Scope and assumptions
Defines a repeatable backup workflow for MSP-managed endpoints, servers, and SaaS workloads. Assumes centralized monitoring and documented client recovery objectives.
Workflow overview
Backups run as a cycle: scope → schedule → protect → verify → restore-test → exception handling → reporting.
Define protection scope
Inventory systems and data sets; assign backup method per system; document exclusions and owner approvals.
Set schedules and retention
Set job schedules, retention, and offsite replication rules based on client requirements and RPO/RTO targets.
Monitor and handle exceptions
Review job failures daily; treat missed backups as incidents; track recurring failure causes.
Verify and test restores
Verify backups (integrity + completion) and run documented restore tests on a defined cadence.
Outputs and artifacts
Backup scope doc, schedules, retention rules, exception log, restore-test records, client reports.
Related workflows
Backup audit checklist; Restore test runbook; Tools for backup/BDR; RPO/RTO standards; Backup alert triage.