When it comes to safeguarding files, cloud storage is not backup. Tools like Google Drive™ and Microsoft OneDrive® are fantastic for collaboration, but they offer convenience, not certainty. If a file is purged past the default retention window—often just 30‑90 days—it’s gone forever.
A Real‑World Data‑Loss Story
Earlier this year a Robb.Tech client accidentally deleted a key spreadsheet in Google Drive. Nobody noticed for four months. By the time someone went looking, the Drive retention window had long expired. Result? Permanent data loss—and days of costly reconstruction work.
The 90‑Day Problem: Why Cloud Storage Is Not Backup
Most SaaS platforms you subscribe to—think Google Workspace or Microsoft 365—treat deleted items as trash. After a short countdown (typically 30–90 days) they’re wiped from the vendor’s servers. Even enterprise licenses can’t resurrect data beyond that limit. In short, cloud storage is not backup—it’s simply a workspace with a tiny recycle bin.
Need proof? Check Google’s own policy on Workspace retention limits and Microsoft’s guidance on 365 retention.
Both documents confirm that aged‑out deletions are irreversible.
Three Steps to Bullet‑Proof Protection (Because Cloud Storage Is Not Backup)
- Automated, Off‑Site Backups
Deploy a dedicated cloud‑to‑cloud backup that snapshots your Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 data daily and keeps it for years. (Yes—Robb.Tech can set this up in one afternoon.) - Granular Version Control
Use unlimited version history or archive tiers so you can roll back months, not days. This cushions you against silent overwrites and ransomware encryption. - Quarterly File Audits
Schedule reviews to confirm backups, spot missing files, and run restore drills. A backup that hasn’t been tested is just a theory.
Next Steps: Prove Cloud Storage Is Not Backup
Robb.Tech designs end‑to‑end data‑protection plans for West Texas businesses. We’ll audit your current setup, deploy automated backups, and monitor them 24/7—so accidental deletions never become business‑critical disasters.
Ready to act on the fact that cloud storage is not backup? Book a free data‑safety check or call 806‑370‑4700 today.