Part 1 of the 4-Part 2025 BDR Series [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
Alisanne Steele | Rabbit Hole Technology | blog | @RabbitHoleIT
This is Part 1 of a 4-part series on leading backup and disaster recovery (BDR) solutions for small to midsize businesses (SMBs). Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore the core offerings, advantages, and real-world considerations of three major players in the BDR space: Datto, Veeam, and Acronis. We’ll wrap the series with a side-by-side comparison to help businesses select the best-fit solution based on their size, needs, and risk profile.
What is BCDR, and Why Does It Matter?
BCDR stands for Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery. It refers to a set of strategies, tools, and procedures that help organizations maintain operations or quickly resume them following a data loss event, cyberattack, hardware failure, or natural disaster.
A strong BCDR strategy helps businesses:
- Protect critical data from loss, corruption, or ransomware
- Minimize downtime and restore access to systems quickly (Recovery Time Objective)
- Reduce data loss between backups (Recovery Point Objective)
- Maintain customer trust and meet regulatory requirements
Every organization—regardless of size—needs a BCDR plan. And that plan is only as strong as the tools it uses. Let’s start by examining one of the industry’s most trusted solutions: Datto.
What is Datto?
Datto, now a Kaseya company, is a leading provider of BCDR solutions designed specifically for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) serving small and mid-sized businesses. Rather than selling directly to businesses, Datto empowers MSPs with a full-stack platform for:
- Image-based backup and recovery
- Cloud storage and failover
- Endpoint continuity for PCs
- SaaS backup (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace)
Datto offers a reliable, easy-to-deploy solution with layered security, automation, and fast recovery options built into every product.
Core Features of Datto’s BCDR Platform
✨ Datto SIRIS
An all-in-one backup, recovery, and business continuity device. Deployed as a physical or virtual appliance on-premises, it supports instant local and cloud-based virtualization.
✨ Datto ALTO
A compact version of SIRIS designed for small businesses. Cost-effective, plug-and-play protection for single-server environments.
✨ Datto Cloud
Immutable, purpose-built cloud infrastructure with built-in ransomware protection, used to store backups offsite and enable failover in the cloud.
✨ Inverse Chain Technology™
Eliminates backup chains. Each recovery point is a fully constructed image, ensuring faster recoveries and minimal risk of corruption.
✨ Screenshot Verification
Automatically tests backup integrity and boots VMs in a sandbox to confirm successful backups.
✨ Ransomware Detection
Monitors backup data for unusual patterns that indicate ransomware activity.
✨ Backup Insights
Compare backups to identify file-level changes and locate deleted or encrypted files.
✨ Cloud Deletion Defense
Protects cloud-stored backups from malicious or accidental deletion.
Recovery Options
Datto makes recovery incredibly fast and flexible:
- Instant Virtualization (Local & Cloud): Run a backup as a live virtual machine in minutes
- File-Level Restore: Restore individual files or folders via web portal
- Bare Metal Restore (BMR): Rebuild a system from scratch on new hardware
- Image Export: Create VHD, VMDK, or ISO images for migration or local use
- Cloud Continuity for PCs: Direct-to-cloud protection with browser-based restore (no on-site hardware required)
Unique Strengths of Datto
- Immutability: Backups can’t be altered or encrypted by ransomware
- All-in-One Design: Backup, restore, virtualization, and failover in one system
- Built for MSPs: Seamless multi-client management, automation, alerting, and PSA/RMM integrations
- Proven RTOs: Recovery Time Objectives under 10 minutes for common incidents
- Hardware + Software: Fully integrated appliances reduce complexity
Limitations or Considerations
- Cost: Higher upfront or monthly cost compared to DIY or software-only solutions
- Hardware Reliance: Requires appliance (SIRIS or ALTO) for local backup
- Less Flexible for In-House IT: Built primarily for MSP deployment; not ideal for internal IT teams who prefer custom architecture
Ideal Use Cases
Datto is ideal for:
- SMBs with local infrastructure (e.g., legal, financial, medical, retail)
- Organizations that rely on MSPs for IT management
- Businesses needing near-instant failover and fast RTO/RPO
Not ideal for:
- Fully cloud-native businesses
- Large enterprises with hyper-complex virtual environments (Veeam or Acronis may be more suitable)
Cost Ranking
Compared to other BCDR vendors:
- Datto: ✨✨✨ (High)
- Veeam: ✨✨ (Moderate)
- Acronis: ✨ (Lower)
Note: Datto’s pricing reflects its all-inclusive model (hardware + software + cloud) and MSP-focused delivery. While more expensive, it offers integrated simplicity and performance.
Final Thoughts: Why Choose Datto?
Datto shines in its simplicity, speed, and security. It’s not the cheapest BCDR tool on the market, but for businesses that need appliance-based protection, ransomware resilience, and instant recovery, it’s one of the most complete solutions available today.
Coming Up Next: In Part 2, we’ll examine Veeam, a flexible, software-based solution favored by enterprise and hybrid cloud environments.
Need Help Assessing BCDR Solutions?
Rabbit Hole Technology (and it’s parent, TheSoftwareConsultant) is a proud Datto reseller and channel partner. If you’d like expert guidance in evaluating your specific BCDR needs or want to see if Datto is the right fit for your business, we’re here to help.
Contact us today for a personalized assessment and recommendation.
Glossary of Terms
- BCDR: Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
- MSP: Managed Service Provider
- SIRIS: Datto’s flagship BCDR appliance
- ALTO: Lightweight Datto BCDR appliance for small offices
- RTO: Recovery Time Objective – How quickly systems can be restored after failure
- RPO: Recovery Point Objective – The maximum acceptable amount of data loss (measured in time)
- VM: Virtual Machine
- PSA: Professional Services Automation (used by MSPs to manage tickets and billing)
- RMM: Remote Monitoring and Management (used by MSPs to monitor and manage IT infrastructure)
- ISO/VHD/VMDK: Disk image file formats for backup/export
Your systems are only as strong as your backup strategy. Let us help you build resilience that lasts.
~ Rabbit Hole Technology
