Understanding the difference between snapshots and backups is key to building a robust data recovery strategy. Both methods aim to safeguard data — and both do it well — but their unique characteristics apply to different situations. Combining their strengths, however, can improve recovery efforts and minimize downtime, ensuring your business remains resilient in the face of unexpected disruptions.

As such, backups require more resources than snapshots and are usually performed less frequently due to their complexity. However, their independence from the primary system and ability to enable comprehensive recovery makes them essential for mitigating significant risks. Fortunately, organizations can have the best of both worlds. Robust recovery strategies leverage the strengths of both snapshots and backups, addressing both short- and long-term needs.