Back in 2014, I was fortunate to be part of the launch of Cloud Connect Backup in Veeam Backup & Replication when at Zettagrid, a great moment in cloud data protection as it represented a way to get data off to a Cloud Backup Repository without configuring complex networking…essentially democratising the Offsite Backup market. Cloud Connect fundamentally changed how businesses approached offsite backups by making it simpler and more reliable to manage critical data remotely through our brilliant Veeam Cloud and Service Providers. Now, nearly a decade later, Veeam is introducing Veeam Data Cloud Vault V2, a new chapter in our journey, designed to handle the complex demands of today’s cloud first environments while upholding Veeam’s dedication to data resilience and ease of use.

With Vault V2, Veeam is offering a backup storage target that combines predictability in costs, deep integration, and a commitment to security, all while eliminating the heavy lifting often associated with public cloud storage… namely around egress and API charges. We recognise that this also represents competition in the market with storage vendors and cloud service providers, however my belief is that there is room for Vault as an additional tiered option. Our partnership with Microsoft has ensured that this solution is battle tested and ready to go and once Veeam Backup & Replication 12.3 is released, the connection between VDP and VDC really kicks off.

Why Veeam Vault?

We know we live in a world where cyber threats, particularly ransomware, are at an all time high, and organizations need a backup strategy that not only secures data but also simplifies management and cost. Vault provides fully managed, secure cloud storage that’s backed by Azure and always immutable, encrypted, and air-gapped. It’s the solution for those needing reliable cloud backup storage that doesn’t come with unpredictable expenses or complex configurations… exactly the direction we pioneered with Cloud Connect Backup, now evolved to meet today’s requirements.

What’s New in Veeam Vault V2?

It’s worth mentioned, that we are at V2 having done a soft launch of V1 back around VeeamON timeframes as a way to dip our toes into the market… with that, here are the new features of V2… new to market!

  • Competative Pricing: Vault V2 introduces two editions, Foundation and Advanced that cater to different backup needs with per-TB pricing. This setup includes data transfer, API calls, restore, and egress charges, shielding users from unexpected cloud bills. For organizations that prioritize cost predictability, Vault V2 delivers a compelling value proposition with flat rates that are lower than many DIY solutions, making it cost effective without compromising quality.
  • Enhanced Security: In the Vault V2 era, data security isn’t optional. Featuring a Zero Trust architecture, Vault V2 provides immutable, encrypted storage that’s resilient against malicious threats, data center disruptions, and other potential risks. With durability reaching up to 12 9s, customers can trust their backups are protected by advanced security measures including AES-256 encryption and logical air-gapping from production systems.
  • Streamlined Usability: Fully managed from within the Veeam Data Platform UI (from V12.3 and above), Vault V2 brings cloud storage configuration, monitoring, and provisioning right to the user, reducing complexity and setup time. This seamless integration reflects our commitment to simplifying the backup experience, again, echoing the approach we took with Cloud Connect no hassle, just reliable, cloud storage.

Expanded Use Cases for Vault V2

Veeam Vault V2 is ideal for a variety of cloud backup scenarios:

  • Primary Backup Storage for Cloud-First Workloads: For companies with a cloud first approach, Vault V2 provides a secure, scalable, and cost-effective solution for storing primary backups directly in the cloud.
  • Secondary Backup for DR Strategies: As businesses continue to enhance their disaster recovery (DR) plans, Vault V2 serves as an ideal secondary backup target, offering geographical redundancy and additional protection against data loss in the event of a primary storage failure.
  • Immutable Storage to Counter Ransomware Threats: With ransomware becoming increasingly sophisticated, having an immutable, logically air-gapped storage layer like Vault V2 is critical. It ensures backups remain secure, unaltered, and accessible in the event of an attack.
  • Backup for Hybrid Environments: Organizations with hybrid cloud setups can seamlessly integrate Vault V2 as a part of their hybrid strategy, using it to offload backup copies or implement tiered storage across on-premises and cloud environments.
  • On-Demand DR: We know that DR is important and I’ve been a big advocate for a number of years to leverage Object Storage for On-Demand DR as shown with VMware Cloud on AWS… I believe Vault 2 can offer a primary use case for this for organisations to take advantage of.

Foundation vs. Advanced

Vault V2’s editions are designed to match diverse storage needs:

  • Foundation Edition utilizes Azure Blob Cool storage, offering 11 nines of durability and locally redundant storage. Ideal for scenarios where budget conscious, locally resilient storage is key, Foundation provides solid security with encryption and immutability.
  • Advanced Edition builds on this by offering Zone Redundant Storage (ZRS) with 12 9s of durability. This extra layer of redundancy is suitable for organizations that need their backups protected against data center outages, adding resilience to a region wide level.

Both editions come with immutability and AES-256 encryption, though Advanced Edition is recommended for customers seeking the highest level of durability and availability in Azure’s zones.

Expanded Regional Availability

Vault V2 is initially available in core Azure regions including the U.S., U.K., Australia, and others, with non-core regions expected by December 2024. This extended global reach means organizations worldwide can leverage Veeam’s high resilience, high security cloud storage solution without the complications of varying regional costs.

Getting Started with Vault V2

When customers get their hands on V12.3 or higher, setup is as simple as accessing the Veeam Data Platform UI, making the selection, and configuring storage with just a few clicks. Users on earlier versions can manage Vault through the Veeam Vault web UI, with similar ease. Choose your preferred edition, configure the Vault, and you’re ready to start protecting your data with a solution that marries security and simplicity.

Veeam Data Cloud Vault V2 is more than just another storage option; it’s a robust extension of Veeam’s data protection philosophy. A first part offering built and based on the principles we set forth with Cloud Connect, Vault V2 is designed to meet today’s data resilience needs with the same simplicity, predictability, and innovation. As organizations face an increasingly complex threat landscape, Veeam remains committed to delivering solutions that keep critical data safe, available, and resilient.

More info here: https://www.veeam.com/products/veeam-data-cloud/cloud-storage-vault.html