Data backup strategies for Windows and SQL Azure

There are many tools and strategies for data backup in Windows and SQL Azure. This post is to outline a few that exist today. Its also worth noting that recently added to the SQL Azure portal was an Import Export feature .

In terms of approaches the following are good SQL Azure tools to consider:

• Quest Spotlight for SQL Azure
• Enzo Backup for SQL Azure
• Redgate - SQL Azure Backup Tool
• SQLAzureBackup

And more manual SQL Azure techniques including:

• Backing Up Your SQL Azure Database Using Database Copy
• SQL Azure Data Sync
• BCP and SQL Azure
• Exporting Data from SQL Azure: Import/Export Wizard
• Cerebrata Azure Cmmandlets

For Azure Storage there are various tools (outlined for example this Matrix view). I’d have a look at the following:

• Cloud Storage Studio
• Azure Storage Explorer
• CloudBerry (and specifically CloudBerry Backup for Windows Azure Blob Storage)

Or there is always codeplex where there are a few samples such as AzureStorageBackup which is the updated version of Table Storage Backup

Note: Windows Azure Storage is triple copied within the target DataCenter and now has geo-replication by default.

Alternatively you could even write your own backup application and/or Map Windows Azure Blob Storage As Network Drive in Windows

Finally there are Microsoft partners such as StorSimple who provide Azure storage software solutions and an on premises storage appliance.