Veeam Data Protection FAQ
Microsoft 365 Backup
What distinguishes TERRA CLOUD Veeam Data Protection for Microsoft 365?
The TERRA CLOUD Veeam Data Protection Platform offers you a "Backup-as-a-Service" solution for Microsoft 365 via the Protection Portal.
- The Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 servers are operated by TERRA CLOUD at its Hüllhorst facility.
- All backups are stored in encrypted form on immutable object storage (for 30 days) and retained for ten years.
- Licensing is based exclusively on secured Microsoft 365 users (for further information, please see here).
- Unlimited storage space for backup retention is included per user.
How long are Microsoft 365 backups retained?
The retention period is 10 years and is controlled via the provided repository.
You can also find an indication of the retention period in the name of the repository (10Y = 10 years): “00000-M365-10Y-RETENTION”.
Can backups be imported from a local Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 server?
Unfortunately, we are unable to import local Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 backups into your TERRA CLOUD Microsoft 365 backup repository.
Tip:
If you are migrating from a local Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 server, we recommend keeping it available for restorations for a period of time.
If you intend to perform restorations solely from the local repositories, the free Community License is sufficient for this Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 server.
Which Microsoft 365 users consume a license for Microsoft 365 Data Backup?
In the Protection Portal, the "Protected Data" section—specifically under the "Microsoft 365 Objects" tab—displays which objects (Users, Groups, Teams, and Sites) have been backed up.
For the "User" object type, the "Licensed" property is displayed as either "Yes" or "No." This indicates which users consume a license according to the Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 licensing rules.
Please note that the information displayed here always reflects the current state. You can find the consumption figures for the respective billing period here.
What impact does the decommissioning of the Microsoft EWS API have on TERRA CLOUD Veeam Data Protection Microsoft 365 Backup?
Starting October 1, 2026, Microsoft will begin disabling Exchange Web Services (EWS) across all Microsoft 365 tenants, leading up to the API's complete decommissioning on April 1, 2027.
Further information regarding the deactivation and transition period can be found in this Microsoft blog post and this article from Veeam.
The Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 servers operated by TERRA CLOUD have already been updated to version 8.6 (as of September 2026).
Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 must continue to access the EWS API even after October 1, 2026, because the Graph API still lacks key functions required for backups.
Once Microsoft releases the missing Graph API functions, Veeam will be able to complete the full transition to the Graph API via a software update.
Important:
- Even after October 1, 2026, Exchange Online backups must continue to be performed via the EWS interface.
- The EWS API must be re-enabled for each tenant.
- Switching to the Graph API requires additional permissions for the Entra ID application responsible for backup and recovery.
- The onboarding process automatically applies the new permissions starting with version 8.6 (in use since September 23, 2026).
Instructions:
Use the following instructions to prepare your Microsoft 365 tenants for data backup after October 1, 2026.
- Update the Entra ID application permissions using these instructions if you added the organization before September 23, 2026.
- Re-enable the EWS API for the Microsoft 365 tenant (Microsoft article "Set-OrganizationConfig -EwsEnabled:$true").
- Add the application ID of the Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 application to the EWSAllowedAppIDs list. (Microsoft instructions)
You can retrieve the ID via the Entra ID admin center or copy it directly from the Protection Portal (see instructions in step 1).
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Veeam Cloud & Service Provider Licensing Model
What advantages does VCSP licensing through Wortmann AG offer?
✓ “Pay-as-you-grow” – Monthly billing based on actual consumption/growth
✓ No minimum purchase quantity (commitment)
✓ Transparent billing via VCSP Rental Points
✓ No Veeam partnership required
✓ No contractual relationship with a Veeam Aggregator required
✓ Upon platform provisioning, the VCSP plug-in comes preconfigured with a limit of 1,000 points
✓ Pre-generated reports for simple and straightforward billing of your end customers
✓ Centralized administration, monitoring, and management of your Veeam Backup Servers, Agents, etc., via the TERRA CLOUD Protection Portal
What are the differences between the various editions of Veeam Backup & Replication and the Veeam Data Platform?
Veeam Backup & Replication:
The Veeam VCSP licensing model allows Veeam Backup & Replication to be licensed as a standalone product in several editions (*Standard*, *Enterprise*, and *Enterprise Plus*).
This Feature Comparison shows the specific technical differences between the three editions.
These licenses can only be used with Windows-based Veeam Backup & Replication servers.
Unlike the *Veeam Universal License (VUL)*, the VCSP licensing model allows you to obtain the *Standard*, *Enterprise*, and *Enterprise Plus* editions.
The *Standard* and *Enterprise* editions offer a cost-effective entry point due to a reduced feature set and lower point values.
Veeam Data Platform
The Veeam Data Platform is a software bundle that is also available in three versions.
Important:
Veeam Backup & Replication is always included in the software bundle with the feature set of the *Enterprise Plus* edition.
Both versions offer the feature set of Veeam Backup & Replication Enterprise Plus and have the same point values, but only Veeam Data Platform licenses support the Veeam Software Appliance.
Starting with the "Advanced" edition, you receive Veeam One as an additional software component, along with several exclusive features.
The top-tier "Premium" edition includes Veeam Recovery Orchestrator in addition to Veeam One, and unlocks the most comprehensive set of features.
This Feature Comparison outlines the specific technical differences between the three Veeam Data Platform editions.
