Cloud Backup uses the underlying disk snapshot capability to back up your Elastic Compute Service (ECS) instances. Create backup and recovery plans to protect your instances and restore them when needed.
Workflow overview
ECS instance backup relies on the snapshot service. When you create your first backup job, the system prompts you to activate the snapshot service.
Step 1: Activate Cloud Backup
Activation is free. After activation, ECS instance backup incurs two charges:
Software usage fees from Cloud Backup for the orchestration service
Storage fees from the snapshot service for the underlying data storage
For details, see Billing methods and billable items.
Step 2: Back up an ECS instance
Create a backup plan for your ECS instances. Configure the backup mode and retention period. The first job in any plan is always a full backup. All subsequent jobs are incremental, which saves both time and storage space.
Step 3: Restore or clone an ECS instance or disk
Restore or clone an ECS instance or disk
After data loss or system failure, use your backups to recover instances and data. Restore or clone an entire ECS instance or individual disks to a specific point in time.
Cloning an ECS instance or disk creates new resources and incurs charges based on standard ECS billing methods. For more information, see Billable items and billing methods of ECS.
Related topics
Overview of the ECS instance backup feature -- Detailed overview of features and billing
What are the differences between ECS instance backup and the snapshot service? -- Comparison of ECS instance backup and direct snapshot usage