Salesforce introduced its Data Recovery solution to help companies recover lost, damaged, and corrupted data. Although this is often the last resort for many companies that have suffered from data loss without performing any backup strategy, the growing importance of such a solution is easily recognizable. Executing the support request can take anywhere from six to eight weeks, and if all goes well, the company could recover 100% of its data. Unfortunately, the service most likely can be accessible only during the SaaS contract, so it doesn’t mean every customer will have access. Cyberattacks, malware, data leaks, and loss of customer details can threaten any company’s wellbeing, reputation, and business. Hence, it is better to remain prepared and ensure a high level of data security through all the layers of the organization.
A brief about native Data Recovery service
In 2020, Salesforce decided to terminate its Data Recovery Service, claiming the service had become unviable due to the rise in third-party solutions. They later reversed this decision as they realized the importance of this service and concluded to keep it open indefinitely. The reason for terminating it was because many customers weren’t using it and instead relying on external services. Anyway, how does this solution help?
It is possible to recover Salesforce data and metadata through the Salesforce data recovery platform if the source file is not accessible. There have been cases where Salesforce administrators lost their login credentials and so couldn’t access their sandbox or where they made an error while updating configuration files. However, this solution may not always be practical as it needs 6-8 weeks for data recovery at about USD$ 10,000. You can purchase the service from the Data Recovery Service platform or hire a consultant to do it on your behalf.
Some companies often find it confusing or bewildering why there should be any need for data rescuing. Of course, Salesforce has a lot to offer, but your data is yours. Hence, you cannot hold Salesforce responsible if you lose it, especially when there can be triggers from your end. Even though it has seamless encryption on its data protection, you get complete control over your data, and they cannot do anything with it. Salesforce takes excellent care of your details, never sharing any information.
But, unfortunately, many things can happen on your company side. For example, the admin cannot handle the Delete key on the keyboard or may have misplaced configs updates. Or, it may be Recycle bin size limitations that just cleansed deleted files than protecting them. Sometimes, network outages can corrupt backups because of electrical problems in the server room. So all these factors probably cause your Salesforce data loss, and the scary part is that all these factors seem entirely plausible. If you don’t know, almost one of three businesses faces some or the other such situation practically every day.
Again, when this is the scenario, and everyone knows the native solution may not be full-proof support and has some shortcomings, what is the alternative?
Third-party backup support
When you think about it, backing up your data should be easy. There’s no excuse for wasting time and energy gathering files or even waiting for them to hit your mail. For complete protection, you need something effortless. That’s where third-party apps come in handy. Some solutions can quickly get everything securely backed up in one place. They may also safeguard you against data loss due to human error. At the same time, they can ensure security against unexpected catastrophes like ransomware or hackers sitting in ambush to attack your organization. Still, it doesn’t mean all vendors or service providers can be your ultimate saviors. You have to choose any service carefully.
How to choose a third-party backup and recovery solution?
Today’s business world has become increasingly reliant on data and information for its success. They need to protect their valuable data every day, whether they opt to do so by outsourcing their backup and recovery (with some third-party services) or decide that they’re going to use a more in-house approach to managing their data. In any scenario, the right mix of technology and human resources plays a critical role in securing their protection plans against critical events like natural disasters, power outages, ransomware attacks, and other system-affecting concerns. Any such events can put confidential information at risk of permanent loss due to a lack of adequate measures.
Since many experts also think that third-party solutions are better, you might want to explore the options. Here are some suggestions to pick the right partner or platform for your needs.
Robust backup system
Find a tool with which you can schedule automatic backups and also run potentially automated tasks without too much friction. An apt tool will allow you to track any data changes that may have taken place between the backups.
Data reliance and compliance
With the increase in security and laws that require companies to protect their data, many companies can be hesitant about outsourcing this critical task. Whether you are a startup or an established entity of any size, you can approach third parties hassle-free through some due diligence. Ask your provider if they use virtual private servers or physical servers. You can also inquire whether they use multi-factor authentication or encryption technologies. If a third party manages your data, you should verify these things, so there isn’t any question in your mind. At the very least, you can trust them to help keep your business afloat with innovative solutions.
Restoration capability
You first have to recover metadata to restore Salesforce data. Metadata is the hierarchy and keys for the layout of the various pages within your organization and Salesforce in general. It can make or break your restore process when restoring sensitive information. Hence, while searching for a third-party solution, it will be better to examine whether their tool can accomplish this task or not.
Before deciding on anything, data accessibility and customer support are other aspects you must consider. Since it is a critical step, you must take your time to figure out a suitable alternative.