups are a cornerstone of data protection and an excellent solution for safeguarding local files, they’re not designed to secure your OneDrive data. That is why OneDrive needs a dedicated third-party backup solution, and this is where a specialized solution such as MSP360 Managed Backup for Microsoft 365 comes in.
We’ve already discussed the misconceptions about ways to backup OneDrive and enhance data security. Now, we will explore four critical reasons why OneDrive needs an automated, cloud-based backup solution that operates independently of users’ workstations and connects directly to OneDrive servers.
1.Backup OneDrive: Cloud-to-Cloud Is Faster
Even if OneDrive files reside on a user’s local workstation, relying on a desktop backup still means sending data through an office network that can’t match the speed of a direct, cloud-to-cloud transfer. Local internet connections in the office or at home often have limited bandwidth, creating bottlenecks that slow the backup process and consume valuable time.
MSP360 Managed Backup for Microsoft 365 circumvents these limitations by connecting directly to Microsoft’s servers, leveraging the high-speed and reliable data transfer capabilities of a cloud-to-cloud architecture. This approach ensures that when you backup OneDrive, it run faster, with fewer interruptions and minimal impact on your local network. As a result, your backup process is not only more efficient but also more scalable and cost-effective in the long run.
2. On-Demand Files Should Stay On-Demand
Many OneDrive users rely on the OneDrive Files On-Demand feature, which stores only file pointers locally instead of downloading every file. This approach is intentional, as it keeps workstation disk usage low and maintains a responsive user experience.
Some backup solutions attempt to safeguard OneDrive data by forcing all on-demand files to be downloaded to the workstation before they can be backed up. This undermines the core benefit of Files On-Demand, needlessly consuming local storage and bandwidth and significantly prolonging the backup process. It’s highly inefficient to download files from one cloud environment to a desktop and then re-upload them to another.
By incorporating MSP360 Managed Backup for Microsoft 365 into your strategy, you avoid these pitfalls. Instead of depending on local synchronization, MSP360 connects directly to OneDrive in the cloud, ensuring that every file is backed up without forcing unnecessary downloads or wasting valuable storage space. This approach preserves the benefits of Files On-Demand while providing complete, secure backup protection.
3. Some People Use OneDrive Exclusively in Browser
Not every user works with OneDrive files in a way that a desktop backup can capture. Many users access and edit their documents directly through a web browser, whether they’re on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Because these files never need to be downloaded to a local machine, desktop-only backup solutions cannot protect them.
With MSP360 Managed Backup for Microsoft 365, you can ensure full coverage of all user data, regardless of how or where it’s accessed. Instead of relying on local synchronization, MSP360 connects directly to Microsoft 365 to back up every file—whether it’s synced locally or edited exclusively in the cloud. This means that even the files that remain cloud-only are safely stored, giving you the confidence that no important data is left unprotected.
4. Continuous Collaboration Happens in the Cloud
Even when a user’s workstation is offline, and the user is on vacation, colleagues may still be editing and updating this user’s files in OneDrive. By relying solely on desktop backups, you risk missing changes that happen exclusively in OneDrive.
Integrating MSP360 Managed Backup for Microsoft 365 ensures that all file versions are consistently protected at the source, safeguarding the latest file changes no matter when or where they occur.
Further reading Set up MSP360 Managed Backup for Microsoft 365
Conclusion on how to backup OneDrive
In modern organizations, people collaborate on documents in cloud platforms like OneDrive, trusting them with some of the most business-critical documents. While desktop backups are excellent for securing locally stored files, they are not optimized to handle the unique challenges of protecting cloud-based data. A dedicated cloud-based solution, such as MSP360 Managed Backup for Microsoft 365, is essential to backup One Drive. It ensure that all files—whether synced, cloud-only, or actively collaborated on—are fully protected.
By integrating MSP360 Managed Backup for Microsoft 365 with your existing desktop backup solution, you gain comprehensive coverage for both local and cloud-based data. Experience how a specialized backup approach can secure your organization’s data effectively. Take advantage of our trial licenses and storage to see the benefits for yourself and gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing your data is fully protected.
Further reading Why You Need to Back Up Microsoft 365 and How MSP360 Helps (Whitepaper)
MSP360 Managed Backup December Update
We’re excited to announce several new features and enhancements designed to streamline workflows and improve user experience with MSP360 Managed Backup. Continue reading
MSP Trends to Watch in 2025: Making AI a Bigger Part of Your Business
Introduction
Artificial intelligence helps managed service providers (MSPs) do their jobs faster, better, and more efficiently than ever. How you incorporate AI into your day-to-day operations will have far-flung effects.
The Future of Ransomware: What MSPs Can Expect in 2025
If you think ransomware won't affect MSPs and their customers in 2025, think again. Ransomware continues to be a global threat, with attacks growing more sophisticated as technology evolves.
Getting Fired: The Right Way to Pass Clients to a New MSP
Getting fired by a client happens, and when it does, it can be emotionally draining, especially when money is tight. Although you may feel tempted to resent or retaliate against the new managed service provider (MSP), staying professional and cooperative is a far better choice.
MSP360 Managed Backup October Update
With our latest October updates, we are excited to introduce a new view of the Backup/Restore Plan Summary, the new schedule step and an easier way to manage payment methods associated with your subscription. Continue reading
How Managed Service Providers Can Operate Remotely and Still Thrive
Many managed services providers (MSPs) are considering going remote with their operations. There are plenty of benefits to going this route, including not having to worry about the overhead costs that come with maintaining a physical office space and having the flexibility to hire staff from around the world. However, operating remotely as an MSP has its own limitations.
Streamlined License Management and Cost Tracking with MSP360
We’re excited to announce a series of updates designed to make license management and cost tracking easier and more efficient. These new features are centered around simplifying data access and offering more flexibility in how you view and manage your licenses. Here’s a closer look at what’s new: Continue reading
Top Security Priorities MSPs Should Focus on for the New Year
Are you gearing up for 2025? The new year is just around the corner and now is the perfect time to start prioritizing security. By taking action today, you'll ensure that your business and customers stay safe and secure well into the future.
Seize the Budget Season: Why MSPs Should Accelerate Marketing Now
Your customers are already planning for the new year. Once again, IT spending will likely be reduced overall, putting you as a managed service provider (MSP) on the defensive and forcing you to prove your worth to your customers. Getting ahead of this can make all the difference for you and your team.