Azure SQL VM Backup- Restoration by using Azure Automated Backup method

One of the most critical activity in an enterprise system is to setup a back up process to ensure that during any inadvertent failures, the systems are restored for business continuity within a least possible time interval.

The success and the effectiveness of the backup and restore process is a function of many parameters like the frequency of back up, the scale of backup / restore system architecture, network speed and connectivity. While there are multiple approaches to achieve optimal results, the best is chosen based on the benefits and constraints. Azure Automated Backup for SQL for IaaS is one such option which allows the user to setup backup / restore system.

Some of the common challenges with these options are:

1. There is no mechanism to monitor the backup and its health status.
2. Difficult to manage the RPO at the time of failure and restoration.
3. Needs dedicated hardware for backup management

Solution

The quick solution for this scenario is to use Azure automated backup for SQL VM methods managed by Azure recovery service vault. In this solution approach we can configure DB and Log backup with the required schedule interval and maintain the retention as per organization standards. To setup the service, some of the pre-requisites needs to be taken care of which is listed below

Prerequisites

1. Azure recovery service vault with Stack V2 (By default newer ASR version is running with Stack V2 version).
2. .NET 4.5.6 or greater version.
3. Delegate Sysadmin privilege for Azure backup service account to discover databases.

Benefits:

Some of the benefits achieved by this solution approach are

1. Requires very less or no support for setting up and managing the backup infrastructure.
2. Service shall auto scale to protect any number of SQL VM and databases.
3. Provides feature for managing and monitoring the backup process.
4. Maintains data and drives based on the retention policy
5. Provides least RPO and RTO for database restoration point.
6. Supports SQL Always ON methods.
7. Sends email alert notification on specific events
8. Provides role-based control for backup management.

If you have questions about how to start your cloud journey with Azure, the cost involved and/or any security concerns, speak to our cloud solution consultant today. Let us help you figure out the best way forward.

 

Updated on June 5, 2020

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