sminar (11/25/2014)
Thank you, that did help. If I'm understanding this correctly, restoring to a different server won't cause conflicts with its existing keys, as long as the cert name is unique.
Cert names within a database must be unique, you could have a cert called Bob in the master db and also in the AdventureWorks db 😉
Since the cert in master is used to encrypt backups focus here though.
sminar (11/25/2014)
I do think that the added complication to a DR scenario of having to find the cert & key backups might be more of an obstacle for us than the SQL Backup license cost.
Maybe, but then if it's that difficult for the DBA to quickly obtain the cert backup maybe review this process. Personally i would create the cert on the DR server as soon as it's created on the source, not wait until a DR scenario. Also DR testing may require you to online the DR database, you'll need the cert in place for this.
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"Ya can't make an omelette without breaking just a few eggs" 😉