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    Data Management:Add a data source

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    Data Management:Add a data source

    Last Updated:Mar 28, 2026

    Data Disaster Recovery lets you register databases as data sources so you can manage and back up their data. Alibaba Cloud databases (ApsaraDB RDS and PolarDB) sync automatically. For self-managed databases on Elastic Compute Service (ECS), on-premises databases, or databases from third-party cloud providers, you add them manually.

    Billing

    Adding a data source is free. Charges apply only when you enable backup for the data source.

    How it works

    Data Disaster Recovery supports two ways to add a data source:

    MethodSupported database types
    Automatic syncApsaraDB RDS for MySQL, ApsaraDB RDS for SQL Server, ApsaraDB RDS for PostgreSQL, PolarDB for MySQL
    Manual registrationSelf-managed MySQL on ECS instances, on-premises MySQL databases, MySQL databases from third-party cloud providers

    For the full list of supported database types, see Supported database types and features.

    Prerequisites

    Before you begin, make sure you have:

    • Access to the DMS console V5.0

    • The database endpoint (IP address) and port number

    • Network connectivity between Data Disaster Recovery and your database:

      • Public network: Confirm that inbound connections from Data Disaster Recovery CIDR blocks are allowed in your database's security settings.

      • Private network: Confirm that Data Disaster Recovery can reach the database over a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) or a leased line.

    Procedure

    View automatically synced databases

    ApsaraDB RDS and PolarDB databases are automatically registered when you create them. Use this procedure to view them.

    1. Log on to the DMS console V5.0.

    2. In the top navigation bar, choose Security and Specifications (DBS) > Disaster Recovery for Data (DBS) > Disaster Recovery Data Source.

      In simple mode, move the pointer over the 2023-01-28_15-57-17.png icon in the upper-left corner and choose All Features > Security and Specifications (DBS) > Disaster Recovery for Data (DBS) > Disaster Recovery Data Source.

    3. On the Disaster Recovery Data Source page, click the Cloud Database tab to view the registered databases.

    Add a self-managed database on an ECS instance

    This procedure uses a self-managed MySQL database on an ECS instance as an example.

    1. Log on to the DMS console V5.0.

    2. In the top navigation bar, choose Security and Specifications (DBS) > Disaster Recovery for Data (DBS) > Disaster Recovery Data Source.

      In simple mode, move the pointer over the 2023-01-28_15-57-17.png icon in the upper-left corner and choose All Features > Security and Specifications (DBS) > Disaster Recovery for Data (DBS) > Disaster Recovery Data Source.

    3. On the Self-managed Database on ECS tab, click Add Data Source.

    4. In the Add Data Source dialog box, select the ECS instance and click Next.

    5. Configure the backup settings.

      ParameterDescriptionRequired
      Engine typeOnly self-managed MySQL databases on ECS instances are supported.Yes
      Backup methodSet to Logical Backup.Yes
      PortThe port of your database. The default MySQL port is 3306.Yes
      Data source nameA descriptive name to identify this data source. Names do not need to be unique.No

      image

    6. Click OK.

    The data source appears on the Self-managed Database on ECS tab.

    Troubleshooting: If Data Disaster Recovery cannot automatically add its CIDR blocks to the ECS security group, access permissions may have been revoked. Manually add the CIDR blocks to the ECS instance security group.

    Add an on-premises or third-party cloud database

    This procedure uses a third-party cloud MySQL database as an example.

    1. Log on to the DMS console V5.0.

    2. In the top navigation bar, choose Security and Specifications (DBS) > Disaster Recovery for Data (DBS) > Disaster Recovery Data Source.

      In simple mode, move the pointer over the 2023-01-28_15-57-17.png icon in the upper-left corner and choose All Features > Security and Specifications (DBS) > Disaster Recovery for Data (DBS) > Disaster Recovery Data Source.

    3. At the top of the page, select a region.

    4. On the On-premise Database and Cloud Database from Third-party Provider tab, choose a backup type and follow the corresponding steps.

    Automatic backup for services

    Automatic backup for services is suited for on-premises self-managed databases, third-party self-managed databases, and databases hosted in a data center.

    1. Choose On-premise Database and Cloud Database from Third-party Provider > Automatic Backup for Services and click Add Data Source.

    2. In the dialog box, configure the following parameters and click OK.

      Important

      Click Configure Whitelist in the console to add Data Disaster Recovery's CIDR blocks to your database's security settings. Without this step, Data Disaster Recovery cannot connect to the database. For details, see Manually add the CIDR blocks of DBS to the security settings of self-managed databases.

      ParameterDescription
      Engine typeSet to MySQL.
      Backup methodSet to Logical Backup. For a comparison of backup methods, see Logical backup, physical backup, and snapshot.
      Network typeSelect the network through which Data Disaster Recovery connects to your database: Public Network (Classic Network) connects over the internet using a public IP address. Proprietary Network (VPC/Leased Line) connects over a private network for a more secure and controllable connection. For more information, see What is a VPC?
      Proprietary Network (VPC/Leased Line)The VPC or leased line network where your database is deployed. Displayed only when Network Access Type is set to Proprietary Network (VPC/Leased Line).
      Source database IP addressThe endpoint used to connect to the database.
      PortThe port used to connect to the database. The default MySQL port is 3306.
      Data source nameA descriptive name to identify this data source.

      image

    Automatic backup for users

    Important

    The MySQL database version must be 5.5.

    Automatic backup for users requires a backup schedule. Each database instance needs its own backup schedule. If you don't have one, purchase a backup schedule before adding the data source.

    Purchase a backup schedule (if needed)

    1. Click Purchase Backup Schedule to open the purchase page.

    2. Configure the following settings and complete the purchase.

      ParameterDescription
      Product typeSelect Backup Schedule. Pay-as-you-go billing is not supported.
      RegionThe region where backup data is stored.
      Data source typeSelect MySQL.
      SpecificationSelect xmicro. The free backup quota varies by specification type. For details, see Select a backup schedule type.
      Backup methodSelect Physical Backup.
      Storage sizeNo capacity selection is needed. You are charged based on the amount of data stored. For details, see Storage fees.
      Resource groupThe resource group for the backup schedule. Use the default or select one based on your requirements.
      QuantityThe number of backup schedules to purchase. Purchase one per database instance.
      Subscription durationThe subscription duration for the backup schedule.

    Add the data source

    1. Click Add Data Source. In the dialog box, configure the following parameters, select a backup schedule, and click Next.

      ParameterDescription
      Data source nameA descriptive name to identify this data source.
      Engine typeOnly MySQL is supported.
      Engine versionThe version of the database engine.
      Engine parameters{"lower_case_table_names":1}

      image

    2. Upload a backup set to the specified bucket. For details, see Upload data (automatic backup for users).

    3. Click OK.

    What's next

    After adding a data source, enable backup to start protecting your data.