Server backup to the cloud needs to be fast, flexible, highly secure, and cost-effective. Azure cloud backup service becomes a more competitive choice for IT teams to enable server backups quickly, manage easily, and stands less chance for data loss, or downtime.

PC backup solutions perform a decent job backing up files like word, excel, PDF, images and other file types.  But would it support backup for servers? Maybe yes, but generic backup tools are not a perfect solution.

 A recent IDC’s research report along with Microsoft on the business value of Azure backup and recovery says that business has seen 76% faster backups, 99% reduction in lost productivity, and 46% reduction in unplanned downtime.

What is a server backup?

A server backup is a copy of the server image in its current state containing all the installs of executable application files, and operating system.

On-Premise Server Backup

In an on-premise setup, using additional disks for server backup is a typical practice following with an offsite backup strategy. The downside is the time and effort that goes into the first phase of the disk backup.  

The Azure backup service uses a lite app known as an agent to push the data from the on-premise server storage to the Azure Recovery services vault.

There is no need for additional hardware, and dedicated resource to perform the backups. Once configuring the backup, it requires less effort to oversee backup efficiency.

Types of backup include on-premise SQL data, entire VMs, individual files, and folders. Besides, backup of Azure VMs is possible.

Flexible Retention

The data retention policy depends on regulatory compliance requirements, and an organization can choose to retain data for numerous reasons. The period can vary between three years to more than ten years. 

However, for server backups, the purpose is to make sure the latest version of all applications and patches are available.

The backups could run daily, weekly to biweekly and monthly with 1 to 4 cycles. Azure backup services allow configuring short term and long term which can be up to 99 years.

Storage options

Azure backup service offers two options. LRS and GRS.

Local redundant storage makes three copies within the same region, and it is a low-cost storage option to protect data from local hardware failure.  

During a server crash, backup services help to quickly restore a server backup and bring it to live within a few minutes eliminating the server build process and decreasing downtime.

Global redundant storage (GRS) runs with the same concept of LRS except that the data will be available in a different region. Any critical downtime due to the regional data center outage, or network failure, GRS can be helpful to restore data quickly.

 AEC Cloud application hosting provides both GRS and LRS for our clients.

Highly secure

The main element in the Azure cloud backup process is confidentiality as the internet is the medium for data transfer.

Data goes through an encryption process when you upload or download. It converts as a code during upload and decodes while downloading.

 This encryption involves a key to code or decode. And encryption takes place over the network using protocols including Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS). Also, access controls help to avoid writing existing backups.

Through the Azure console, a centralized monitoring system is available and can run reports. With multi-factor authentication, we can increase security measures, set up alerts for suspicious activity which can help save from threats of ransomware attacks or malware.

Conclusion

Perform backups for servers with the right solution. Configuring third-party storage may seem to be a cheap alternative, but cannot be the best enterprise-class solutions for servers. 

One of the reasons Azure backup service is the best for a server is, it is a Microsoft product, and, the majority of the servers are windows based and the solution is fast, flexible, highly secure and cost-effective.

Besides, Azure backup service is the first step towards disaster recovery. Learn the advantages of cloud backup and understand what you are missing.

For configuring Azure backup needs hands-on experience. Work with a Microsoft partner to receive assistance.

AEC Cloud is a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider and been assisting firms on Azure Backup, Disaster Recovery, and Application hosting on cloud.

If you are struggling with on-premise backup solutions and considering Azure backup service to solve your IT challenges, contact us, we can guide you.