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Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 v8: A Comprehensive Technical Overview

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Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 v8 is the latest iteration of Veeam’s robust backup solution designed to protect Microsoft 365 data. This version introduces significant architectural changes and new features aimed at enhancing security, scalability, and performance. In this blog post, we will delve into the technical details of these changes and explore what’s new in version 8.0.

The briefing on this update was again held for all the Veeam Vanguards, MVPs and Legends ahead of the release, but due the lack of time on my end, this article was not finished and published earlier.  Now the product is out, you can test it, and make yourself your own opinion. Thanks to Karinne Bessette for the briefing and demo. -:) All the screenshots are from the briefing.

At the end of the post you'll find the necessary links for the what's new Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 v8, documentation and downloads.

Architectural Changes in Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 v8

1. Transition to PostgreSQL

One of the most notable changes in Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 v8 is the transition from SQLite to PostgreSQL as the backend database. This shift is pivotal for several reasons:

  • Scalability – PostgreSQL offers better performance and scalability compared to SQLite, making it more suitable for large-scale environments.
  • Reliability – PostgreSQL is known for its robustness and reliability, ensuring that backup operations are more stable and less prone to errors.
  • Advanced Features – PostgreSQL supports advanced features such as replication and high availability, which are crucial for enterprise environments.

The overall architecture of the Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 v8 below.

Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 v8

2. Introduction of Proxy Pools

Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 v8

Version 8 introduces the concept of Proxy Pools, which allows multiple backup proxy servers to be grouped together and function as a single entity. This architectural change brings several benefits that all boils to the same conclusion = scalability benefits:

  • Load Balancing –  Proxy Pools distribute the backup load across multiple proxies, ensuring that no single proxy is overwhelmed. This leads to improved backup performance and reduced risk of bottlenecks.
  • Maintenance Flexibility – Individual proxies within a pool can be taken offline for maintenance without affecting the overall backup operations. This ensures that backups can continue uninterrupted.
  • Scalability – Proxy Pools make it easier to scale the backup infrastructure by simply adding more proxies to the pool as needed.

 

3. Enhanced Immutability

Data immutability is a critical feature for protecting backups from ransomware and other cyber threats. Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 v8 enhances this feature by introducing comprehensive immutability options:

Immutable Backups – In addition to immutable backup copies, version 8 allows for the creation of immutable backups that cannot be altered or deleted during the immutability period. This ensures that backup data remains secure and tamper-proof.

Both backups and backup copies can now be made immutable, ensuring that data is protected from tampering and deletion.

As you can see on the image below, the retention policy can go up to 25 years….

Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 v8

Flexible Storage Options – Immutability can be applied to backups stored on various object storage platforms, including Azure Blob Storage, Amazon S3, IBM Cloud Object Storage, and S3-compatible storage.

Note: there is also a Governance Mode: A new governance mode allows storage administrators to delete immutable data under specific circumstances, providing flexibility while maintaining security.

 

4. Support for Linux-Based Proxies


Version 8 expands its support for Linux-based proxies, allowing organizations to use both Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and Ubuntu-based machines as proxies. This change offers several advantages:

  • Cost Efficiency – Linux-based proxies can be more cost-effective compared to their Windows counterparts, reducing the overall cost of the backup infrastructure.
  • Flexibility: Organizations have more options when it comes to choosing the operating system for their proxies, allowing them to leverage existing Linux expertise and infrastructure.

Note as showing on the pic above, the Windows Based dotnet 8.0+ is required to be installed on the Linux machines. Here is a screenshot from the briefing showing the steps.

5. Centralized Management with PostgreSQL

The shift to PostgreSQL also enables centralized management of the backup infrastructure. This includes:

  • Centralized Cache – A centralized cache improves the efficiency of backup operations by reducing the need for redundant data transfers.
  • Unified Management Console – Administrators can manage all aspects of the backup infrastructure from a single console, simplifying management and reducing administrative overhead.

What’s New in Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 v8

6. Enhanced Security Features

Security is a top priority in version 8, with several new features aimed at protecting backup data:

  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – MFA is now available for accessing the backup console and restore explorers, adding an extra layer of security.
  • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) – RBAC allows administrators to define specific roles and permissions for users, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access sensitive data.
  • Inactivity Log Off – Users can be automatically logged off after a period of inactivity, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 v8

7. Advanced Monitoring and Reporting

Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 v8 includes advanced monitoring and reporting capabilities:

  • Integration with Veeam ONE – The integration with Veeam ONE provides enhanced visibility into backup operations, with detailed reports and alerts for restore activities.
  • Granular Reporting – Administrators can generate granular reports to meet compliance and auditing requirements, ensuring that all backup activities are properly documented.

8. Expanded Support for Microsoft Teams

Version 8 expands its support for Microsoft Teams, including:

  • Private and Shared Channels – Backup and restore operations now support both private and shared Teams channels, ensuring that all Teams data is protected.
  • Enhanced Restore Options – The restore options for Teams data have been improved, allowing for more granular and flexible recovery.

Links

Final Words

Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 v8 represents a significant step forward in terms of architecture, security, and performance. The transition to PostgreSQL, introduction of Proxy Pools, and enhanced immutability options provide a robust and scalable solution for protecting Microsoft 365 data. Additionally, the new security features, advanced monitoring capabilities, and expanded support for Microsoft Teams make version 8 a comprehensive and powerful backup solution.

Whether you are an existing Veeam user or considering Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 for the first time, version 8 offers a range of features and improvements that can help you protect your critical data and ensure business continuity.

 

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About Vladan SEGET

This website is maintained by Vladan SEGET. Vladan is as an Independent consultant, professional blogger, vExpert x16, Veeam Vanguard x9, VCAP-DCA/DCD, ESX Virtualization site has started as a simple bookmarking site, but quickly found a large following of readers and subscribers.

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