Cloud backup solutions for MSPs and IT teams

Frequently asked questions

• What is cloud backup?

  Cloud backup creates recoverable copies of business data in remote storage. Backup software captures files, applications or complete systems on a schedule, then retains recovery points so teams can restore an earlier state after deletion, corruption, equipment failure or a cyberattack. An initial full backup can be followed by incremental backups that transfer only changes. Cloud backup can complement local copies, giving organizations an off-site recovery option when their primary location is unavailable.

• What is the 3-2-1 backup rule?

  Keep three copies of your data: the working copy and two backups. Store them on two different types of media, with one copy off-site. Combine this approach with protected retention and regular recovery testing to check that backups remain usable when you need them.

• How does Acronis Backup relate to Acronis Cyber Protect and Acronis Cyber Platform?

  Backup is a capability of Acronis Cyber Platform. MSPs deliver it through Acronis Cyber Platform, while IT teams can manage their own protection with Acronis Cyber Protect or use a service provider. Available capabilities, licensing and deployment options depend on the product and plan.

• Looking for Acronis Cyber Protect components?

  Explore the capabilities available through Acronis Cyber Protect and Acronis Cyber Platform as part of Acronis Cyber Platform:

  • Backup protects recoverable copies of your data.
  • Disaster recovery adds cloud failover.
  • Cybersecurity and EDR help prevent, detect and respond to threats.
  • Endpoint management brings monitoring, patching and remote administration together.
  • Email archiving preserves messages for long-term retrieval.

• What is the difference between cloud backup and cloud storage?

  Cloud storage holds data remotely. Cloud backup adds schedules, retention and recovery points so you can restore data after loss or unwanted changes. File synchronization alone can propagate deletions or corruption and does not replace a backup strategy.

• What is an MSP backup solution?

  It lets a managed service provider protect and recover data across multiple customers. Acronis combines multitenant administration, customer-specific policies, monitoring and reporting with options to add cybersecurity and disaster recovery.

• Is the Acronis Backup pack for MSPs?

  Yes. The Backup pack extends capabilities in Acronis Cyber Platform, including Continuous Data Protection, additional application support and one-click recovery. Availability and billing depend on your licensing model and enabled services.

• Which operating systems does Acronis backup support?

  Acronis supports backup for Windows, macOS and Linux, alongside supported hypervisors, applications and SaaS environments. Backup methods and security features vary by operating system. Check the product documentation for supported versions and system requirements.

• How does Acronis support manufacturing and health care organizations?

  Manufacturing: Protect supported production systems and business data to help restore operations after equipment failure, accidental changes or cyberattacks. Explore manufacturing.

  Health care: Protect patient records and critical applications with recovery, retention and security controls that support dependable care and compliance processes. Explore health care.

• How does Acronis help protect against ransomware?

  Acronis Active Protection helps detect and block ransomware on supported workloads. Backup scanning, supported immutable storage and Safe Recovery add protection to recovery workflows. Configure these controls alongside access restrictions and recovery testing.

• Can I restore individual Microsoft 365 items?

  Yes. Granular recovery supports individual mailbox items such as emails, contacts and calendar entries, as well as supported files and collaboration content.

• Can I recover a machine to Azure, Google Cloud or AWS?

  Supported recovery workflows can restore machines into these cloud environments. Requirements depend on the source and destination; some workflows require a prepared VM with an operating system and Acronis agent. Cloud restore and disaster recovery failover are different capabilities.

• Can I use my existing storage?

  Yes. Supported destinations include local disks, network storage and selected public clouds, alongside Acronis-hosted and partner-hosted storage. Protocol, agent and workload requirements vary.

• How can I start if my connection has limited bandwidth?

  Where available, initial seeding lets you create the first backup on external media for physical shipment or upload from a faster connection. Subsequent incremental backups transfer changes. Ask your provider about supported seeding options and availability.

• How is Acronis backup priced?

  MSP pricing depends on the licensing model, protected workloads, storage and enabled services. Businesses choose a subscription or provider-managed offering.

• Can a business use Acronis backup without an MSP?

  Yes. IT teams can use Acronis Cyber Protect to manage their own protection. Businesses can also choose a managed service from an Acronis partner.

• Where is my backup data stored?

  Your configured destination determines where backups are stored: locally, in an available Acronis data center, with a service provider or in a supported public cloud. Confirm primary and replicated copy locations against your data residency requirements.

• Is backup included with disaster recovery?

  Acronis Disaster Recovery uses protected backups to recover supported workloads in the cloud. Backup, storage and disaster recovery entitlements depend on your plan. Confirm the required services and cloud resources when selecting an offering.