This topic describes how to manage database backups by using Data Disaster Recovery.
This feature is in internal preview and available only to users that are added to the whitelist. If no relevant entry point is available in the console, you can create a backup by using a backup schedule list.
Step 1: Add or synchronize a data source
Before you use Data Disaster Recovery to back up databases, you must add data sources to the Disaster Recovery Data Source page.
Prerequisites
The data source is one of the following types:
Alibaba Cloud databases: ApsaraDB RDS for MySQL, ApsaraDB RDS for PostgreSQL, ApsaraDB RDS for SQL Server, and PolarDB for MySQL
Self-managed databases hosted on ECS instances: MySQL
Cloud databases from third-party providers: MySQL
Procedure
Automatically synchronize Alibaba Cloud databases
Data Disaster Recovery automatically synchronizes Alibaba Cloud databases to the Cloud Database tab on the Disaster Recovery Data Source page.
Manually add self-managed databases hosted on ECS instances, on-premises databases, and cloud databases from third-party providers
To back up self-managed databases hosted on Elastic Compute Service (ECS) instances, on-premises databases, or cloud databases from a third-party provider, you must manually add these databases to the Self-managed Database on ECS or On-premise Database and Cloud Database from Third-party Provider tab on the Disaster Recovery Data Source page.
Self-managed databases hosted on ECS instances
- Log on to the DMS console V5.0.
In the top navigation bar, choose .
NoteIf you use the DMS console in simple mode, move the pointer over the
icon in the upper-left corner of the DMS console and choose . In the upper part of the page, select a region. On the Self-managed Database on ECS tab, click Add Data Source.
Select an ECS instance and click Next.
In the Configure Backup Schedule step, configure the following information and click OK.
Parameter
Description
Engine Type
The type of the database engine. Set this parameter to MySQL.
Backup Method
The method that is used to back up data. Set this parameter to Logical Backup. For more information, see Logical backup, physical backup, and snapshot.
Port
The port used to connect to the database that you want to back up. The default port number of MySQL databases is 3306.
Data Source Name
We recommend that you use a descriptive name that is easy to identify.
On-premises databases and cloud databases from third-party providers
- Log on to the DMS console V5.0.
In the top navigation bar, choose .
NoteIf you use the DMS console in simple mode, move the pointer over the
icon in the upper-left corner of the DMS console and choose . In the upper part of the page, select a region. On the On-premise Database and Cloud Database from Third-party Provider tab, add the data source based on the data source type.
Automatic backup for services
NoteAutomatic backup for services is suitable when the data source is an on-premises self-managed database, a self-managed database from a third-party provider, or a self-managed database in a data center.
Choose and click Add Data Source.
In the dialog box that appears, configure the following parameters. Then, click OK.
Parameter
Description
Engine Type
The type of the database engine. Set this parameter to MySQL.
Backup Method
The method that is used to back up data. Set this parameter to Logical Backup. For more information, see Logical backup, physical backup, and snapshot.
Network Type
Public Network (Classic Network): accesses cloud resources over the Internet by using public IP addresses.
Proprietary Network (VPC/Leased Line): accesses cloud resources over the private network on the cloud to provide a more flexible, secure, and controllable network environment. For more information, see What is VPC?
ImportantClick Configure Whitelist in the console to learn how to add the CIDR blocks to the security settings of the source database. This way, Data Disaster Recovery can access the source database. For more information, see Manually add the CIDR blocks of Data Disaster Recovery to the security settings of self-managed databases.
Proprietary Network (VPC/Leased Line)
The proprietary network in which the database that you want to back up is deployed.
NoteThis parameter is displayed only if you set the Network Access Type parameter to Proprietary Network (VPC/Leased Line).
Source Database IP Address
The endpoint used to connect to the database that you want to back up.
Port
The port used to connect to the database that you want to back up. The default port number of MySQL databases is 3306.
Data Source Name
We recommend that you use a descriptive name that is easy to identify.
Automatic backup for users
Compared with automatic backup for services, automatic backup for users is more difficult to operate and suitable for backup sets whose data format and protocol reside locally. For more information, see Automatic backup for users.
Step 2: Authourize the account of the disaster recovery data source
After a data source is synchronized or added to the Disaster Recovery Data Source page, you must authourize the account and password of the data source for backup and restoration.
Prerequisites
Data sources are synchronized or added to the Disaster Recovery Data Source page.
The account and password of the source database are obtained.
Usage notes
The database account that you add must have the permissions required to back up and restore the specified databases. For more information, see Account permissions.
If the account and password of the source database change, you must update the corresponding account and password and authorize the account again. This ensures that Data Disaster Recovery can back up the database as expected.
Data source authorization status
Status | Description |
Unauthorized | The account and password of the source database are not added to the console and Data Disaster Recovery cannot back up and restore the database. |
Authorized | The account and password of the source database are added to the console and Data Disaster Recovery can use this account to back up and restore the database. |
Failed | The verification fails when you add the account and password of the source database. The password may contain special characters or the account may not have required permissions. |
Procedure
- Log on to the DMS console V5.0.
In the top navigation bar, choose .
NoteIf you use the DMS console in simple mode, move the pointer over the
icon in the upper-left corner of the DMS console and choose . Alibaba Cloud databases
In the upper part of the page, select a region. On the Cloud Database tab, click the ID of the data source that you want to manage to go to the details page.
Click tab, click Account Authorization.
In the dialog box that appears, specify the Database Account and Password parameters and click Authorize.
After the authorization verification is complete, click OK.
Self-managed databases hosted on ECS instances
In the upper part of the page, select a region. On the Self-managed Database on ECS tab, find the data source that you want to manage and click Account Authorization in the Actions column.
In the dialog box that appears, specify the Database Account and Password parameters and click Authorize.
After the authorization verification is complete, click OK.
NoteIf the parameters are valid, Authorized is displayed in the Authorization Status of Data Source column.
On-premises databases and cloud databases from third-party providers
In the upper part of the page, select a region. Choose , find the data source that you want to manage, and click Account Authorization in the Actions column.
NoteIf the data source is on the Automatic Backup for Users tab, you do not need to authorize the account to upload a backup set. For more information, see the "Automatic backup for users" tab in the Manually add self-managed databases hosted on ECS instances, on-premises databases, and cloud databases from third-party providers section of this topic.
In the dialog box that appears, specify the Database Account and Password parameters and click Authorize.
After the authorization verification is complete, click OK.
NoteIf the parameters are valid, Authorized is displayed in the Authorization Status of Data Source column.
Step 3: Configure a backup policy for the data source (recommended)
You can add the data source to the Disaster Recovery Data Source page, and configure a flexible backup policy for the data source, including the backup cycle, backup time, and retention period for backup sets. The system automatically performs data backups and log backups to reduce backup management workloads, protect data security, and improve business reliability.
Prerequisites
If you perform the operations as a Resource Access Management (RAM) user, you must attach the AliyunDBSFullAccess policy to the RAM user. For more information about how to grant permissions to the RAM user, see Grant permissions to a RAM user.
The data source is added or synchronized to the Disaster Recovery Data Source page, and you have grant required permissions to the account of the data source.
Usage notes
Cross-region backup is not supported.
Only logical backup is supported. Physical backup is not supported. For more information, see Logical backup, physical backup, and snapshot.
When Data Disaster Recovery backs up a database, the performance of the database is affected. We recommend that you run backup tasks during off-peak hours.
Data Disaster Recovery automatically creates the default backup policy when you configure a backup schedule. You do not need to specify the backup cycle or retention period for backup sets. The following section describes the default backup policy:
Log backup: By default, this feature is enabled, and logs are readable. You cannot disable this feature. The retention period of log backup sets is 30 days and cannot be changed.
Data backup: By default, this feature is enabled and cannot be disabled. Data is backed up every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. The retention period of data backup sets is seven days. You can modify the backup policy for data backup based on your business requirements after you configure a backup schedule. For more information, see Modify the backup policy.
If the databases and tables that you want to back up involve issues such as unreasonable table schemas, large tables, or large fields, and you select a backup schedule type with low specifications, the resources of the backup schedule may be insufficient to back up the databases or tables and backup exceptions may occur. Therefore, we recommend that you select a backup schedule type with high specifications to avoid backup exceptions.
Billing
Billable item | Description |
Fees charged for creating a backup schedule | You are charged for creating a backup schedule based on the region, backup schedule type, quantity, and subscription duration. The actual price on the buy page shall prevail. |
Backup fees | After the backup schedule is started, you are charged backup fees. Data Disaster Recovery provides free quota for backup. The free quota varies based on the backup schedule type. If the volume of backup data does not exceed the free quota, you are not charged fees. If the volume of backup data exceeds the free quota, you are charged for the excess data. For more information, see Backup fees. |
Storage fees | The backup sets generated by a backup schedule are stored in the built-in storage. You are charged storage fees. For more information, see Storage fees. |
No storage fees are charged when you purchase a backup schedule. Data Disaster Recovery charges you based on the actual backup usage.
The backup performance, free quota, and billing method vary based on the backup schedule type that you purchase. For more information, see Subscription.
Procedure
Alibaba Cloud databases
Step 1: Purchase a backup schedule (logical backup)
- Log on to the DMS console V5.0.
In the top navigation bar, choose .
NoteIf you use the DMS console in simple mode, move the pointer over the
icon in the upper-left corner of the DMS console and choose . In the upper part of the page, select a region. On the Cloud Database tab, click the ID of the data source that you want to manage to go to the details page.
Choose and click Configure Backup Policy.
In the Select Backup Schedule step, click Purchase Backup Schedule to go to the buy page of Data Disaster Recovery.
Configure the following parameters and click Buy Now in the lower-right corner of the page.
Parameter
Description
Product Type
Select Backup Schedule. The pay-as-you-go billing method is not supported.
Region
The region in which you want to store the backup data.
NoteIf the data source is an Alibaba Cloud database, make sure that the backup instance resides in the same region as the data source.
Data Source Type
Select MySQL. In this example, an ApsaraDB RDS for MySQL instance is used.
Specification
The backup schedule specifications that you want to use. Higher specifications offer higher backup and restoration performance. DBS supports the following backup schedule specifications: micro, small, medium, large, and xlarge. The xlarge specification type provides extra large specifications without an upper limit on the amount of backup data.
NoteTo ensure fast backup and restoration of specific database instances, such as database instances in the production environment, we recommend that you select xlarge or Large.
If you do not require high backup and restoration performance, you can select the most cost-effective backup schedule type based on your business requirements. For more information, see Select a backup schedule type.
If the databases and tables that you want to back up involve issues such as unreasonable schemas, large tables, and large fields, the resources of a backup instance of lower specifications may be insufficient to complete the backup. As a result, a backup error occurs. We recommend that you purchase a backup instance of higher specifications to prevent backup errors.
Backup Method
Select Logical Backup.
Storage Size
You do not need to select a capacity when you create the backup schedule. You are charged based on the amount of data that is stored in Data Disaster Recovery. For more information, see Storage fees.
Resource Group
The resource group that is used by the backup schedule. You can use the default resource group or select a resource group based on your business requirements.
Quantity
The number of backup schedules that you want to purchase. To back up multiple database instances, you must purchase multiple backup schedules. For example, if you want to back up Database Instance A and Database Instance B, you must purchase two backup schedules.
Subscription Duration
The subscription duration of the backup schedule that you want to purchase.
On the Confirm Order page, confirm the order information, read and select the terms of services, and then click Pay.
After you complete the payment, go back to the Select Backup Schedule step and click Paid to view the created backup schedule.
Step 2: Create the backup policy
In the Select Backup Schedule step, select the backup schedule that you want to configure and click Next.
In the Select Database and Table step, select the databases and tables that you want to back up, click the
icon to move them to the Selected Objects section, and then click Submit. 
On the Backup Policies page, click the Logical Backup tab and then click Start to initiate backups.
After you click Start, the system immediately initiates a full backup and an incremental backup.
NoteIf you want to perform other operations, such as modifying the backup policy, you can skip this step. Data Disaster Recovery automatically initiates the backup later based on the backup policy.
Self-managed databases hosted on ECS instances
Step 1: Purchase a backup schedule (logical backup)
- Log on to the DMS console V5.0.
In the top navigation bar, choose .
NoteIf you use the DMS console in simple mode, move the pointer over the
icon in the upper-left corner of the DMS console and choose . In the upper part of the page, select a region. On the Self-managed Database on ECS tab, click the ID of the data source that you want to manage to go to the details page.
On the Backup Policies page, click Configure Backup Policy.
In the Select Backup Schedule step, click Purchase Backup Schedule to go to the buy page of Data Disaster Recovery.
Configure the following parameters and click Buy Now in the lower-right corner of the page.
Parameter
Description
Product Type
Select Backup Schedule. The pay-as-you-go billing method is not supported.
Region
The region in which you want to store the backup data.
NoteMake sure that the backup schedule and the ECS instance reside in the same region.
Data Source Type
Set the value to MySQL.
Specification
The backup schedule specifications that you want to use. Higher specifications offer higher backup and restoration performance. DBS supports the following backup schedule specifications: micro, small, medium, large, and xlarge. The xlarge specification type provides extra large specifications without an upper limit on the amount of backup data.
NoteTo ensure fast backup and restoration of specific database instances, such as database instances in the production environment, we recommend that you select xlarge or Large.
If you do not require high backup and restoration performance, you can select the most cost-effective backup schedule type based on your business requirements. For more information, see Select a backup schedule type.
If the databases and tables that you want to back up involve issues such as unreasonable schemas, large tables, and large fields, the resources of a backup instance of lower specifications may be insufficient to complete the backup. As a result, a backup error occurs. We recommend that you purchase a backup instance of higher specifications to prevent backup errors.
Backup Method
Select Logical Backup.
Storage Size
You do not need to select a capacity when you create the backup schedule. You are charged based on the amount of data that is stored in Data Disaster Recovery. For more information, see Storage fees.
Resource Group
The resource group that is used by the backup schedule. You can use the default resource group or select a resource group based on your business requirements.
Quantity
The number of backup schedules that you want to purchase. To back up multiple database instances, you must purchase multiple backup schedules. For example, if you want to back up Database Instance A and Database Instance B, you must purchase two backup schedules.
Subscription Duration
The subscription duration of the backup schedule that you want to purchase.
On the Confirm Order page, confirm the order information, read and select the terms of services, and then click Pay.
After you complete the payment, go back to the Select Backup Schedule step and click Paid to view the created backup schedule.
Step 2: Create the backup policy
In the Select Backup Schedule step, select the backup schedule that you want to configure and click Next.
In the Select Database and Table step, select the databases and tables that you want to back up, click the
icon to move them to the Selected Objects section, and then click Submit. On the Backup Policies page, click the Logical Backup tab and then click Start to initiate backups.
After you click Start, the system immediately initiates a full backup and an incremental backup.
NoteIf you want to perform other operations, such as modifying the backup policy, you can skip this step. Data Disaster Recovery automatically initiates the backup later based on the backup policy.
On-premises databases and cloud databases from third-party providers (automatic backup for services)
Step 1: Purchase a backup schedule (logical backup)
- Log on to the DMS console V5.0.
In the top navigation bar, choose .
NoteIf you use the DMS console in simple mode, move the pointer over the
icon in the upper-left corner of the DMS console and choose . In the upper part of the page, select a region. Choose and click the ID of the data source that you want to manage to go to the details page.
On the Backup Policies page, click Configure Backup Policy.
In the Select Backup Schedule step, click Purchase Backup Schedule to go to the buy page of Data Disaster Recovery.
Configure the following parameters and click Buy Now in the lower-right corner of the page.
Parameter
Description
Product Type
Select Backup Schedule.
Region
The region in which you want to store the backup data.
NoteMake sure that the backup schedule and the ECS instance reside in the same region.
Data Source Type
Set the value to MySQL.
Specification
The backup schedule specifications that you want to use. Higher specifications offer higher backup and restoration performance. DBS supports the following backup schedule specifications: micro, small, medium, large, and xlarge. The xlarge specification type provides extra large specifications without an upper limit on the amount of backup data.
NoteTo ensure fast backup and restoration of specific database instances, such as database instances in the production environment, we recommend that you select xlarge or Large.
If you do not require high backup and restoration performance, you can select the most cost-effective backup schedule type based on your business requirements. For more information, see Select a backup schedule type.
If the databases and tables that you want to back up involve issues such as unreasonable schemas, large tables, and large fields, the resources of a backup instance of lower specifications may be insufficient to complete the backup. As a result, a backup error occurs. We recommend that you purchase a backup instance of higher specifications to prevent backup errors.
Backup Method
Select Logical Backup.
Storage Size
You do not need to select a capacity when you create the backup schedule. You are charged based on the amount of data that is stored in Data Disaster Recovery. For more information, see Storage fees.
Resource Group
The resource group that is used by the backup schedule. You can use the default resource group or select a resource group based on your business requirements.
Quantity
The number of backup schedules that you want to purchase. To back up multiple database instances, you must purchase multiple backup schedules. For example, if you want to back up Database Instance A and Database Instance B, you must purchase two backup schedules.
Subscription Duration
The subscription duration of the backup schedule that you want to purchase.
On the Confirm Order page, confirm the order information, read and select the terms of services, and then click Pay.
After you complete the payment, go back to the Select Backup Schedule step and click Paid to view the created backup schedule.
Step 2: Create the backup policy
In the Select Backup Schedule step, select the backup schedule that you want to configure and click Next.
In the Select Database and Table step, select the databases and tables that you want to back up, click the
icon to move them to the Selected Objects section, and then click Submit. On the Backup Policies page, click the Logical Backup tab and then click Start to initiate backups.
After you click Start, the system immediately initiates a full backup and an incremental backup.
NoteIf you want to perform other operations, such as modifying the backup policy, you can skip this step. Data Disaster Recovery automatically initiates the backup later based on the backup policy.
On-premises databases and cloud databases from third-party providers (automatic backup for users)
After the backup data is uploaded, Data Disaster Recovery automatically performs backups and restoration drills. For more information, see Automatic backup for users.
Related operations
Modify the automatic backup policy
You can modify the backup policy of a backup schedule based on your business requirements, including the backup cycle, backup time, and retention period for backup sets.
Usage notes
You can modify only the data backup policy. You cannot modify the log backup policy. By default, log backup is enabled, and logs are readable. You cannot disable the log backup feature. The retention period of log backup sets is 30 days and cannot be changed.
The data backup policy takes effect immediately after it is modified. Existing data backup sets are retained based on the latest retention policy.
When Data Disaster Recovery backs up a database, the performance of the database is affected. We recommend that you run backup tasks during off-peak hours.
Procedure
Click the ID of the data source that you want to manage to go to the details page.
Alibaba Cloud databases: Choose and click Edit.
Self-managed databases hosted on ECS instances, on-premises databases, and cloud databases from third-party providers: On the Backup Policies page, click Edit.
In the dialog box that appears, modify the data backup policy and click OK.
Parameter
Description
Full Backup Cycle
The days on which data is backed up. You must select at least two days of the week.
Full Backup Started At
The time when data backup starts. Example: 23:00.
Full Backup Retention Period (Days)
The number of days for which data backup sets are retained. Valid values: 7 to 3650. Default value: 7.
View backup data
Alibaba Cloud databases
On the Backup Data page, click the Logical Backup tab to view the details of data backups and log backups.
Self-managed databases hosted on ECS instances, on-premise databases, and cloud databases from a third-party provider
On the Backup Data page, view the details of data backups and log backups.
References
For more information about how to download existing data or log backup sets to your on-premises machine for archiving, or download and then upload data or log backup sets to Object Storage Service (OSS), see Download a data or log backup set.
For more information about how to restore data or log backup sets to the original RDS instance or a new RDS instance, see Restore data from a logical backup.
In addition to the automatic backup feature described in this topic, Data Disaster Recovery allows you to manually back up databases and tables. For more information, see Manually initiate a backup task.