Backupify to Roll Out Developer Platform for SaaS ISVs

After completing the beta test phase, Backupify (News - Alert) is launching its Backupify Developer Platform, a set of Application Programming Interfaces (API) designed to allow SaaS ISVs (Independent Software Vendors) to integrate Backupify’s data protection functionality into their applications.

Company officials said the Backupify API and initial ISV partner integrations will be available in the second quarter of 2013.

As SaaS (News - Alert) solutions have become more mainstream, companies of all sizes are adopting SaaS (and not just the SMBs and early adopters) with data security at the top of the standards list, Backupify CEO Rob May explained in an interview with TMCnet. 

“As larger companies have started to adopt SaaS solutions into their organizations, their internal IT teams as well as IT consultants helping with their migrations, have more rigorous demands on both functionality, SLAs, and data security,” May said. “For backup specifically, these companies are looking to maintain the same data security standards as they move into the cloud. And because of their size, they have the buying power to shift how these SaaS companies respond to their growing demands.”

As such, the Backupify Developer Platform is designed for SaaS ISVs that need a faster, more effective way to offer customers data security solutions in the cloud.

Because SaaS backup is necessary for SaaS solutions, May said that need was a driving force for Backupify to create its news developer program, which is designed to be an easy and scalable way for other SaaS companies to take advantage of Backupify’s infrastructure and expertise in backing up and restoring SaaS data.

Initial beta phase SaaS ISV partners include Apptivo, Freshdesk, Mavenlink, Nimble (News - Alert) and Pipeline Deals.

“Our beta partners were very eager to be able to add backup functionality to their solutions,” May said. “They have been and continue to be instrumental in helping us shape how this program will scale and the various ways that a SaaS company can partner, whether bundled into their standard plan, as a premium plan feature, or a stand-alone add-on.”

The ISVs that are implementing the Backupify API recognize that data security and privacy concerns are the main deterrents for companies considering SaaS solutions he said. As such, May contends that the Backupify Developer Platform will help accelerate market acceptance of SaaS applications by allowing ISVs to continue to focus on what they do best while relying on Backupify to protect their customers’ data.

“These concerns have always been prevalent, and have been the major deterrent for these larger companies adopting SaaS. However, the growing benefits of SaaS (no CAPEX, continual upgrades, remote access, competitive functionality, interoperability between solutions) continue to put pressure on these companies to evolve and move to the cloud,” May added. “And as part of this move, the SaaS companies and Backupify in particular have had to address the backup and data accessibility gap.”

By integrating with the Backupify Developer Platform, ISVs can push Backupify’s enhanced data protection to their customers regardless of company size, and will soon be able to offer the functionality either as an integrated component of their solutions or as an optional upgrade.

“Our experience in backup and recovery solutions for Google (News - Alert) Apps and Salesforce customers has taught us that there is tremendous demand in the market for independent data protection for all SaaS applications,” May added.

Looking ahead, May said the Cambridge, Mass.-based company plans to announce new partners to the developers Platform and will soon launch a new free tool that helps Google Apps admins better manage their data usage.