Backup and Recovery in SQL Server on Azure

Configure Automated Backups for Azure SQL Managed Instance

Set up and verify automated backups with a 14-day retention period for an Azure SQL Managed Instance.

Expected output: Automated backups configured and verified with successful backup jobs.

Hint: Use the Azure portal backup settings and check backup status in the monitoring section.

Perform Manual Backup to Azure Blob Storage

Use T-SQL to back up a SQL Server database running on an Azure VM to Azure Blob Storage.

Expected output: Backup file created in the specified Blob Storage container.

Hint: Create a storage credential and use the BACKUP DATABASE command with URL option.

Restore Database from Azure Blob Storage Backup

Restore a database from a backup file stored in Azure Blob Storage to a SQL Server instance.

Expected output: Database restored successfully and accessible.

Hint: Use the RESTORE DATABASE command with the URL and credential parameters.

SQL Server on Azure supports automated backups for managed instances and VMs, manual backups to Azure Blob Storage, and integration with Azure Backup service.

Point-in-time restore uses transaction log backups to restore a database to any specific time within the retention period, minimizing data loss.

Testing ensures backups are valid and recovery processes work as expected, preventing surprises during actual data loss events.