Azure SQL Database simplifies data protection by automatically handling your backups without requiring human intervention. It uses built-in features to capture full, differential, and transaction log backups. This design ensures you can recover from hardware failures, data corruption, ransomware attacks, or accidental deletions. 1. How Azure SQL Backups Work
Azure SQL Database creates a continuous chain of backups automatically. You do not need to schedule or monitor these jobs. Full Backups: Captured weekly. Differential Backups: Captured every 12 to 24 hours. Transaction Log Backups: Captured every 5 to 10 minutes.
Storage Options: Backups are written to read-access geo-redundant storage (RA-GRS) by default. This ensures availability even during entire data center outages. You can also switch to locally-redundant or zone-redundant storage to save costs or meet compliance rules. 2. Retention Windows
Azure separates backups into short-term operational windows and long-term compliance storage.
Short-Term Retention (STR): Keeps backups for 7 to 35 days, depending on your service tier. This window powers point-in-time recovery.
Long-Term Retention (LTR): Allows you to store backups for up to 10 years. You can set a customized Long-Term Retention Policy using PowerShell or the CLI to save weekly, monthly, or yearly snapshots. 3. Core Recovery Methods
When you need to restore your data, Azure SQL provides four distinct mechanisms: Azure SQL Database Backup: A Complete Overview – Trilio
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