IBM Storage Protect for Cloud (SP4C) is an offering from IBM® that provides data protection for software as a service (SaaS) applications. This IBM Redpaper publication describes its capabilities and explains how to install, configure, and monitor the software to protect and monitor backups.

Many organizations overestimate the level of protection that is provided by cloud service providers (CSPs). Although organizations often believe that existing controls and CSP safeguards are sufficient, this situation is not always the case.

The growth of ransomware and other cyberthreats continue to drive IT professionals to reassess data protection and disaster recovery strategies. Research based on interviews with security and business leaders provides insight into current risks. In 2025, the average cost of a data breach was reported at USD 4.44 million. Although slightly less than the 2024 average, this figure represents a significant financial impact across industries. Malicious insider activity resulted in the highest average breach cost at USD 4.92 million, followed by third-party vendor and supply-chain compromise at USD 4.91 million.

For workloads that run on CSP platforms, the risks can be even greater. Bad actors increasingly target organizations that rely on cloud environments. SaaS workloads such as Microsoft 365 (M365), Dynamics 365, Salesforce, Microsoft Azure (Azure), and Google Workspace are especially important because they support communication. collaboration and business operations for distributed teams. As organizations continue to adopt digital tools to increase efficiency, the use of these SaaS applications continue to grow.

Protecting business-critical applications and strengthening data resiliency is essential. These applications generate important operational data that must be safeguarded. CSPs provide limited built-in protection, and most backup responsibilities remain with customers. Many organizations do not recognize these gaps until an incident occurs.

SP4C enables organizations to address these requirements by protecting SaaS data in alignment with the shared responsibility model.

This document is intended for use by storage and backup administrators, data resiliency professionals, and anyone who is looking for more information about protecting, recovering and monitoring SaaS-based workloads with IBM Storage Protect for Cloud.

Meghan Grable