This section explains how to design T-SQL backups using FlashBlade as the target for file- or object-based storage.
Overview
FlashBlade can be used as a target for T-SQL backups in SQL Server 2022 or later. By providing high-throughput and low-latency data storage, it delivers efficient backup and restore operations for large data volumes. FlashBlade seamlessly integrates with the native T-SQL backup capabilities of SQL Server, supporting Server Message Block file shares, S3 object storage, and multiple security mechanisms. Its streamlined data management helps maintain high availability and performance for SQL Server during backup operations.
Benefits
FlashBlade provides flexible, scalable, and secure data storage that enhances the reliability of backups and ensures data integrity and availability. Integration with native SQL Server tooling helps ensure efficient backup and recovery processes, minimizing data recovery times that can bottleneck operations and disrupt business continuity. A parallel architecture and all-flash technologies help significantly accelerate data transfer, ensuring the most recent data is always protected, even with massive data volumes. FlashBlade supports file- and object-based storage via Server Message Block file shares and S3 buckets for object storage. This allows backups to be designed for a variety of environments, including on-premises, hybrid, private cloud, and public cloud. The scalable architecture enables easy expansion of storage capacity as businesses and their data volumes grow, without compromising SQL Server performance.
By using FlashBlade as the target for T-SQL backups, organizations can address several challenges presented by traditional backup systems. Its comprehensive data services, such as instant recovery, multisite replication, cloud integration, and granular application recovery, are typically lacking from traditional storage solutions. FlashBlade uses data reduction technologies to optimize resource usage, improve storage scalability, and lower the total cost of ownership
Technical Solution
FlashBlade integrates compute, networking, and storage into a single platform, which simplifies storage management and enhances performance. FlashBlade provides file or object storage via Server Message Block file shares and S3 object storage over Ethernet or Fibre Channel to any hosts. Server Message Block is a versatile and widely supported protocol for T-SQL backups that enables seamless integration and user-friendly configuration with various operating systems. S3-compatible object storage ensures a straightforward transition to hybrid and cloud storage for users familiar with the S3 protocol, enabling efficient backup and recovery processes. S3-based object storage inherits the durability and reliability associated with the S3 standard.
High-speed Ethernet or Fibre Channel Protocol is recommended for optimal backup and recovery performance. FlashBlade can handle multiple concurrent streams, enabling backups and restores of multiple databases simultaneously. The best practice recommendation is to have SQL Server allocate multiple write threads to run in parallel, splitting the backup into multiple files on the target FlashBlade.
Code examples for creating T-SQL-based snapshots for point-in-time database recovery can be found on the Everpure SQL Server scripts GitHub page, which can be implemented using the Everpure PowerShell SDK2 module. Figure 9 shows FlashBlade configured to store T-SQL backups on Server Message Block and S3.
The figure below shows FlashBlade configured to store T-SQL backups on Server Message Block and S3.