Gartner predicts that by 2028, 75% of enterprises will prioritise the backup of software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications, a significant increase from just 15% in 2024. This shift underscores the growing reliance on SaaS technologies and the need for robust data protection strategies as IT outages and other risks threaten critical enterprise data.
SaaS applications have become increasingly popular for new and modern deployments, with their generated data expected to be among the fastest-growing segments of enterprise data over the next five years. Gartner projects worldwide end-user SaaS spending will surge by 20%, reaching $247.2 billion in 2024 and nearing $300 billion in 2025.
Michael Hoeck, a senior director analyst at Gartner, emphasises that the risk of IT outages highlights the urgent necessity for regular backup and recovery of critical data. As SaaS dependency grows, ensuring the protection and recoverability of SaaS data becomes vital. This data is especially vulnerable to errors, cyberattacks, and vendor mishaps, making robust backup solutions indispensable.
Despite a history of lower prioritisation for SaaS application protection, confusion over data responsibility and limited access to API-based data have hindered effective backup strategies. However, the SaaS backup market is rapidly evolving, with startups and established backup software companies leading the charge.
Gartner predicts that by 2028, 75% of large enterprises will adopt Backup as a Service (BaaS) alongside traditional on-premises tools. To enhance data protection, organisations should assess governance, verify vendor capabilities, and consider third-party backup solutions to complement native offerings. This comprehensive approach will ensure enterprise data remains secure and accessible in an increasingly digital landscape.