On-Demand Backups in Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server - Public Preview

In today’s fast-paced world of data management, safeguarding your databases is crucial. Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server simplifies this process with its robust backup management capabilities. The service automatically creates storage volume snapshots of your entire database instance, including all databases, as part of its scheduled backup routine.

You can now create on-demand backups whenever required. On-demand backups can be taken in addition to scheduled automatic backups. This feature is especially useful for scenarios such as preparing for potentially high-risk operations like system upgrades or schema changes or performing periodic refreshes that fall outside your scheduled backup cadence.

Key Benefits

Flexible Retention: On-demand backups are retained according to your specified backup retention window, with the added flexibility to delete them when they are no longer needed.

User Control: You can initiate backups based on your business needs and delete on-demand backups anytime.

Seamless Integration: These backups are stored alongside automated backups, but only on-demand backups are user-deletable. Automated backups remain managed by the Flexible Server service to ensure compliance with retention requirements.

Cost Optimization: While automated backups are managed by Azure and cannot be deleted, on-demand backups provide you with control over storage costs. Delete these backups once their purpose is served to avoid unnecessary storage expenses.

Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server provides a comprehensive, user-friendly backup solution, giving you the confidence to manage your data effectively and securely. Let us explore how on-demand backups can elevate your database management strategy and provide peace of mind during high-stakes operations.

Automated Backups vs On-Demand Backups

How to take On-Demand Backups using portal.

1. In the Azure portal, choose your Azure Database for PostgreSQL flexible server.
2. Click Settings from the left panel and choose Backup and Restore.
3. Click Backup now and provide your backup name.

     4. Click Trigger.

     5. A notification is shown that an On-demand backup trigger has been initiated.

How to take On-Demand Backups using CLI.

You can run the following command to perform an on-demand backup of a server.

az postgres flexible-server backup create [--source-server-name]   [--resource-group]   [--backup-name]

Example :

For more information: How to perform On-demand backups using CLI 

What's Next 

Once you have taken an on-demand backup based on your business needs, you can retain it until your high-risk operation is complete or use it to refresh your reporting or non-production environments. When the backup is no longer needed, you can delete it to optimize storage costs.

To restore or delete on-demand backups, you can use the Azure portal, CLI, or API for seamless management.

Limitations: 

In preview, on-demand backups currently work with general-purpose and Memory-optimized SKUs only. We will add support for burstable SKUs later.

Take Control of Your Database Protection Today!

The ability to create on-demand backups is critical for managing and safeguarding your data. Whether you're preparing for high-risk operations or refreshing non-production environments, this feature puts flexibility and control in your hands.

Get started now:

• Create your first on-demand backup using the Azure Portal or CLI.
• Optimize your storage costs by deleting backups when no longer needed.
• Restore with ease to keep your databases resilient and ready for any challenge.

Protect your data effectively and ensure your database is always prepared for the unexpected. Learn more about Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server and explore the possibilities with on-demand backups today!

• You can always find the latest features added to Flexible server in this release notes page.
• We are eager to hear all the great scenarios this new feature helps you optimize, and look forward to receiving your feedback at https://aka.ms/PGfeedback.