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Google Vault Alternative – How BackupVault Compares for Google Workspace Backup
Written By:
Rob Stevenson
Founder
Google Vault is often mistaken for a comprehensive backup solution, but it’s designed specifically for eDiscovery and legal hold, not full data backup. While Vault is useful for managing compliance, it lacks key features required for complete data protection and recovery. In this blog, we’ll compare BackupVault as the best alternative to Google Vault for UK businesses. With BackupVault, you get a true backup solution for Google Contacts, Gmail, Google Drive, and more, along with seamless data recovery.
Google Vault and BackupVault – Comparison
When considering Google Vault for backup purposes, it’s important to understand its limitations. Vault is primarily used for eDiscovery, legal holds, and compliance searches, which are vital for organisations handling legal and regulatory requirements. However, it doesn’t provide the robust backup and restore capabilities that businesses need for data protection. Here’s how BackupVault stacks up as a more comprehensive solution:
| Key Consideration | Google Vault | BackupVault |
|---|---|---|
| Business Function | eDiscovery and archiving for legal and compliance teams | Backup and recovery for data protection and business continuity |
| Primary Users | Admins, legal teams | Admins, IT teams, and end users |
| Supported Google Apps | Gmail, Drive, Chat, Meet, Groups, Sites, Voice | Gmail, Drive (incl. Shared Drives), Contacts, Calendar, Sites |
| Point-in-Time Recovery | ✘ Not available | ✔ Full point-in-time restore for emails, files, and more |
| Restore Capabilities | ✘ Export only, no restore back into Google | ✔ One-click restore into Google Workspace |
| Retention Management | ✔ Legal holds and custom retention rules | ✔ Long-term retention with backup integrity |
| Deleted User Recovery | ✘ Data purged after 20 days unless user is licensed | ✔ Retain backups of deleted users without ongoing licensing costs |
| Ransomware Protection | ✘ No versioning or separate data copy | ✔ Backups are separated and protected from malware in the original environment |
| End User Restore | ✘ Not supported | ✔ Users can restore their own data (with permission) |
| Compliance | ✔ Strong for legal requirements and audit trails | ✔ Strong for GDPR, ISO, Cyber Essentials – includes restore audit logs |
| Storage Location | Google data centres (global, not user-selectable) | ✔ UK-only data centres with full sovereignty control |
| Support | ✘ No real-time support included | ✔ 24/7 UK-based support from real people |
Backing Up Google Workspace Data
Google Vault may serve a specific purpose for compliance and legal needs, but it’s not a full backup solution. Vault lacks features like point-in-time restore, user-level recovery, and offers no protection against data loss when users are deleted. BackupVault, however, provides complete, automated backup for Google Workspace, ensuring your data is secure, recoverable, and always protected.
BackupVault vs Google Vault
| Feature | Google Vault | BackupVault |
|---|---|---|
| Automated Daily Backups | ✘ No automatic full backup functionality | ✔ Daily backups (or more frequently), set and forget |
| Supported Google Apps | Limited to Gmail, Drive, Chat, Meet, Groups, Sites | Full support: Gmail, Drive, Shared Drives, Contacts, Calendar |
| Separate Data Copy | ✘ Data remains within Google’s environment | ✔ Data stored independently in UK-based cloud storage |
| Point-in-Time Recovery | ✘ Not available | ✔ Restore to any day or time snapshot |
| Restore to Google Workspace | ✘ Data can only be exported manually | ✔ One-click restore back into Gmail, Drive, etc. |
| Granular Restore | ✘ Admin must export entire datasets | ✔ Restore specific files, emails, or folders as needed |
| User-Level Restore Access | ✘ Admins only | ✔ Optional end-user restore with role-based permissions |
| Deleted User Backup Retention | ✘ Data lost unless archived via AU licence | ✔ Retained indefinitely without licensing the user post-deletion |
Restoring Lost Google Workspace Data
When critical data is lost due to accidental deletion, ransomware attacks, or other issues, fast recovery is essential.
Recovering Deleted Gmail:
- Google Vault: Allows export of deleted emails, but there’s no direct restore option. Admins must manually manage this process, which is time-consuming.
- BackupVault: Offers one-click recovery with user-level restore, retaining all labels and email structure.
Recovering Drive Contents After Ransomware:
- Google Vault: Limited to exporting data, with no point-in-time restore options, leaving gaps in recovery.
- BackupVault: Provides full point-in-time restore, recovering files and folders from the exact moment needed, ensuring full protection against ransomware
Recovering Shared Drives or Attachments:
- Google Vault: Exports data but doesn’t preserve file structure or attachments, making recovery incomplete.
- BackupVault: Ensures that the original structure and attachments are preserved during recovery, keeping your workspace intact.
With BackupVault, you have the control and flexibility to restore your data quickly and efficiently, without the limitations of Google Vault.
eDiscovery Capabilities
Google Vault excels at structured eDiscovery, offering robust tools for legal holds, audits, and compliance searches. It’s ideal for businesses needing to manage and retrieve data for structured investigations or regulatory requirements.
While BackupVault supports eDiscovery in a more limited capacity, such as retrieving data after staff departure or reviewing user backups, it’s not designed for the full-scale eDiscovery processes Vault offers. Many organisations use both tools for different purposes: Vault for compliance and legal hold, and BackupVault for reliable backup, recovery, and business continuity.
Is Google Vault Worth It?
Google Vault is excellent for businesses that need structured eDiscovery, legal holds, and compliance searches. It’s an essential tool for managing data retention for legal purposes. However, for businesses looking for:
- Fast recovery from data loss or corruption
- Ransomware protection with immutable backups
- Restoring deleted user data without licensing fees
- Admin/user-level restore for quick and easy access to data
- Cost-effective UK compliance
BackupVault offers a more comprehensive and reliable solution. While Vault serves its purpose for compliance and legal hold, BackupVault is the better choice for businesses needing robust backup, recovery, and continuous protection.
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