Cloud Backup protects self-managed databases in on-premises data centers by backing up data to the cloud. This overview covers the key advantages, how the feature works, the backup procedure, billing, and supported database versions.
Introduction
On-premises database backup is a data protection solution from Cloud Backup for self-managed databases in on-premises data centers. The service backs up database data to the cloud in a simple, secure, and reliable way. When a database system or server fails, production data is accidentally deleted, or a ransomware attack occurs, the data can be fully recovered from a Cloud Backup vault.
-
The on-premises database server must connect to an Alibaba Cloud virtual private cloud (VPC) through a leased line or VPN. Network routing must allow traffic from the on-premises server to the following Alibaba Cloud CIDR blocks: 100.64.0.0/10, 100.64.0.0/11, or 100.96.0.0/11. For more information, see Connect a VPC to a data center in single-tunnel mode.
-
Cloud Backup does not support backing up databases deployed in containers. Supported database versions, operating systems, and backup features are subject to limits. For more information, see Compatibility list and limits.
-
The on-premises database backup feature is available in the following regions: Singapore, China (Shanghai), China (Shenzhen), China (Qingdao), and SAU (Riyadh - Partner Region). For more information, see Features by region.
-
The MySQL backup feature does not support backing up multiple MySQL instances on a single on-premises server or ECS instance.
Key advantages
-
Low cost
No instance configuration fees are charged. Billing is based only on the storage capacity that your backup data occupies after deduplication and compression.
-
High performance
Backup jobs consume minimal resources, typically less than 0.5 CPU cores and 100 MB of memory. Cloud Backup delivers real-time backup for MySQL and Oracle with a near-zero recovery point objective (RPO).
-
Wide compatibility
Cloud Backup supports the major versions of MySQL, Oracle, and SQL Server.
-
Automated alerting
Alert rules in the Cloud Backup console monitor backup jobs. When a backup job fails, the system automatically sends alerts by email, text message, and phone call.
-
Immutable backup
The immutable backup feature for backup vaults prevents backup data from being deleted by any account or method before the retention period expires.
How it works
After you obtain the installation script from the Cloud Backup console and run it on your on-premises server, the installed client backs up the specified database according to the configured backup plan.
During a backup job, the Cloud Backup client invokes the database's native backup component to run a backup command. The client reads the source data, deduplicates and compresses it, and then uploads the result to the backup vault.
Procedure
Follow these steps to back up on-premises databases in the Cloud Backup console:
This topic uses MySQL as an example, but the steps are similar for Oracle and SQL Server databases on on-premises servers.
Obtain the username and password from your MySQL, Oracle, or SQL Server database administrator.
Activating Cloud Backup is free. Charges apply to resources like backup vault rental and storage capacity. Each backup vault is free for the first 30 days, after which it is automatically billed. Charges are based on capacity after deduplication and compression. You receive a free quota of 100 GB per vault per month, and tiered pricing applies to any excess usage. For more information about billing, see Billing methods and billable items.
To register an on-premises database in the Cloud Backup console, log on to the on-premises server that hosts the database and install the backup client. This registration process discovers the databases available for backup. If you only register a database in the console and do not create a backup plan, Cloud Backup does not charge any fees.
To ensure smooth database backups, Cloud Backup provides a precheck feature. This feature identifies potential issues that could prevent a successful backup.
Create a backup plan and configure settings such as the backup vault, data source, backup cycle, retention period, and backup policies, including full and incremental backup. Cloud Backup then starts the plan and continuously backs up the database.
Restoring a database is free. If a database error occurs, you can restore it to any available point in time from a backup. You can restore data to the source database or to another registered database in the same region under your account.
Billing
On-premises database backup incurs the following two fees:
Database backup vault rental fee
Create a database backup vault before you start database backups. Multiple databases in the same region can share a backup vault. Each vault includes a specific amount of free storage. For pricing details, see Pricing.
Database backup storage fee
Storage fees apply when usage exceeds the 100 GB free quota per database backup vault. Storage usage is calculated based on the actual data volume after deduplication and compression. For pricing details, see Pricing.
What to do next
-
Back up on-premises databases. For more information, see Register an on-premises MySQL database, Register an on-premises Oracle database, and Register an on-premises SQL Server database.
-
Review answers to frequently asked questions. For more information, see FAQ.
-
Explore best practices for Cloud Backup. For more information, see Best practices.