Cloud-to-cloud backup, or C2C backup, is the practice of copying data stored on one cloud backup service, commonly referred to as software as a service (SaaS), to another cloud. Third-party cloud backup has gained popularity with businesses and home users because it takes the management and maintenance of hardware out of the equation for the customer. Initial capital expenditures (Capex) for additional hardware are not required, and overall initial costs are lower. Backups can be run automatically and without manual intervention.

C2C backup provides users with a convenient way to store data in multiple locations. However, it also increases the possibility of sensitive information being compromised as compared to offline hard backups. Due to proximity, local backups can also provide faster recovery than pulling data out of the cloud.

Organizations lose cloud data every day, even from Office 365, G Suite, and Salesforce. In fact 77% of companies that use SaaS applications suffered a data loss incident over a 12-month period.

Storing data in cloud applications can be safer than storing data on most on-prem storage systems — but “safe” does not equal “invulnerable.” In fact, one-third of SaaS users report losing data in the cloud. The cloud is safe, but it’s not infallible and many of today’s cloud vendors lack the incentive to point out their vulnerabilities when it comes to backing up data in SaaS apps.

When data loss occurs, it’s likely not the fault of Google or Microsoft. With a cloud-to-cloud backup solution, however, businesses own the data from the moment a backup begins without limits around point-in-time.