Choosing the Best Backup Software for MSPs: 9 Non‑Negotiable Features

Nearly 94 million data records were leaked due to data breaches in the second quarter of 2025. This makes it essential for MSPs to choose the right backup software.

You should evaluate backup software based on recovery speed and reliability. But what exactly should you look for when choosing backup software for MSPs?

Let’s explore the 9 features you should prioritise when choosing the best backup software for your MSP.

9 Features To Look For In Backup Software

Simply copying data to an external hard drive is not a long-term solution for backups. Here are the 9 features you should prioritise when choosing a backup software:

1. Centralised Reporting And Accountability

Look for a backup solution that lets you easily review backup jobs. With good reporting, you can catch issues early, such as backup windows getting longer, a spike in storage usage, or longer restore test times. Look for white labelling to reinforce your brand identity with every client.

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2. Multi-Tenant Management

As a service provider, you need a single dashboard to monitor backup job status across clients, apply consistent policies, and receive alerts when something fails. Look for tenant isolation, ability to manage policies at scale, and role-based access controls.

3. Immutable Or Isolated Backups

Ransomware attacks usually target backup repositories first, and if they can delete or remove protected copies, recovery options disappear. Look for immutable or isolated backups so storage itself cannot be modified.

4. Regular Restore Testing

Look for backup software that makes it easy to test and restore. Look for automated verification that ensures data integrity without manual intervention. Prioritise documented processes for quarterly tests for critical systems.

5. Disaster Recovery Tools

Look for a backup solution with built-in features for quick recovery, regardless of the data loss situation. Prioritise local and offsite options, along with application, systems, and file backups to provide redundancy.

6. Encryption

To keep client data secure and accessible only to trusted parties, choose software that uses data-at-rest encryption  to ensure no one can access backups on the backup storage, and data-in-transit encryption to provide extra protection for data in transit.

7. Retention Policies And Versioning

You should be able to retain multiple versions of files and systems for a customisable period. This helps you set up a variety of backup jobs to meet unique business needs.

8. Comprehensive Coverage Across the Environment

As small businesses usually run a mix of servers and Windows endpoints, look for software that helps you cover all these. Pay attention to:

• Windows endpoints: Desktops and laptops that hold critical work
• SQL-based applications: Business software, such as CRMs, medical practice solutions, or  warehouse
• Windows Server: Application servers, file servers, and domain controllers
• SaaS applications like Microsoft 365: OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, and Email

9. Ransomware-Specific Data Protection Feature

Prioritise features that protect both backup files and the production environment from ransomware while ensuring reliable recovery.

Choose Efficient Backup With Comet Backup

The best data backup software ensures fast recovery, strong security, and operational reliability. With millions of records exposed through breaches and ransomware attacks becoming more sophisticated, MSPs need backup solutions that deliver both protection and business continuity.

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By prioritising these 9 features, MSPs can build a resilient backup strategy that protects client data and supports long-term scalability and service reliability.

And when it comes to picking the right backup software, Comet offers an efficient solution. You get an all-in-one platform with the white-label software solution, along with control over backup destination, configuration, server location, and setup.

Explore the backup solutions now, and protect your client’s business data efficiently.

FAQs

What are the best practices for a disaster recovery plan?

Create an outline of the necessary steps to follow during a crisis, map the critical data to be recovered first, and implement failover plans.

How often should you back up client data?

The frequency of backups depends on how much data the client can afford to lose.

What are the best practices for data backup?

Know critical IT systems, data, and applications, including home workers, remote locations, and future needs, and identify dependencies. Know when and where to back up the data.

How much backup retention should be maintained for clients?

Define your backup retention plan based on the business needs and regulatory requirements.

What should be considered before choosing a backup software?

Choose a platform that supports the financial, operational, and service-delivery realities of running an MSP. Consider the ownership cost, ease of onboarding new clients, and vendor reliability and support quality.