Re: What is the best backup solution for failover cluster SQL Server

From: Uttam Parui[MS] (uttamkp_at_online.microsoft.com)
Date: 12/01/04 

Date: Wed, 01 Dec 2004 18:37:24 GMT

Hi Ashok,

Backing up your SQL database in a clustered environment is not different from a normal server (although it can be complex if the db is in terabyte range). You can still use the SQL Server Agent jobs/maintenance
plans to backup your database. More often than not, it is easiest to first back up to disk. Create a cluster disk share so in the event of a fail over, all nodes will have access to the backup share. Do NOT attempt to
backup to any LOCAL drives. After the database is backed up, it should be copied to another location, backed up to another medium such as tape, and then archived in an offsite location after it is tested and verified.

Apart from backing up your SQL Server databases, you need to backup your server cluster. You can use the Backup or Recovery Wizard to back up cluster nodes. For detailed information, please refer to

Backing up and restoring server clusters
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/WindowsServ/2003/standard/proddocs/en-us/Default.asp?url=/resources/documentation/WindowsServ/2003/standard/proddocs/en-us/sag_mscsusing_9.asp

Best Regards,

Uttam Parui
Microsoft Corporation

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