Technical Review by
Laura Iannini
Data Protection as a Service (DPaaS) platforms deliver encryption, backup, and compliance capabilities for cloud-hosted data through a managed service model, ensuring data protection obligations are met without building and managing the infrastructure. Data protection responsibilities remain with the data owner regardless of where it is stored. We reviewed the top platforms and found Datto SIRIS, Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud, and Cohesity DataProtect to be the strongest on encryption key management and cloud data store coverage.
Data protection has shifted from infrastructure you own to services you subscribe to. Your team no longer wants to manage backup appliances, maintain capacity planning spreadsheets, or coordinate between on-premises and cloud recovery systems. The best backup services handle this complexity for you while keeping costs predictable and recovery reliable.
The challenge is finding a platform that fits your actual infrastructure without overbuilding for simple needs or undershooting your complexity. Some services excel at protecting endpoints and cloud applications but struggle with databases and legacy systems. Others demand infrastructure expertise upfront. The right platform automates protection policies, recovers fast when systems fail, and doesn’t require constant vendor management.
We evaluated several data protection platforms across hybrid infrastructure, cloud workloads, SaaS applications, and database protection, assessing backup reliability, recovery speed, policy automation, ransomware resilience, and the operational experience teams report after deployment. We found the gap between vendor promises about speed and simplicity versus real-world setup requirements varies significantly. Some platforms deliver straightforward configuration; others demand deep backup expertise.
This guide walks you through the insights and helps you match the right backup service to your workload mix, team expertise, and recovery requirements.
Data Protection as a Service is backup, recovery, and data security delivered as a managed cloud service rather than infrastructure you build and run yourself. Instead of buying backup appliances, planning storage capacity, and coordinating on-premises and cloud recovery, you subscribe to a provider that handles the infrastructure and keeps your data protected to a policy you set. Crucially, even when your data lives in someone else's cloud, the responsibility for protecting it stays with you, which is the gap DPaaS fills. You get backup across your endpoints, servers, cloud workloads, and SaaS apps, plus the compliance reporting auditors expect, without managing the plumbing.
DPaaS platforms protect physical servers, virtual machines, databases, cloud instances, and SaaS applications through a centrally managed, policy-driven service, typically delivered from AWS or Azure or the vendor's own cloud. SLA- or policy-based automation enforces backup schedules, retention, deduplication, and tiering across workloads without per-job configuration, while encryption (in transit and at rest, often with customer-managed keys) and immutable or air-gapped copies protect data integrity. Mature platforms add AI- or ML-driven anomaly and ransomware detection, automated recovery testing or forensics to validate clean restore points, and broad multi-cloud coverage so data can move between providers. When evaluating, weigh workload coverage breadth, recovery speed and granularity (single file to full environment), the depth of compliance reporting and key management, and how much backup expertise setup demands, since DPaaS tools range from near-zero-touch SaaS to enterprise platforms needing dedicated architects.
Here is how the 8 platforms compare on the capabilities that matter most for Data Protection-as-a-Service.
| Product | Best For | Deployment | Immutable Backups | Ransomware / Anomaly Detection | Multi-Cloud Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Datto SIRIS
|
MSP disaster recovery
|
Appliance + cloud
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud
|
Consolidated protection stack
|
Hybrid / cloud
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Cohesity DataProtect
|
Unified SaaS and cloud backup
|
BaaS (AWS/Azure)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Commvault Cloud
|
AI-driven threat detection at scale
|
Hybrid
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Druva Data Resiliency Cloud
|
Infrastructure-free SaaS backup
|
SaaS (AWS/Azure)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
N-able Cove Data Protection
|
MSPs wanting included cloud storage
|
Cloud-first
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
|
Rubrik Cloud Data Management
|
Automated policy management
|
Software / cloud / appliance
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Veritas Alta Data Protection
|
Broad multi-cloud workload coverage
|
Cloud-native hybrid
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
We evaluated eight data protection platforms across hybrid infrastructure, multi-cloud environments, diverse workload types, and disaster recovery scenarios. We combined hands-on testing with market research and customer feedback to validate vendor claims against real-world performance. This guide was written by Caitlin Harris, Deputy Head of Content at Expert Insights, with technical review by Laura Iannini, Cybersecurity Analyst, and is updated quarterly. Read our full methodology
Datto SIRIS is a backup and disaster recovery platform built for MSPs and enterprise IT teams managing mixed infrastructure. It handles physical servers, virtual machines, and cloud workloads from one console, with immutable backups and fast recovery options. We think this is one of the strongest options for MSPs who need proven disaster recovery with centralized multi-tenant control.
Users consistently praise backup reliability and recovery speed, especially during real outages. The interface gets high marks for being straightforward once past initial setup. Something to be aware of is that detailed reporting can take some time to learn. New admins also report a learning curve around advanced settings and multi-device management.
We think Datto SIRIS fits MSPs juggling multiple clients and enterprise teams protecting diverse systems that need fast, proven disaster recovery. The 1-Click Disaster Recovery and AI-powered backup verification are standout features. If you’re protecting a simple single-server environment, this is more than you need.
Best for MSPs consolidating backup, security, and endpoint management
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud bundles backup, disaster recovery, antimalware, and patch management into one platform for MSPs. Instead of stitching together separate tools, you get a single agent and unified console managing everything from ransomware defense to endpoint patching. We think this delivers real efficiency gains for MSPs managing multiple client environments.
Customers consistently mention the unified dashboard saves time once they’re comfortable with it. Something to be aware of is that the interface feels cluttered and takes effort to navigate, particularly for new admins. Pricing complexity is a recurring frustration, with unpredictable costs from multiple paid add-on packs making budgets harder to forecast. System performance can slow on older hardware during backup jobs.
We think Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud fits MSPs who want to consolidate backup, security, and endpoint management under one platform. The single-agent approach reduces tool sprawl and vendor coordination. Smaller teams may find the feature set overwhelming and the pricing structure confusing.
Best for enterprises managing hybrid environments
Cohesity DataProtect is a backup-as-a-service platform covering SaaS applications, cloud workloads, and on-premises infrastructure from a single interface. It runs as a fully managed service in AWS or Azure, removing the need to provision and maintain your own backup infrastructure. Following Cohesity’s merger with Veritas’ enterprise data protection business in December 2024, the combined entity is now the world’s largest data protection software provider.
Users praise the intuitive interface and how quickly backup operations complete once configured. Support teams get consistent positive feedback for responsiveness. Something to be aware of is that licensing complexity makes pricing difficult to understand and plan for. Cost savings typically materialize at enterprise scale; smaller deployments may not see the same value.
We think Cohesity DataProtect fits enterprises managing hybrid environments who want to get out of the infrastructure management business. The unified interface and fast job creation are real time-savers, and the expanding BaaS coverage now includes M365, EC2, and RDS. If your deployment is smaller, the cost savings may not justify the investment.
Best for enterprises with serious compliance requirements
Commvault Cloud is a cyber resilience platform built for hybrid enterprise environments managing complex data protection across multiple locations. It combines backup, recovery, and threat detection with embedded AI to handle ransomware defense and compliance requirements at scale. We think this is a strong option for enterprises with serious compliance requirements and the resources to invest in proper architecture.
Users with years of Commvault deployment praise reliability and vendor support. Organizations protecting regulated data in healthcare and finance trust it for compliance with strict standards. Something to be aware of is that the learning curve is steep. New users say the interface feels challenging initially, and cloud configuration complexity requires significant architecture planning and troubleshooting effort.
We think Commvault Cloud fits enterprises running hybrid infrastructure with serious compliance requirements who need AI-powered threat detection alongside backup. The Metallic AI capabilities and automated forensics are real differentiators. Smaller teams will likely struggle with setup and ongoing management.
Best for organizations wanting to eliminate backup infrastructure
Druva Data Resiliency Cloud is a SaaS-based backup platform protecting endpoints, servers, VMs, and cloud applications without on-premises infrastructure. Built on AWS, it handles data protection through a single web interface, eliminating hardware management and scaling automatically. We think this is a strong option for organizations that want to get out of the infrastructure business entirely.
Customers praise the intuitive interface and responsive support team that educates while troubleshooting. Users managing global deployments value the visibility across hybrid workloads and SaaS applications. Something to be aware of is that initial backups for large datasets run slow due to cloud upload speeds. Some customers want more granular role-based controls and customizable reporting.
We think Druva Data Resiliency Cloud fits organizations prioritizing simplicity and global accessibility over on-premises control. The SaaS model removes real operational overhead, and the recent Cyber Recovery and Data Anomaly Detection features add meaningful ransomware protection. Teams needing local backup speeds for massive datasets will hit performance limits.
Best for MSPs wanting reliable cloud backup with included storage
N-able Cove Data Protection is a direct-to-cloud backup service built for MSPs managing multiple client environments. It protects servers, workstations, and Microsoft 365 data without requiring on-premises appliances or separate disaster recovery hardware. We think this is a solid option for MSPs who want reliable cloud backup with included storage and predictable pricing.
Long-term users report positive experiences across multiple years of deployment. Cost-effectiveness and solid support options resonate particularly for Microsoft 365 backup needs. MSPs managing banking and financial clients value the simplicity alongside strong support. Something to be aware of is that some customers want more advanced customization options and deeper integration capabilities. Recovery speed depends on network performance with the cloud-first architecture.
We think N-able Cove Data Protection fits MSPs protecting client servers and Microsoft 365 environments who want included storage and straightforward management. The recent FastTrack Onboarding and Group-Based Data Protection features improve the M365 experience. Organizations needing extensive customization or on-premises control will find limitations.
Best for enterprises wanting automated policy management with ransomware protection
Rubrik Cloud Data Management is a software-defined platform handling backup, recovery, and data governance across data centers and cloud environments. Now marketed as Rubrik Security Cloud, it uses automated SLA policies to protect workloads without manual backup scheduling, running on-premises, as software, or fully in the cloud. We think this is a strong option for enterprises wanting automated policy management with built-in ransomware protection.
Users praise reliability, ease of use, and strong support when issues arise. Setup processes are called straightforward and smooth. Something to be aware of is that Office 365 granular recovery falls short compared to some alternatives. Pricing comes up frequently as high for smaller environments, with enterprise licensing creating budget pressure.
We think Rubrik Cloud Data Management fits mid-to-large enterprises needing flexible deployment options and fast recovery with automated policy management. The zero-trust architecture and ML-powered threat analytics are strong differentiators. Smaller organizations will struggle with pricing, and the M365 granular recovery limitations are worth evaluating against your needs.
Best for enterprises with experienced staff and broad workload coverage needs
Veritas Alta Data Protection is a cloud-native platform managing backup and recovery across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. It handles physical servers, virtual machines, databases, SaaS applications, and cloud workloads through a centralized management console. Since December 2024, Veritas’ enterprise data protection business operates under Cohesity, with Veritas Alta products continuing to receive investment and development.
Users with 15+ years of Veritas experience report consistent reliability across any workload type. The platform handles physical, virtual, and cloud environments while supporting storage from tape to disk to object storage. Something to be aware of is that configuration and setup complexity require experienced IT professionals. Licensing creates budget friction, particularly when adding storage or expanding deployments.
We think Veritas Alta Data Protection fits enterprises with experienced staff protecting critical data across hybrid environments who need broad workload coverage from one console. The long track record of reliability is a real selling point. Smaller teams without backup expertise will struggle with setup and configuration demands.
DPaaS platforms are predominantly quote-based, priced by workloads, capacity, or users, with enterprise platforms layering modules and add-ons. None publishes a clear list price in the live material, and several customers flag licensing complexity, so model total cost carefully against your workload mix. Contact each vendor for a quote scoped to your environment.
| Product | Starting Price | Billing | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Datto SIRIS
|
Contact for quote
|
Via MSP partners (free appliance hardware)
|
|
|
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud
|
Contact for quote
|
Per workload + add-on packs
|
|
|
Cohesity DataProtect
|
Contact for quote
|
Subscription
|
|
|
Commvault Cloud
|
Contact for quote
|
Subscription
|
|
|
Druva Data Resiliency Cloud
|
Contact for quote
|
Consumption-based
|
|
|
N-able Cove Data Protection
|
Contact for quote
|
Via MSP partners (storage included)
|
|
|
Rubrik Cloud Data Management
|
Contact for quote
|
Subscription
|
|
|
Veritas Alta Data Protection
|
Contact for quote
|
Capacity / subscription
|
|
Once you've shortlisted a DPaaS platform, these are the steps we recommend to protect your data across cloud and hybrid environments without overbuilding.
Physical servers, VMs, databases, cloud instances, and SaaS apps should be protected without separate tools, or you end up managing silos.
Automated enforcement scales as you add environments and removes the daily configuration burden that DPaaS is meant to eliminate.
Confirm you can restore a single file or a full environment fast enough that your business can tolerate the downtime.
Copies an attacker cannot alter, plus anomaly detection and clean-restore validation, are your core defense against reinfection.
Because the data stays your responsibility in someone else's cloud, control over encryption keys matters for sovereignty and compliance.
Confirm the platform protects AWS, Azure, and others equally and can move data between clouds without manual intervention.
DPaaS ranges from near-zero-touch SaaS to platforms needing dedicated architects, so match the tool to the skills you actually have.
Several platforms in this category draw complaints about unpredictable add-on packs, so model the all-in cost before committing.
The platform should produce the evidence auditors expect without custom collection, which is much of the point of a managed service.
A managed service still needs proving, so rehearse recovery regularly to confirm RTOs and RPOs hold when you actually need them.
No single data protection platform excels at every workload and deployment model.
If policy automation and fast recovery across hybrid infrastructure matter most, Rubrik Cloud Data Management delivers with automated SLA policies that eliminate manual scheduling. Watch pricing for smaller environments.
For MSPs and enterprises needing proven disaster recovery with immutable protection, Datto SIRIS handles fast recovery and multi-tenant management well. For broad multi-cloud coverage across diverse workloads, Veritas Alta Data Protection protects physical, virtual, cloud, and SaaS environments from one console, though it requires backup expertise.
For MSPs wanting consolidation with antimalware and patching included, Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud bundles protection functions and simplifies vendor management across multiple client environments.
If your team wants to eliminate backup infrastructure entirely, Druva Data Resiliency Cloud handles cloud-native simplicity, ideal for distributed teams prioritizing global accessibility. For MSP Microsoft 365 backup specifically, N-able Cove Data Protection delivers straightforward multitenant management with included cloud storage and predictable pricing.
Read the individual reviews above to dig into deployment specifics, pricing, and the trade-offs that matter for your workload mix and infrastructure scale.
Data Protection-as-a-Service (DPaaS) is a cloud-delivered software package that enables organizations to secure their data through security, backup, recovery, and archiving modules. These modules are all delivered via a single platform on a consumption-based model, and the “as-a-Service” part of DPaaS means that the security provider also offers the necessary server resources and infrastructure within the subscription or SLA, so you don’t have to manage that in-house. This makes DPaaS much easier to manage—and often more cost effective—than the traditional method of deploying multiple disparate, on-premises security tools.
Some DPaaS solutions focus largely on data backup and disaster recovery, but many modern DPaaS solutions offer a wide range of in-built security tools such as vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, VPNs, incident management, firewalls, and access controls to help safeguard your data.
DPaaS solutions enable organizations to swap from using and maintaining multiple security and backup tools, to using just one data security solution, which they subscribe to on a consumption-based or “pay-as-you-go” model. To achieve this, DPaaS offers the resources, infrastructure, and APIs needed to implement and automate data protection and recovery processes. You can then configure security policies to bring the solution in line with your organization’s requirements.
To work out your billing, DPaaS providers analyze your previous workloads to calculate how much compute, networking, and storage your organization needs. This ensures that you only pay for what you use and enables you to scale up your usage as your business grows.
There are numerous benefits to implementing a Data Protection-as-a-Service solution:
There are lots of Data Protection-as-a-Service solutions on the market, each with features catering to different use cases and industries. However, there are some features that you should look for in any DPaaS solution, no matter the size or industry of your organization. These include:
Further reading on backup and recovery from Expert Insights — buyers' guides, comparison articles, and platform-specific shortlists.
Caitlin Harris is the Deputy Head of Content at Expert Insights. As an experienced content writer and editor, Caitlin helps cybersecurity leaders to cut through the noise in the cybersecurity space with expert analysis and insightful recommendations.
Prior to Expert Insights, Caitlin worked at QA Ltd, where she produced award-winning technical training materials, and she has also produced journalistic content over the course of her career.
Caitlin has 8 years of experience in the cybersecurity and technology space, helping technical teams, CISOs, and security professionals find clarity on complex, mission critical topics like security awareness training, backup and recovery, and endpoint protection.
Caitlin also hosts the Expert Insights Podcast and co-writes the weekly newsletter, Decrypted.
Laura Iannini is a Cybersecurity Analyst at Expert Insights. With deep cybersecurity knowledge and strong research skills, she leads Expert Insights’ product testing team, conducting thorough tests of product features and in-depth industry analysis to ensure that Expert Insights’ product reviews are definitive and insightful.
Laura also carries out wider analysis of vendor landscapes and industry trends to inform Expert Insights’ enterprise cybersecurity buyers’ guides, covering topics such as security awareness training, cloud backup and recovery, email security, and network monitoring. Prior to working at Expert Insights, Laura worked as a Senior Information Security Engineer at Constant Edge, where she tested cybersecurity solutions, carried out product demos, and provided high-quality ongoing technical support.
Laura holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity from the University of West Florida.