Google Workspace Backup in 2024 - is the "native" backup solution even real?

[vybihal]

I am currently evaluating bunch of Google Workspace Backup solutions and reading forums, articles, reviews. There is one theme that seems often come up: "Use the cloud solutions - they are able to backup in native formats, metadata, yadi yada yada..."

But from what I had a change to test (both SaaS and self-hosted), it's always the same. When file is backed up, it's exported in MSOFFICE format, and when restored, the file is converted back to gdoc format. Restore sharing permissions seems more or less to work, but the file history is always gone. Clearly stating, that the file was imported from MSOFFICE format.

So my question is, is there even such solution that REALLY allows backup in the native format? Can maybe someone with actual technical knowledge clearly answer if the Drive API allows such operations? Are all those "native backup" solutions just marketing? Or maybe some company has advantage in using non-public api?

And while I am at it: Does anybody know, and can recommend (preferably from own experience) backup solutions that allow storing backup in custom (on-premise) locations (like NFS, SMB shares, S3 Compatible sotrage). I already have tested Synology Active backup and Cubebackup. CubeBackup seems pretty solid to me, but no "native" backup - if such thing actually can exist.

Thanks in advance in any response.

[KAM]

@vybihal I would describe your description as accurate from my xp.  The key things the cloud backups are going to retain is formatting and sharing.  I didn't dig into the API but one of the things I know you can do is on Box, you can store Google Editor files natively.  See https://workspace.google.com/marketplace/app/box/828801433755 for more information. -KAM