2024 Data Protection and Observability Landscape

AI-Powered Data Protection

Data protection providers are leveraging AI to enhance threat detection, simplify compliance, and mitigate risks. Vendors like Cohesity, Commvault, Rubrik, and Veeam introduced features such as immutable backups, AI-driven anomaly detection, and cloud application recovery tools.

Mergers and Acquisitions

The data protection industry witnessed significant mergers and acquisitions in 2024. Cohesity's acquisition of Veritas allowed it to expand its offerings and target a broader customer base. Other notable acquisitions included Commvault's purchase of Appranix and Microsoft's acquisition of Splunk.

Cloud Service Providers and Innovation

Cloud service providers (CSPs) such as Microsoft, AWS, and Google Cloud prioritized advancements in data protection tools. Microsoft launched Purview Data Governance, AWS introduced proof-of-concept for automated discovery, and Google Cloud unveiled Mandiant Custom Threat Hunt.

Smaller Vendors Innovate

Smaller data protection vendors also made strides in 2024 by introducing innovative solutions. Barracuda focused on storage efficiency, Quest Software expanded its backup and recovery suite, and HYCU partnered with Anthropic to enhance AI workload protection.

Observability Makes Its Mark

The observability market grew significantly as IT environments became more complex. Vendors like Cisco, Datadog, Dynatrace, and LogicMonitor enhanced their platforms with features such as real-time monitoring, automated alerting, and log analysis. AI-powered features also played a crucial role in improving anomaly detection and root cause analysis.

Integration and Predictive Analytics

In 2025, data protection and observability systems are expected to become more integrated, leveraging AI and predictive analytics for proactive risk mitigation. Automation tools will improve their compatibility with data protection systems, and privacy-enhancing technologies will advance to address data security concerns in critical sectors.

Enhanced AI and Data Classification

Vendors are anticipated to introduce advanced AI-driven data classification tools, helping enterprises prioritize protection for their most sensitive information. AI-powered simulations and threat modeling will also enable enterprises to refine their defenses against emerging risks.

Data Protection and Observability for a Complex IT Landscape

The integration of data protection and observability tools is transforming the industry. Enterprises are embracing AI-powered solutions, automation, and integrated platforms to address the challenges of cloud-native and multi-cloud environments. By leveraging these advancements, enterprises can enhance data security, ensure operational continuity, and navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.