[Full Guide] How to Perform Windows Server Cloud Backup

What is cloud backup

At its core, cloud backup is a modern data protection strategy that involves storing copies of data in remote servers hosted by cloud service providers. These remote servers are dispersed across various geographical locations, forming a redundant network that enhances data availability and resiliency.

Cloud backup solutions for windows server deviates from traditional Windows Server backup methods that rely on on-premises hardware and storage devices. Instead, it harnesses the vast infrastructure of cloud providers, offering a scalable and cost-effective backup solution for enterprise data protection. Organizations can securely transmit and store their data in the cloud, effectively creating a digital safety net that safeguards against data loss due to hardware failures, cyberattacks, or unforeseen disasters.

Cloud Backup vs. Traditional Backup

In the ever-evolving realm of data protection, the choice between cloud backup and traditional backup methods has become a pivotal decision for organizations seeking to secure their digital assets. As these two approaches represent fundamentally different paradigms, let's explore the nuances and benefits of each, shedding light on the cloud backup vs. traditional backup debate.

Traditional Backup

Methodology: Traditional backup involves copying data from on-site servers onto physical storage devices and physical server such as tapes, external hard drives, or network-attached storage (NAS) devices.

✤ Pros of traditional backup

• Control: Organizations have direct control over their backup processes and hardware.
• Local Access: Data is immediately accessible on-site, reducing reliance on internet connectivity.
• Legacy Systems: Suited for organizations with legacy systems or limited cloud adoption.

✤ Cons of traditional backup

• Resource-Intensive: Requires investment in hardware, maintenance, and physical storage space.
• Limited Scalability: Expansion requires purchasing and configuring additional hardware.
• Disaster Vulnerability: Susceptible to data loss due to physical disasters affecting on-site infrastructure.
• Manual Management: Backup scheduling, monitoring, and data restoration are often manual tasks.

Cloud Backup

Methodology: Cloud backup involves transmitting and storing data securely on remote servers hosted by third-party cloud service providers.

✤ Pros of cloud backup

• Scalability: Cloud resources scale dynamically, accommodating growing data needs without hardware purchases.
• Redundancy: Data is replicated across multiple geographic locations, enhancing resilience.
• Cost-Efficiency: Eliminates hardware investment, maintenance, and physical storage costs.
• Automated Management: Scheduled backups and automated processes streamline data protection.
• Remote Accessibility: Data can be accessed and restored from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Disaster Recovery: Facilitates quick recovery in case of data loss incidents.

✤ Cons of cloud backup

• Internet Dependency: Relies on stable internet connectivity for data transfer and access.
• Security Concerns: Data security and privacy may raise concerns, although encryption measures address these issues.

Compared to traditional backup methods, where physical hardware and manual interventions dominate, cloud backup introduces a new level of efficiency, flexibility, and reliability. The cloud's elastic capabilities allow organizations to scale their backup needs on-demand without investing in and managing additional hardware. This shift in approach transforms data protection from a resource-intensive task to a streamlined, automated process that aligns with modern business dynamics.

How to perform Windows Server cloud backup

Performing Windows Server Azure cloud backup provides a seamless and secure way to safeguard your data in the cloud environment. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to perform Azure backup step by step:

1. Firstly, create Azure Recovery Services vault and acquire the MARS Agent along with the vault credentials.

2. Install the agent and input your provided credentials and set up the backup schedule for the MARS Agent.

3. Within Microsoft Azure Backup, opt for Back Up Now under the Actions menu.

4. Fetching policy information.

5. In the Back Up Now Wizard, Select Backup Item and select either Files and Folders or System State for backup, followed by clicking Next.

6. In the Retain Backup Till section, select a date from the calendar and proceed by clicking Next.

7. On the Confirmation page, thoroughly review the configured settings, and then select Back Up to initiate the backup process.

8. After the Backup Job has been successfully completed, choose Close to exit the wizard.

Easier alternative to backup and restore Windows server

While cloud backup focuses on data protection in remote storage, Windows Server System Backup is the bedrock of ensuring the entire server's integrity, including the operating system, applications, and configurations. It is better for you to find a software that provides an easier alternative for securing and restoring your Windows server.

Therefore, I would like to introduce you AOMEI Cyber Backup. It is a comprehensive software solution designed to efficiently backup and restore Windows servers. It offers a range of powerful features to ensure the safety and integrity of your server data.

❃Perpetual Free: No time limit for AOMEI Cyber Backup Free Edition.
❃Email Notification: Send email notification when the task is completed or abnormal.
❃Auto Backup: Run Windows system backups automatically without human intervention and business downtime.
❃Restore from Any Point: Restore your system from any backed up restore points.

Please have a try and click the following button to download the freeware.

* Both free and paid version of AOMEI Cyber Backup support Windows Server 2016/2019/2022/11,10,8,7.

How to backup and restore Windows server with AOMEI Cyber Backup

1. Download and install AOMEI Cyber Backup Agent on your computer at first.

2. After installation, access to Source Device >> Windows. It will automatically appear if the device is compatible and online. Otherwise, you need add Windows device by clicking + Add Windows Device to enter your Device Information and User Information.

3. Click Backup Task >> + Create New Task >> System Backup.

4. Choose the storage destination (Add a new local storage / Add a new network storage) according to your need.

5. On Schedule window, you can set up different backup strategies based on full, incremental or differential backup. It also offers daily, weekly, monthly, and monthly for backup period. You can combine these features to create a flexible backup task according to your need.

6. Click Start Backup to perform the operation, you can select Add the schedule and start backup now, or Add the schedule only.

7. Click … right on the task and select Restore to configure the basic information. Once you've finalized the settings, click Start Restore.

• Restore to new location: For Free Trial version, you can easily Restore to a new location without the need for manual export and import.

Conclusion

In a world of escalating cyber threats, hardware failures, and unexpected mishaps, Windows Server cloud backup emerges as a formidable shield against data loss. Its versatility, scalability, and accessibility redefine data protection paradigms, rendering traditional methods obsolete.

At the same time, Windows Server cloud backup empowers you to safeguard your digital assets with unmatched resilience, all while harnessing the agility of cloud technology. It's time to elevate your data protection strategy and embrace the future with Windows Server cloud backup.