Implementing a robust backup retention policy for Microsoft 365 can be a daunting task for many organizations. The challenges range from understanding the native retention capabilities of Microsoft 365 and their limitations to finding a solution that simplifies the process and ensures data protection and compliance.
However, there is a better way.
Alcion follows a backup retention scheme based on the GFS (Grandfather-Father-Son) algorithm. This is a popular strategy used for managing backups by saving different versions of data with varying frequencies.
In particular, for our Security tier, Alcion retains three backups per day for 30 days, one daily backup for 90 days, one weekly backup for 26 weeks, and then monthly backups forever. This represents a comprehensive approach, broken down below, that creates multiple layers of backup with varying retention periods to balance between accessibility, storage footprint, and data protection.
Let's break down each component of Alcion’s retention scheme:
The GFS scheme implemented by Alcion allows for progressively reducing the frequency of backups as the data ages and allows us to pass on the improved cost-effectiveness to you in the form of lower subscription costs. It provides a robust framework ensuring that more recent data has more recovery points, while older data, which is less likely to be needed urgently, is stored with less frequency but for a longer or indefinite period. This backup retention scheme is particularly useful in environments where Microsoft 365 data integrity and availability over long periods are crucial. For example, in the financial services sector, companies like Milestone Financial Engineers rely on Alcion's comprehensive approach to address their compliance and long-term retention requirements. Similarly, healthcare and legal sectors can benefit from this robust backup retention strategy to ensure the protection and accessibility of sensitive data over extended periods.
Now that you understand how Alcion simplifies Microsoft 365 backup retention, assess your organization's current Microsoft 365 backup retention strategy and identify areas for improvement. Sign up for a free trial and see how Alcion can help or chat with our team on best practices to design and implement a backup retention policy that meets your organization's specific needs and compliance requirements. With Alcion this is easier than you’d expect.