Published on

December 17, 2011

Understanding SQL Server Backup Compression

As a database administrator, it is important to understand the various factors that can affect your database backups. One such factor is backup compression. In this article, we will discuss the concept of backup compression in SQL Server and how it can impact your backup size.

Imagine a scenario where you have been taking regular backups of your database using a specific T-SQL script for a long time. The size of the backup file has always remained consistent. However, suddenly, you notice a significant reduction in the size of the backup file without making any changes to the T-SQL code.

In such a situation, it is important to investigate the possible causes. One possibility is that data has been deleted or moved to a different file-group that is not being backed up. However, if this is not the case, you should consider checking the server-level settings for backup compression.

Backup compression is a feature in SQL Server that allows you to reduce the size of your backup files by compressing the data. By enabling backup compression, you can save disk space and reduce the time required to perform backups.

In the scenario mentioned earlier, the reader had a new administrator who had enabled backup compression at the server level without informing the relevant team members. This resulted in all the backups being compressed, even though the T-SQL code remained unchanged.

It is important for database administrators to communicate any changes they make to the server settings to the relevant team members. Proper documentation should also be maintained to ensure everyone is aware of the changes and their impact.

So, what can we learn from this scenario?

Firstly, server-level backup compression settings can affect all default backup database scripts. It is important to be aware of these settings and their impact on your backups.

Secondly, communication is key. Database administrators should communicate any changes they make to the server settings to the relevant team members. This helps avoid confusion and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Lastly, it is always a good idea to ask around and stay updated with the latest features and best practices in SQL Server. This can help you identify any potential issues or improvements that can be made to your database backups.

By understanding the concept of backup compression and its impact on your backups, you can ensure efficient and effective backup strategies for your SQL Server databases.

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