SQL server back up

  • We are currently using sql server 2005.

    For back up, we use sql server maintainance job to back up all the databases.

    Then we use DPM to back up all the backup files to SANS.

    I would like to know how other DBA back up SQL databases?

    My network engineer suggest doing all the back up using Data protection manager, and not using SQL backup jobs.

    I wonder if this is the good approach, considering speed of restore and others.

    Thanks

  • The approach that you have taken is typically the one that I recommend. 3rd party tools that try to back up SQL Server databases directly can be unreliable due to the way that they interact with the transaction log. I would do a lot of research into the specific tool that your Network Engineer is recommending before I would consider his approach.

    Hope this helps.

  • Skills for database backup and more importantly recovery are with the DBAs so they should control database backup tools and strategies.

    I think you will find 99% of DBAs use SQL native tools or perhaps something like redgate backup to back up to local disk, and then these expensive enterprise backup tools are used to backup the flat file backups to virtual disk, tape, SAN shares, offsite or whatever.

    the closer the primary copy of the backup is to the SQL server, the faster the recovery.

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  • I would always prefer backup from SQL native tools unless there is business case/utmost priority to use 3rd party tools.

    Though we have started using RedGate but it was after thorough research.

  • i have experienced backing up SQL Server databases using DPM and i gotta say i'm not a great fan of the product at all. I use Redgate SQLBackup to backup my SQL Server databases on 2005 and 2008

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    "Ya can't make an omelette without breaking just a few eggs" 😉

  • Perry, what don't you like about DPM backups of SQL Server? We are considering using it and would appreciate some real world feedback. Thanks.

  • You really should keep with the tools that come with SQL Server. Who knows the database server better than the programmer that wrote the code. I do not use any third party tools for my database backups. SQL server can do everything that I need to backup and restore all my databases.

    I put some of the backups directly on to the SAN, and some of them get copied else where. With the use of SSIS and SQL Server, there is no limit as to what you can accomplish.

    Andrew SQLDBA

  • Scott Hedrick-378512 (5/19/2010)


    Perry, what don't you like about DPM backups of SQL Server? We are considering using it and would appreciate some real world feedback. Thanks.

    Hi Scott

    i didnt like the way DPM handled SQL backups full stop. I would rather use Redgate SQLBackup or Quest Litespeed as they are in my opinion , much more flexible for backing up SQL server databases

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    "Ya can't make an omelette without breaking just a few eggs" 😉

  • Using built-in SQL Server tools is always a good approach. However, depending on your working scenario 3rd. party tools can bring simplicity and a wider range of management tools.

    For example this tool SQL Backup and FTP helped us reducing the time we spend in backups, because it allows us to run manually and scheduled backups for multiple databases, some of them with differential and transaction log backups, and we get detailed reports about each task in our email.

    Additionally we get a strong support from the manufacturer, which was definitely a key-point when we decided to purchase it.

  • luluwang205205 (10/10/2011)


    i want to recommend easeus todo backup, it provide advanced backup scheduler and one-click to recover system to dissimilar hardware, incremental backup, differential backup, backup SQL server/ Exchange server. if you care about the price, it will be you best choice.

    Not a great fan of that product to be honest

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    "Ya can't make an omelette without breaking just a few eggs" 😉

  • The purpose of doing backup is to be able to restore your data without any problems.

    If you use SQL Server native tools you are safe.

    In case of any problems you know that Microsoft is responsible, for example, for a bug.

    If you use third part tools you have to consider a total different scenario and it could be difficult to know which part is not working correctly.

    These tools are maybe great for backup but I have some doubts about their capacity to restore in the same way and with the same granularity that SQL Server native tools can offer.

    Just my 2 cents.


    Franco

  • luluwang205205 (10/10/2011)


    i want to recommend easeus todo backup, it provide advanced backup scheduler and one-click to recover system to dissimilar hardware, incremental backup, differential backup, backup SQL server/ Exchange server. if you care about the price, it will be you best choice.

    Is it just me or does this sounds a lot like straight from there sales folder ?

    To be honest I don't know the product and can't judge it, but it seems like luluwang205205 just tries to push this product in about every post he or she ever made.

    [font="Verdana"]Markus Bohse[/font]

  • i suspect it may someone who works for the company 😉

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    "Ya can't make an omelette without breaking just a few eggs" 😉

  • For database, it is safer to choose one reliable tool to protect it. Trust backup software on the market, such as todo backup, nova, clonezilla, Acronis. Personally, I recommend todo backup for price.

    It also can provide advanced backup scheduler and one-click to recover system to dissimilar hardware, incremental backup, differential backup, backup SQL server/ Exchange server, Backup to tape for 2003/2008/2005 servers.

  • Perry Whittle (10/10/2011)


    i suspect it may someone who works for the company 😉

    I had exactly the something in my mind when I raise my concern on Product Endorsement few days back...

    http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1187573-391-1.aspx#bm1187778

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