Technical Review by
Craig MacAlpine
Microsoft does not provide comprehensive backup for Dynamics 365 CRM and ERP data; native tools do not protect against systematic deletion, ransomware, or point-in-time recovery requirements. Third-party Dynamics 365 backup solutions provide automated protection and granular recovery that Microsoft’s tooling cannot deliver. We reviewed the top solutions and found AvePoint Dynamics CRM Backup And Restore, Keepit Backup For Microsoft Dynamics 365, and Metallic Backup For Microsoft Dynamics 365 to be the strongest on data coverage breadth and entity relationship restoration.
Dynamics 365 backup seems straightforward until you realize your business relies on customer records, sales pipelines, and critical configurations that Microsoft doesn’t guarantee you can recover if something goes wrong.
The right backup solution protects your Dynamics 365 data against ransomware, accidental deletions, configuration drift, and service outages. You need something that backs up records alongside metadata and customizations, lets you restore individual records or entire environments, and integrates with your existing systems without requiring dedicated admin time just to maintain backups.
We evaluated five Dynamics 365 backup platforms across backup frequency and reliability, restore speed and flexibility, compliance capabilities, ease of management, and long-term customer satisfaction. We assessed integration with your existing Dynamics 365 workflows, how well each handles multi-tenant environments, and what happens when things go wrong during a recovery. This guide gives you the decision criteria to match a backup solution to your environment size, compliance requirements, and recovery objectives.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 backup is third-party protection for the data and configuration in your Dynamics CRM and ERP environment. Microsoft keeps the Dynamics service running, but under the shared responsibility model, protecting your records against accidental deletion, ransomware, or a bad configuration change is your job, and native tools do not offer reliable point-in-time recovery. A backup solution takes automated, independent copies of your customer records, sales data, metadata, and customizations, so if data is deleted, corrupted, or encrypted, you can restore exactly what was lost, from a single field up to an entire environment.
Dynamics 365 backup platforms connect through the Dataverse and Dynamics APIs to capture business records, metadata, relationships, security roles, and custom configurations across modules such as Sales, Customer Service, Field Service, and Marketing. Backups run on a schedule, from once to several times daily, defining the recovery point objective, and copies are encrypted and stored on the vendor's cloud, Azure, or customer-controlled storage. The capability that separates serious tools is recovery granularity: restoring an individual field or record, or a full environment, non-destructively, while preserving the complex parent-child entity relationships and lookups that make selective Dynamics restoration difficult. Mature platforms add snapshot comparison to show what changed before a restore, cross-environment restore for migration and dev/test, immutable storage for ransomware resilience, and compliance support such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS. Storage independence from Azure matters where you want backups to survive a tenant outage or compromise.
Here is how the 5 platforms compare on the capabilities that matter most for Dynamics 365 backup.
| Product | Best For | Backup Frequency | Metadata / Config Backup | Immutable Storage | Storage Independent of Azure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
AvePoint Dynamics CRM Backup And Restore
|
Flexible scheduling with storage control
|
Up to 4x daily
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
|
Keepit Backup For Microsoft Dynamics 365
|
Infrastructure independence from Microsoft
|
Daily (automated)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Metallic Backup For Microsoft Dynamics 365
|
Commvault-ecosystem enterprises
|
Scheduled + on-demand
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
Skyvia Dynamics 365 Backup And Restore
|
Small to mid-size teams wanting simplicity
|
Daily + on-demand
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
|
Own Recover For Microsoft Dynamics CRM And Power Apps
|
Complex deployments needing field-level restore
|
Automated scheduled
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
We evaluated five Dynamics 365 backup platforms across backup frequency and coverage, restore speed and granularity, metadata and configuration protection, compliance capabilities, ease of management and support quality, and real-world customer satisfaction over multiple years. We combined hands-on testing with market research and customer feedback to validate vendor claims against real-world performance. This guide was written by Joel Witts, Content Director at Expert Insights, with technical review by Craig MacAlpine, CEO and Founder, and is updated quarterly. Read our full methodology
Best for teams needing flexible scheduling with tight control over data location
AvePoint Dynamics CRM Backup And Restore protects Microsoft Dynamics 365 environments with automated backups up to four times daily. It stores data in encrypted Azure storage with bring-your-own-key (BYOK) and bring-your-own-storage (BYOS) options for organizations with strict data sovereignty requirements. We think this is a strong option for teams that need flexible backup scheduling with tight control over where their data lives.
Users praise the granular restore capabilities and the peace of mind from frequent automated backups. The Teams integration gets positive marks for letting business users handle simple restores without IT involvement. Something to be aware of is that initial configuration takes time, particularly when setting up BYOS with custom Azure storage. Some users want more detailed reporting on backup job status and history.
We think AvePoint Dynamics CRM Backup And Restore fits organizations that need frequent automated backups with full control over encryption and storage. The Teams-based self-service restore is a real differentiator for reducing admin workload. If your backup needs are basic and you don’t require BYOS flexibility, simpler options exist.
Best for organizations wanting backup data stored outside Microsoft's ecosystem
Keepit Backup For Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a cloud-native backup platform storing data independently from Microsoft’s infrastructure in dedicated, vendor-managed data centers. It supports data retention up to 99 years and covers over 500 Dynamics 365 data objects. We think this is one of the strongest options for organizations that want their backup data stored completely outside of Microsoft’s ecosystem.
Customers value the independent storage architecture and the confidence it gives them during Microsoft service disruptions. The interface gets positive marks for being clean and easy to navigate. Something to be aware of is that restore speeds for large datasets can run slower than expected. Some customers want broader customization options for backup policies and scheduling windows.
We think Keepit Backup For Microsoft Dynamics 365 fits organizations that prioritize true infrastructure independence from Microsoft for their backup data. The 99-year retention and immutable storage in dedicated data centers are strong differentiators. If you’re comfortable keeping backups within the Azure ecosystem, you may not need the extra separation.
Best for enterprises already using Commvault
Metallic Backup For Microsoft Dynamics 365 is Commvault’s cloud-native SaaS backup covering Dynamics 365 Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, and Field Service modules. Built on Microsoft Azure infrastructure, it handles full metadata and property backup alongside business data. We think this is a solid option for enterprises already using Commvault who want consistent Dynamics 365 protection under one management umbrella.
Users praise the broad module coverage and the reliability of automated backups. Organizations already running Commvault value the unified console for managing Dynamics 365 alongside other workloads. Something to be aware of is that the interface carries Commvault’s complexity, which can overwhelm teams focused only on Dynamics 365 backup. Pricing is structured around Commvault’s broader licensing model, which adds friction for standalone use.
We think Metallic Backup For Microsoft Dynamics 365 fits enterprises already invested in Commvault’s ecosystem who want Dynamics 365 backup under the same management console. The full metadata and multi-module coverage are strong selling points. Standalone buyers may find the complexity and pricing better suited to broader Commvault deployments.
Best for small to mid-size teams wanting straightforward backup
Skyvia Dynamics 365 Backup And Restore is a cloud-based backup service offering daily automated and on-demand manual backups for Dynamics 365 data. It stores backups in Azure geo-redundant storage (GRS) with AES 256-bit encryption and supports cross-account restores. We think this is a practical option for small to mid-size teams that want straightforward Dynamics 365 backup without enterprise complexity.
Users appreciate the simplicity of setup and the visual snapshot comparison tool. The cross-account restore feature gets positive marks from teams managing development and production environments. Something to be aware of is that daily backup frequency limits RPO compared to solutions offering more frequent schedules. Advanced users want more control over backup scheduling and retention policies.
We think Skyvia Dynamics 365 Backup And Restore fits smaller teams and mid-market organizations wanting simple, reliable Dynamics 365 backup without managing infrastructure. The snapshot comparison and cross-account restore are useful features at this price point. Organizations needing backup frequencies higher than once daily should evaluate alternatives.
Best for organizations needing precise, field-level restore across complex deployments
Own Recover For Microsoft Dynamics CRM And Power Apps provides granular backup and restore for Dynamics 365 and Power Apps environments. Following Salesforce’s acquisition of Own (formerly OwnBackup) for $1.9 billion, the platform continues to operate as a standalone product supporting Microsoft environments. We think this is a strong option for organizations needing precise, field-level restore capabilities across complex Dynamics 365 deployments.
Users consistently praise the granular restore precision, particularly the ability to recover individual fields without affecting surrounding data. The comparison tool gets strong marks for preventing unintended overwrites during restores. Something to be aware of is that initial setup and configuration for complex Dynamics 365 environments takes significant effort. Some users find the interface navigation less intuitive than expected for routine tasks.
We think Own Recover For Microsoft Dynamics CRM And Power Apps fits organizations with complex Dynamics 365 environments that need precise, field-level recovery. The archiving feature adds real value for managing storage costs. Smaller deployments with simpler restore needs may not require this level of granularity.
Dynamics 365 backup is typically priced by environment, user, or data volume, and the vendors in this guide are quote-based rather than publishing list prices. Expect final pricing to depend on the modules and data objects covered, backup frequency, retention, and whether you bring your own storage. Contact each vendor for a quote scoped to your environment.
| Product | Starting Price | Billing | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
|
AvePoint Dynamics CRM Backup And Restore
|
Contact for quote
|
Subscription
|
|
|
Keepit Backup For Microsoft Dynamics 365
|
Contact for quote
|
Per seat, tiered
|
|
|
Metallic Backup For Microsoft Dynamics 365
|
Contact for quote
|
Subscription (Commvault licensing)
|
|
|
Skyvia Dynamics 365 Backup And Restore
|
Contact for quote
|
Storage-based
|
|
|
Own Recover For Microsoft Dynamics CRM And Power Apps
|
Contact for quote
|
Subscription
|
|
Once you've shortlisted a Dynamics 365 backup platform, these are the steps we recommend to make sure your CRM and ERP data is protected and recoverable.
Once-daily backups leave up to 24 hours of exposure, while three or four times daily shrinks the window for fast-changing sales and service data.
Most real recoveries are a single record or field, so verify you can restore one without overwriting surrounding data or breaking relationships.
Page layouts, security roles, workflows, and custom entities are part of your org, and restoring data without them leaves you rebuilding configuration by hand.
Dynamics data is deeply relational, so a restore that breaks parent-child links between accounts, contacts, and opportunities creates new problems.
Comparing a backup against live data shows exactly what changed, preventing unintended overwrites during recovery.
Restoring into a sandbox or alternate environment lets you test changes and seed dev/test without touching production.
Regulated environments need GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS coverage and control over where backup data is stored.
Backups held outside Microsoft's infrastructure survive a tenant outage or account compromise that would affect Azure-hosted copies.
Self-service recovery through familiar interfaces like Teams reduces IT ticket volume and keeps the platform low-maintenance.
A backup is only proven once you have restored from it, so rehearse recovery regularly to confirm RPOs and RTOs hold.
No single Dynamics 365 backup solution fits every organization.
For simplicity and compliance, Keepit delivers automated backup with GDPR and HIPAA built in. Multi-tenant support and unlimited storage make it accessible for mid-market teams.
If user self-service recovery is a priority, AvePoint lets end users restore data through Teams, significantly reducing help desk volume. Fast backups up to four times daily support high-volume environments.
For small to mid-size teams wanting simple, reliable backup, Skyvia provides cross-environment restore and snapshot comparison without ongoing management overhead.
For enterprise teams managing complex Dynamics 365 deployments, Metallic and Own provide thorough metadata coverage and granular recovery options. Own’s dedicated onboarding support accelerates adoption, while Metallic’s cloud-native architecture eliminates infrastructure management.
Read the individual reviews above to dig into deployment specifics, compliance coverage, pricing, and the trade-offs that matter for your Dynamics 365 environment.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a suite of intelligent business apps that aim to help organizations improve efficiency, decision-making, and customer experiences, while reducing complexity and cost. Dynamics 365 is also designed to integrate with existing business tools and services to result in a comprehensive and holistic management solution.
The service has several use cases for different business types. Sales and marketing teams can build CRM functionality to increase visibility into customer pain points, track lead pipelines, and improve sales processes. Customer service teams can use the suite to build more personalized and efficient customer service processes and automate time-consuming tasks. The service is designed to be flexible, dynamic, and can be tailored to unique business use cases. Dynamics has the ability to support new IoT technologies for insights across devices, in industries like manufacturing and healthcare.
Dynamics 365 can be built into critical business processes and resources to improve efficiency and reduce costs. However, this means that if the system is misconfigured, breached, or drops offline, key business processes may be severely impacted. Microsoft does perform an automatic backup of Dynamics once per day – but this backup is only retained for 3-days, after which data will be permanently deleted. With Dynamic’s backup solution, data can be stored as frequently, and for as long, as you require.
There are several reasons it’s a good idea to have a third-party backup system in place for Dynamics 365:
Failing to have a robust backup solution in place can be extremely costly for businesses, who will have to deal with the cost of decreased business operations, alongside the cost of recovering from the root cause of the data loss. On top of this, you may have to deal with legal issues such as fines or litigation. For this reason, implementing a strong, fully-featured backup solution for Dynamics 365 is a worthwhile investment.
In addition to backing up your Dynamics data, if your organization utilizes Microsoft’s 365 productivity suite, you may need a backup and recovery solution that covers the rest of your M365 environment. You can find a list of the best M365 backup and recovery providers here.
There are multiple cloud-based SaaS backup providers offering backup for Microsoft Dynamics 365 data. The solutions in our list will integrate with Dynamics 365 to automatically backup data, reducing the risk of data loss and building a scalable backup process.
When considering which solution is right for your organization, here are some key features to look for:
Further reading on backup and recovery from Expert Insights — buyers' guides, comparison articles, and platform-specific shortlists.
Joel is the Director of Content and a co-founder at Expert Insights; a rapidly growing media company focussed on covering cybersecurity solutions.
He’s an experienced journalist and editor with 8 years’ experience covering the cybersecurity space. He’s reviewed hundreds of cybersecurity solutions, interviewed hundreds of industry experts and produced dozens of industry reports read by thousands of CISOs and security professionals in topics like IAM, MFA, zero trust, email security, DevSecOps and more.
He also hosts the Expert Insights Podcast and co-writes the weekly newsletter, Decrypted. Joel is driven to share his team’s expertise with cybersecurity leaders to help them create more secure business foundations.
Craig MacAlpine is CEO and Founder of Expert Insights. Before founding Expert Insights in August 2018, Craig spent 10 years as CEO of EPA Cloud, an email security provider that rebranded as VIPRE Email Security following its acquisition by Ziff Davis, formerly J2Global (NASDAQ: ZD) in 2013.
Craig is a passionate security innovator with over 20 years of experience helping organizations to stay secure with cutting-edge information security and cybersecurity solutions.
Using his extensive experience in the email security industry, he founded Expert Insights with the singular goal of helping IT professionals and CISOs to cut through the noise and find the right cybersecurity solutions they need to protect their organizations.