Barracuda’s cloud-to-cloud and backup solutions transform and protect data infrastructure for MSS Security.
Headquartered in Sydney with offices across Australia and a history dating back to 1896, MSS Security provides protection for internationally renowned events, corporate functions, crowd management, public and private buildings, venue perimeter and access control.
Since security management is labor intensive requiring stringent pre-planning, training and time-sensitive, complex arrangements, data retention and availability are mission-critical, – any delay has an immediate impact on Business Continuity and reputation.
MSS Security had a traditional on-premise disc-based backup solution for Azure VM, Microsoft 365, VM and other applications running on AWS Asia Pacific.
But limitations quickly emerged following business growth as Raj Daroch, IT General Manager, MSS Security explains.
“Fundamentally, the previous backup system suited our requirements at the time. But as we expanded our data demands changed and we simply outgrew the existing solution. For example, as data increased, we were adding additional discs on-premise to ensure data availability, but under the licensing agreement, this triggered a twin charge – for example, the hardware and the license fee.
“Besides the cost escalation, we became backup maintenance heavy and even firmware or software updates had to be scheduled at times that would cause minimal disruption – sometimes at night.”
24/7 data availability essential
Data management is essential for any business but for MSS Security the need is acute.
“The data generated just for pre-planning an international conference from a security perspective will see an influx of numerous 80Gb files onto the network. We had the storage capacity yet sometimes the network became noticeably slower and our dashboard offered little visibility.”
Knowing the existing situation was unsustainable, when the vendor agreement came up for renewal, Raj took the opportunity to research other alternatives with a preference for a solution offering scalability, flexibility, and was cost-effective.
Quickly, Raj zeroed in on Barracuda.
Backup transformed
“After the Barracuda team presented their proposed solution, we knew their solution was exactly what we needed. We saw the benefits and not just from a cost perspective. Rather than just on-premises, the
recommendation was for an on-premises and cloud solution with Barracuda Backup and Cloud-to-Cloud Backup for our Microsoft 365 data.”
Impressed, Raj selected Barracuda Cloud-to-Cloud Backup and Barracuda Backup.
As a Software-as-a-Solution (SaaS), Barracuda Cloud-to-Cloud Backup offers comprehensive, scalable and flexible protection for all Microsoft 365 data by automatically backing up Exchange Online, OneDrive for Business, SharePoint Online, Groups and Teams with on-demand backup at any time.
Any software or firmware updates take place automatically in the cloud and because the data is backed up twice – every Barracuda Cloud-to-Cloud Backup customer receives unlimited data storage and retention together with powerful search and retrieval functions as standard.
Designed with the customer in mind, the dashboard has clean navigation, is easy to use and allows 100% visibility into backup status. Email alerts are set up to warn of urgent events.
MSS Security also deployed Barracuda Backup at an offsite colocation facility for on-premise and cloud data replication and protection.
In line with MSS Security’s requirement this data is stored in Australia and at an approved Data center.
This is an added failsafe against cyberthreats including ransomware attacks or natural and manmade disasters should there be a requirement to get systems back up and running quickly.
Light on maintenance, big on availability
Simple to configure, manage and adhering to best backup practices, Barracuda Backup is a cost-effective ‘set it and forget it’ solution and operates in real-time.
The security apparatus is further hardened by strict access controls and policies for added peace of mind.
The deployment of Barracuda Cloud-to-Cloud Backup and Barracuda Backup means MSS Security’s data is backed up, replicated and stored in multiple locations — all in Australia.
If data is corrupted or unavailable from the primary storage location due to a natural disaster or a ransomware attack, MSS Security can access the same data from alternative locations in minutes thus maintaining Business Continuity.
“Once the new Barracuda solution was in place, switching over went smoothly and without a hitch. Data is now backed up off-premises and securely in the cloud, search and retrieval is fast.”
Deploying Barracuda paid dividends in more ways than one as Raj explains.
“Switching to a cloud and cloud-to-cloud environment has transformed the way we manage and backup data. Barracuda delivered a scalable, turnkey and comprehensive solution within budget. Everything works.”
