Step 3: Implementing your SQL Server backup

After all your planning and development is complete, it is time to implement.

Schedule	Use scheduling software to set up your backups. This can be SQL Agent or a third-party tool. Your backups, then, can run unattended on a set schedule. One nice thing with SQL Server is that whenever a backup runs, the msdb database stores the information in system tables. This is for both scheduled jobs as well as jobs that are run interactively.
Safe Guard	Again, make sure your backup files are secure, both on your network and on your tapes. A full backup is a complete set of all the data in your database, so anyone that gets a hold of one will be able to access all of your data.
Periodic Testing	Besides the testing above, make sure you run periodic restore tests. It is better to know your process is working when it is not a critical time versus finding out there is a problem when you are in an emergency state.
Turn Over Procedures	Lastly, document what you have done and make sure the documentation is readily available. Make sure the people responsible for monitoring the backups are aware of what was done and why things were set up this way.

You have many things to think about when putting together your backup process. Yes, it could be as simple as running the backup command every day, but the more thought and planning you put into your approach, the more you will benefit when the time comes to do an emergency restore. Whether you're starting out new or reworking an old process, the process you develop from these tips will help solidify your backup plan.

How to properly back up a SQL Server

 Home: Introduction
 Step 1: Planning your SQL Server backup
 Step 2: Developing and testing your SQL Server backup
 Step 3: Implementing your SQL Server backup

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Greg Robidoux Greg Robidoux is the president and founder of Edgewood Solutions LLC, a technology services company delivering professional services and product solutions for Microsoft SQL Server. He has authored numerous articles and has delivered presentations at regional SQL Server users' groups and national SQL Server events. Robidoux, who also serves as the SearchSQLServer.com Backup and Recovery expert, welcomes your questions. Copyright 2005 TechTarget

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