What Is It?
Backup Service (formerly Managed Backup) provides automated backup and recovery for VMs, servers, and workloads using Acronis technology. It creates scheduled or on-demand backups stored in IONOS data centers with 99.95% data-center availability (not a dedicated service SLA), featuring AES-256 encryption, flexible retention policies, and optional Advanced Packs for security and management. Database support and continuous data protection are now included in the base service (following the January 22, 2026 Acronis Cyber Protect release). Backups can be stored on native IONOS backup storage or redirected to IONOS Cloud Object Storage or any S3-compatible endpoint.
Quick Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Managed backup solution (Acronis-based) |
| Storage Targets | Native IONOS storage, IONOS Cloud Object Storage, third-party S3-compatible |
| Availability | 99.95% data-center availability (platform-wide infrastructure figure, max 4 maintenance hours per 3 months); Backup Service itself is covered by the general SLA clause guaranteeing at least 99% monthly-average availability, with no dedicated per-service SLA published. |
| Encryption | AES-256 at rest (automatic), optional client-side AES-256 (password-based) |
| Console | Web-based Backup Service Console (https://backup.ionos.com), 25 languages |
| Agents | Acronis Backup Agent (Linux), Cyber Protect Agent (Windows), VMware Agent, HyperV Agent |
| Redundancy | Synchronous replication across separate fire zones |
| Compression | Four levels: None, Normal (40-50% reduction), High, Maximum |
Network Requirements
| Component | IP Range | Ports | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management servers | 85.215.127.12-85.215.127.15 | TCP 443, 8443 | Console access, registration, downloads |
| Management servers | 85.215.127.12-85.215.127.15 | TCP 7770-7800 | Agent-to-manager communication |
| Storage servers | 85.214.7.0/24, 85.215.126.0/24 | TCP 44445 | Data transfer |
Advanced Packs (Optional Add-Ons)
| Pack | Features | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Backup to Public Cloud (formerly Advanced Backup) | Object Storage backup target (redirect backups to IONOS Cloud Object Storage or S3-compatible endpoints) | Object Storage redirection |
| Advanced Security | Anti-malware, exploit prevention, endpoint firewall, forensic backup, remote wipe, URL filtering | Endpoint protection |
| Advanced Management | Patch management, software inventory, remote assistance, session recording, monitoring | System administration |
Each Advanced Pack is charged per workload. The former Advanced Backup Pack was discontinued on January 22, 2026; its capabilities (continuous data protection, one-click recovery, database support for SQL, MySQL, Oracle, SAP HANA, and compliance reporting) are now included in the base Backup Service at no additional cost. The renamed "Direct Backup to Public Cloud" pack now only covers Object Storage backup targets.
What You Can Do
Create Backup Units
Logical containers that organize backups for groups of servers. Each unit has a unique name, password, and access controls. Contract owners, administrators, or users with Create Backup Units privilege can create and manage units.
Install and Register Agents
Download Acronis agents from the Backup Service Console and install on Linux or Windows workloads. Agents register using a code provided in the console and automatically appear under managed devices. Supports both IONOS-provisioned VMs and external servers.
Configure Protection Plans
Create customized backup schedules with incremental or full backups, retention policies, and compression levels. Enable client-side password-based encryption during plan creation for additional security. Assign plans to individual devices or groups.
Note: Client-side encryption can only be enabled when creating a new protection plan, not added to existing plans. The password is never stored by IONOS; losing it makes backups unrecoverable.
Choose Storage Targets
Store backups on default IONOS backup storage or redirect to IONOS Cloud Object Storage or any S3-compatible endpoint. Object Storage targets require the Direct Backup to Public Cloud pack (formerly Advanced Backup) per workload and incur the provider's storage fees.
Manage Backup Lifecycle
Run backups manually or rely on default schedules (editable anytime). Monitor via status-report emails sent automatically from the console. Delete Backup Units to permanently remove all contained backups and stop storage costs.
Note: Deleting a VM or VDC does not automatically delete its backups. You must delete the Backup Unit or backups manually to avoid ongoing charges.
Update Agents
Agents can be updated automatically or manually via the Backup Service Console to maintain compatibility and security. Set automatic updates for all machines or update individually.
Best For
| Scenario | Why It Fits |
|---|---|
| Disaster recovery and compliance | Off-site storage backed by 99.95% data-center availability (not a dedicated service SLA), encryption, immutable backups via IONOS Cloud Object Storage Object Lock (WORM), meets regulatory requirements |
| Protecting production databases | Application-aware backups for SQL, MySQL, Oracle, SAP HANA (included in the base service) |
| Hybrid cloud environments | Agents work on IONOS VMs and external servers (on-premises or other clouds) |
| Cost-optimized long-term retention | Object Storage redirection offers lower per-GB costs (0.007 EUR/GB) for archives |
| Endpoint security and management | Advanced Security and Management Packs add anti-malware, patching, and monitoring per device |
Consider Alternatives If
| If You Need... | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fast point-in-time rollback (same-zone) | Images & Snapshots | Instant creation and restore, lower cost (0.04 EUR/GB), no cross-zone protection |
| Existing backup tool integration (Veeam, Rubrik) | Third-party tool + IONOS Cloud Object Storage | Keep familiar console, use S3-compatible storage |
| Pure archival with minimal management | Manual Object Storage copy | Lowest cost (0.007 EUR/GB), no backup-service overhead, manual retention handling |
Key Considerations
Billing & Costs
- Main billing: Per GB per 30 days (approximately 0.07 EUR/GB for native storage)
- Object Storage alternative: Direct Backup to Public Cloud pack (5.88 EUR per workload per 30 days), plus a service fee for backup storage in IONOS Cloud Object Storage (0.016 EUR/GB per 30 days), plus the underlying Object Storage capacity
- Additional costs: Advanced Packs charged per workload (Security 1.68 EUR/device, Management 1.68 EUR/device, Direct Backup to Public Cloud 5.88 EUR/device)
Limitations
- Requires open firewall ports (TCP 443, 8443, 7770-7800, 44445) to specific IP ranges for agent communication and data transfer
- Client-side encryption must be configured during plan creation; cannot be added to existing plans
- Using Object Storage as a backup target activates the Direct Backup to Public Cloud pack per workload
- Compression effectiveness varies by data type; already-compressed files (JPEG, MP3) see minimal reduction
Management Options
- Backup Service Console (web UI, single sign-on from DCD)
- Cloud API v6 (resource name: Backup Service)
- Agent-based configuration for schedules, retention, and encryption