As a SQL Server user, it is crucial to ensure the safety of your databases by regularly backing them up. One important aspect of this process is choosing a reliable location to store your backups. In this article, we will explore the option of storing SQL Server backups in the cloud using popular cloud storage services like Microsoft SkyDrive and Box.
Why Store Backups in the Cloud?
Cloud storage offers several advantages when it comes to storing SQL Server backups:
- Reliability: Cloud storage providers like SkyDrive and Box offer high levels of reliability, ensuring that your backups are safe and accessible at all times.
- Accessibility: Storing backups in the cloud allows you to access them from anywhere, making it convenient for remote teams or individuals who need to restore databases.
- Scalability: Cloud storage services typically offer flexible storage options, allowing you to easily scale up or down based on your backup storage needs.
Using SQLBackupAndFTP
SQLBackupAndFTP is a popular tool that simplifies the process of backing up SQL Server databases. In its latest version 9, it has added the option to backup databases directly to SkyDrive and Box, in addition to other storage options like local/network folders, NAS drives, FTP, Dropbox, Google Drive, and Amazon S3.
Selecting Databases to Backup
To get started, connect to your SQL Server or Azure SQL Database using SQLBackupAndFTP. Then, select the databases you want to backup.
Connecting to SkyDrive or Box
If you have a free version of SQLBackupAndFTP, the Box destination is included, but the SkyDrive destination will be disabled. However, the SkyDrive option is available in the Standard version or above. To connect to SkyDrive or Box, follow these steps:
- Click on “Try now” to get a 30-day trial of all options.
- On the “SkyDrive Settings” form, click “Authorize…” to open the SkyDrive authorization page in your browser.
- Sign in to your SkyDrive account and click “Allow” to authorize SQLBackupAndFTP to access your SkyDrive.
- Copy the authorization code provided on the next page to your clipboard.
- Return to SQLBackupAndFTP, paste the authorization code, and click “OK”.
- Once authorized, you can enter the path to a backup folder. SQLBackupAndFTP will create the folder if it does not exist.
Testing the Backup Job
After completing the setup, you can now click on the “Run Now” button to test the backup job. This will ensure that your backups are successfully stored in the cloud.
Conclusion
Storing SQL Server backups in the cloud offers a reliable and accessible solution for safeguarding your databases. With tools like SQLBackupAndFTP, the process becomes even simpler, allowing you to choose from a variety of cloud storage options. Whether you prefer SkyDrive, Box, or any other cloud storage provider, it is important to prioritize the safety of your backups.
Note that at the time of writing this article, SQLBackupAndFTP is running a rare promotion on volume licenses, offering discounts of up to 50% off. Take advantage of this opportunity to secure your SQL Server backups.
We would love to hear about your favorite options for storing SQL Server backups. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!