Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect ExpertDesign business continuity solutionsMedium
A healthcare organization is migrating its on-premises SQL Server databases to Azure. These databases contain highly sensitive patient data and are critical for daily operations. The organization requires a backup solution that offers long-term retention (7 years) for compliance, point-in-time recovery, and protection against accidental deletion or malicious attacks. The solution must be cost-effective and integrated with Azure. Which Azure backup solution should be implemented?
- AManual SQL Server backups to Azure Blob Storage.
- BAzure Site Recovery for SQL Server VMs.
- CAzure Backup for SQL Server in Azure VMs.
- DAzure SQL Database automated backups.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Azure Backup for SQL Server in Azure VMs.
Azure Backup for SQL Server in Azure VMs provides enterprise-grade backup capabilities, including long-term retention, point-in-time recovery, and protection against accidental deletion (soft delete). It is designed specifically for SQL Server databases running on Azure VMs and integrates with Azure Recovery Services vaults.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Manual backups to Azure Blob Storage lack the automation, point-in-time recovery granularity, and integrated management required for a critical, compliant solution.
- B. Azure Site Recovery is for disaster recovery (VM replication), not primarily for granular database backups with long-term retention and point-in-time recovery.
- D. Azure SQL Database automated backups are for Azure SQL Database PaaS offerings, not SQL Server on IaaS VMs.
Azure Backup for SQL Server in Azure VMs
Azure Backup for SQL Server in Azure VMs provides a managed, enterprise-grade backup solution for SQL Server databases running inside Azure Virtual Machines, supporting long-term retention and point-in-time recovery.
- Agent-based backup for SQL Server on IaaS VMs.
- Supports full, differential, and transaction log backups.
- Offers granular point-in-time restore.
- Integrates with Recovery Services vaults for management and retention policies.
Memory trick: Azure Backup is the VM's best friend for SQL Server.