What should MSPs look for when choosing a backup solution for small business clients?

MSPs should look for features that protect margins, reduce operational overhead, and deliver reliable recovery when it matters most. Key considerations include ransomware resilience, simple and predictable pricing, proactive monitoring, and access to local support.

What Microsoft products are reaching end-of-support in 2026?

Multiple Microsoft products reach end-of-support milestones throughout 2026. In February, legacy client authentication is permanently blocked for SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business. In July, SQL Server 2016 and SharePoint Server 2016 and 2019 reach end of support. In October, Office LTSC 2021, Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2, and Windows 11 Home and Pro version 24H2 follow. In November, PowerShell 7.4, .NET 8 and 9, and Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise also reach end of support.

What are the risks of running unsupported Microsoft software for small businesses?

Running unsupported software exposes businesses to security vulnerabilities, compliance issues, and potential problems with cyber insurance claims. Systems that no longer receive security patches from Microsoft become an increasing liability for any organization still relying on them.

Is there a Microsoft 365 price increase coming in 2026?

Yes, a Microsoft 365 price increase is expected in July 2026, which may impact budget planning for small businesses and their IT providers.

Why is cloud backup alone not always enough for SMBs?

Cloud-only backup may not meet the recovery needs of small businesses that require fast restores, predictable recovery times, and strong protection against ransomware. A hybrid approach that combines local recovery with offsite protection gives SMBs better resilience and more control over their data.

What is hybrid backup and why does it matter for small businesses?

Hybrid backup combines local backup for fast recovery with offsite or cloud-based protection for resilience. It helps SMBs balance speed, cost, and security by ensuring data can be recovered quickly from a local copy while also being protected against site-level threats like ransomware or hardware failure.

Why do backups fail even when the backup software is working correctly?

Backups often fail not because the software is broken, but because IT environments change in ways that go unnoticed. Configuration drift, permission changes, and new systems being added without updating backup jobs can all cause silent failures that only become visible when a restore is needed.

What is NovaBACKUP Managed Backup?

NovaBACKUP Managed Backup is a fast and reliable endpoint backup solution designed for MSPs and IT service providers. It features simple pricing and local support, making it easier to deliver consistent data protection to small business clients.

How can I see NovaBACKUP Managed Backup in action?

You can spend 15 minutes with the NovaBACKUP team for a guided overview of NovaBACKUP Managed Backup. Book your session here: https://www.novabackup.com/talk-to-backup-expert

Finding the Best MSP Backup Solution for SMB | Data Protection Digest | February 2026

by Mike Andrews on Feb 26, 2026 11:51:52 AM

Finding the Best MSP Backup Solution for Your Small Business Clients
The World of Data Protection
Beyond the Cloud

Finding the Best MSP Backup Solution for Your Small Business Clients

How-to-Prepare-for-Windows-10-End-of Support

Small business customers are asking tougher questions about backup, ransomware resilience, and whether recovery will actually work when it matters.

Our latest blog explores what to look for when choosing the best MSP backup solution for your small business customers, including the features that protect margins, reduce operational overhead, and help you deliver reliable recovery when customers need it most.

Partner Update Webinar Recording

If you missed our latest partner update, the full webinar recording is now available on demand.

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The World of Data Protection

Is Your Business Ready for 2026's Microsoft End-of-Support Wave?

2026 is shaping up to be a significant year for Microsoft product lifecycles, and small businesses running older systems should take note. Throughout this year, various Windows 11 service packs, Office LTSC 2021, SQL Server 2016, Windows Server 2012/2012 R2, and more will reach end-of-support milestones, meaning they will no longer receive free security patches, bug fixes, or technical assistance from Microsoft.

Here are a few examples:

February 2026: Legacy client authentication blocked by default for SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business (permanent from May 1)
July 2026: SQL Server 2016, SharePoint Server 2016 & 2019
October 2026: Office LTSC 2021, Windows Server 2012 / 2012 R2 (final year of paid ESU ends), and Windows 11 Home and Pro version 24H2
November 2026: PowerShell 7.4, .NET 8 & 9, and Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise

The Register provides a comprehensive overview of what's being retired and when. Meanwhile, TechRepublic breaks down the significance of each deadline in plain business terms. This includes an upcoming Microsoft 365 price increase in July 2026 that may impact your budget planning. Plus, Microsoft lists all the details here.

Prepare-for-Windows-10-End-of-Support-Deliverable

Running unsupported software opens the door to security vulnerabilities, compliance issues, and potential problems with cyber insurance claims. Updating to the latest versions is always recommended. For a smooth transition, check out our guide on how to prepare for the end of Windows 10 support.

Download the Guide

Beyond the Cloud

Cloud alone is not always enough when customers need fast restores, predictable recovery, and protection against ransomware. Hybrid backup helps SMBs balance speed, resilience, and cost by combining local recovery with offsite protection. Use this infographic as a quick visual to explain why hybrid backup matters and how to position it as part of a practical data protection plan.

Download the Infographic