In today’s tech world, keeping up with the latest trends is more important than ever. On last week’s Veeam Industry Insights, myself and Leah Troscianecki took a close look at one of the hottest topics around…How Generative AI is shaking up data protection. It’s a topic that’s generating a lot of buzz, but beneath all the hype, there’s some real substance that’s worth paying attention to. AI has the potential to significantly change how we handle data protection, but it’s important to focus on practical applications that can truly make a difference.
Why AI Matters in Data Protection
We started off by tackling the big question…Why is AI such a big deal in data protection? The answer is pretty straightforward, data is the backbone of modern businesses. We’ve all heard it before, but with AI, this reality is becoming even more pronounced. Managing, storing, and protecting data comes with hefty costs, so being able to get the most value out of it is not just a bonus…it’s absolutely crucial.
Generative AI, in particular, opens up new possibilities by allowing organizations to unlock insights from data that’s been sitting idle. Imagine not just recovering data when things go wrong but actively using it to improve business processes. That’s where AI is taking us in data protection, and it’s what is more than possible now with the Generative AI Tooling that exists to leverage the data that the Veeam platform brings together and can mount.
Siloed data becomes accessible from the one location… the backup platform.
Doing Backup Better with AI
One of the key areas we explored is “doing backup better.” This is all about making the backup process more efficient by cutting down on errors, boosting automation, and speeding up decision making. We’ve been moving in this direction for a while, especially with features like Intelligent Diagnostics. While it’s not AI in the strictest sense, it set the stage for more advanced machine learning tools in our platform.
Now, with the rollout of our AI assistant in Veeam Backup & Replication 12.1, we’re pushing things further. This assistant isn’t just a gimmick, it’s a real first step tool designed to help backup admins with their day-to-day tasks. Whether you need to generate PowerShell scripts, work with APIs, or just make sure your backups are in good shape, the AI assistant is there to make your life easier and your work more efficient.
Staying Ahead of Bad Actors
No conversation about AI in data protection is complete without talking about security. AI can be a double-edged sword, it’s a powerful tool that can be used for good or bad. While some bad actors are using AI to craft more sophisticated threats, we’re leveraging it to build stronger defenses. Features like inline malware detection are key to staying ahead in this ongoing battle. By applying AI and machine learning to monitor data as it’s being backed up in-line, we’re helping organizations spot and respond to threats faster.
But it’s not just about the tech, it’s about the people behind it. As security teams get more familiar with AI, they’ll be better equipped to defend against the growing range of threats.
Reusing Backup Data: The Art of the Possible
Another exciting area we discussed is the potential for reusing backup data. Traditionally, backups have been something you hope you never need. But with AI, we’re flipping that mindset. By analyzing backup data with modern AI tools, organizations can uncover new insights, identify trends, and even optimize their operations.
It’s all about “data freedom” using your data in ways that actually drive value.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
Looking ahead, the possibilities for AI in data protection are wide open. From backing up large language models (LLMs) to integrating AI-driven insights across different systems, there’s a lot on the horizon. Our partnership with Microsoft is a big step in that direction. By working together to develop solutions using Microsoft’s AI stack, we’re aiming to make data protection smarter, more efficient, and more integrated than ever.
While AI in data protection is still evolving, we’re already seeing some significant progress. The key is to balance innovation with practicality, focusing on how AI can bring real, tangible benefits to your data protection strategy.
If you’re keen to learn more, check out the full episode of Industry Insights below. We had a great discussion, and I’m looking forward to continuing this technology wave as we explore the future of data protection.
