Backup SAP Oracle Databases Using Azure VM Backup Snapshots

Microsoft

Jun 30, 2025

In today's digital age, safeguarding data is of paramount importance. Oracle databases, known for their robustness and efficiency, are crucial assets for many enterprises. Ensuring their backup and recovery is a task that requires precision and reliability. Azure VM backup snapshots provide an efficient and seamless way to achieve this. In this blog, we will walk you through the process of backing up SAP on Oracle databases using Azure VM backup snapshots

This blog article provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide for backing up SAP Oracle databases using Azure VM backup snapshots, ensuring data safety and integrity.

Installation of CIFS Utilities: The process begins with the installation of cifs-utils on Oracle Linux, which is the recommended OS for running Oracle databases in the cloud.
Setting Up Environment Variables: Users are instructed to define necessary environment variables for resource group and storage account names.
Creating SMB Credentials: The guide explains how to create a folder for SMB credentials and retrieve the storage account key, emphasizing the need for appropriate permissions.
Mounting SMB File Share: Instructions are provided for checking the accessibility of the storage account and mounting the SMB file share, which will serve as a backup location for archived logs.
Preparing Oracle Database for Backup:Users must place the Oracle database in hot backup mode to ensure a consistent backup while allowing ongoing transactions.
Initiating Snapshot Backup: Once the VM backup is configured, users can initiate a snapshot backup to capture the state of the virtual machine, including the Oracle database.
Restoration Process: The document outlines the steps for restoring the Oracle database from the backup, including updating IP addresses and starting the database listener.
Final Steps and Verification: Users are encouraged to verify the configuration and ensure that all necessary backups are completed successfully, including the SMB file share.