Azure Data Box for Azure Backup

Question

Hi

I would like to know if Azure Data Box bulk data migration can be used for initial backup before starting Azure Backup as I am thinking to take backup massive data with Azure backup.

I saw this site <https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/files/storage-sync-offline-data-transfer> and I could understand file sync and Azure Data Box can fit, however, I would like to know for Azure Backup. 

Do I need to choose a type of Data Box according to what to backup i.e Files and folders, Hyper-V Virtual Machines? Could you explain mainly about Data box capabilities for Azure backup Files and folders data?

Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

@Azumik Just for clarification:  If you are using azure backup, than the data is already in the cloud. Or you want to migrate from another backup provider to azure backup?

 

 

Answer 2

As far as I understand, you can use Azure Import/Export service for seeding the Azure Backup - more at https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-backup-import-export

It appears that Azure Data Box integrates with third-party backup solutions like Commvault - as per https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/databox/data-box-disk-overview

hth
Marcin

Answer 3

Thank you for your reply.

I want to replace current backup system using DFS replication to Azure and to take backup from On-premise file servers to Azure instead but the network bandwidths is too small for full backup to migrate during the project so I am thinking to use Data box for initial migration from on-premise. 

Answer 4

@Azumik Thank you for your  patience! 
what is the current backup system? If that is supported to work with data box we can just ship the backup data as is and then perform the restore in azure if needed

Answer 5

Thank you for your reply.

I am not sure it is a backup system but we are using DFS replication for disaster recovery and backup restoration. Therefore, if we use Azure data box for initial migration, we are take data from DFS replication server or another option is from DFS replication partner file share servers. Is it possible to use the data box from DFS replication server to Azure environment to start Azure backup? 

Answer 6

DFS is not really a backup, it's a replication technology. Are you using DFS-R on multiple locations  only or between two locations? May I know what is your end goal? They might consider using Azure file Sync instead of DFS-R. Also, with AFS, data box is support if you want to use for initial seeding.

Kindly let us know if the above helps or you need further assistance on this issue.

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Answer 7

@Azumik, Just checking in to see if the above answers helped. If this answers your query, do click “Mark as Answer” and Up-Vote for the same.This can be beneficial to other community members who is looking for the similar solution and do let us know if you have any further query.

Answer 8

Thanks Marcin.  I am in a situation where I have a primary production data centre and a secondary backup data centre while performing a primary production data centre migration in application increments over time to a third data centre.  Do you know of midsize firms using Azure as an alternative to off-site storage for backup or archiving or as a secondary data centre?  Can not seem to locate relevant documents or best practices descriptions in using Azure as a fall-over secondary or a backup/archive alternative.  Would welcome any help.