Azure Backup Overview
Azure Backup is a cloud-based service from Microsoft Azure designed to protect and restore data efficiently and securely. It replaces traditional on-premises backup solutions with a reliable and cost-effective cloud solution. Azure Backup supports both on-premises and cloud storage environments, allowing for flexibility in backup strategies.
Key Features
- Hybrid Storage Support: Integrates on-premises storage with Azure cloud storage.
- Cost Management: Charges only apply when backing up to the cloud; local storage does not incur costs.
- Automatic Storage Management: Simplifies backup operations by automatically managing storage.
- Unlimited Scaling: Adjusts storage resources based on demand without limits.
- Application Consistent Backup: Ensures backups are consistent with application states.
- Long-Term Retention: Supports backup retention for extended periods.
How Azure Backup Works
- Define Backup Policy: Establish a policy outlining backup frequency and the target data.
- Identify Destination: Specify the Recovery Services Vault (RSV) as the primary storage for backups. Note that backups are not stored in standard storage accounts.
Components of Azure Backup Service
| Component | Protected Data | Backup Storage | Backup Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azure Backup Agent | Files, Folders, System State (Windows only) | Recovery Service Vault | Three backups per day |
| System Center DPM | Files, Folders, Volumes, VMs, Applications | Recovery Service Vault, Local Disk, Tape | Two backups per day to RSV; Every 15 mins for SQL; Every hour for other workloads |
| Azure Backup Server | Files, Folders, Volumes, VMs, Applications | Recovery Service Vault, Local Disk | Two backups per day to RSV; Every 15 mins for SQL; Every hour for other workloads |
| Azure IaaS VM Backup | VMs, All Disks (Windows and Linux) | Recovery Service Vault | One backup per day |
How to Take Backup of VM Using Azure Backup
Step-by-Step Process
- Access the Virtual Machine: Go to the Azure portal, navigate to your VM, and click on the Backup option.
- Configure Backup Policy: In the backup configuration window, set the backup policy according to your requirements and click on Enable Backup.
- Access Recovery Services Vault: After enabling backup, navigate to the resource group containing your created Recovery Services Vault.
- Take Backup from Recovery Services Vault: If you wish to configure different settings for backup, click on Backup within the Recovery Services Vault to select the appropriate workload
How to Take Backup of a VM Using Azure Backup
Taking a backup of your Azure Virtual Machine is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure your VM is backed up properly:
Step 1: Access the Virtual Machine
- Go to the Azure Portal: Open your web browser and navigate to the Azure Portal.
- Select Your Virtual Machine: From the left-hand menu, click on “Virtual Machines.” Find and select the VM you want to back up.
- Click on Backup: In the VM’s overview page, find the “Backup” option in the menu, and click on it. This will open the backup configuration window.
Step 2: Configure Backup Policy
- Set Backup Policy: In the backup configuration window, you’ll need to set the backup policy according to your requirements. This includes defining how frequently you want to take backups (e.g., daily, weekly) and the retention period for those backups.
- Enable Backup: Once you have configured your policy, click on the “Enable Backup” button to activate the backup settings for your VM.
Step 3: Access the Recovery Services Vault
- Navigate to Resource Group: After enabling backup, return to the Azure portal and click on “Resource groups” in the left menu.
- Select Your Resource Group: Find and select the resource group that contains the Recovery Services Vault you created for the VM backup.
- Open the Recovery Services Vault: Click on the Recovery Services Vault to access its settings.
Step 4: Take Backup from the Recovery Services Vault
- Start Backup Process: Inside the Recovery Services Vault, look for the “Backup” option in the left-hand menu and click on it.
- Choose Workload: Follow the prompts to select the workload you want to back up. You may have options depending on how you want to configure the backup (e.g., VM, SQL Server, etc.).
- Configure Additional Settings: If you want to adjust any backup settings or policies specific to the Recovery Services Vault, make the necessary chang