Azure SQL DB built in backup and cloud service snapshot

Hi 

I have some questions regarding the built in backup service for SQL on Azure as well as a the correct method to backing up or taking and storing a snapshot of a cloud service container service.

From what I have read when you create an Azure SQL db, an automatic backup gets taken daily and is retained for 7 to 35 days depending on service level. Is there any setup that needs to take place as I have also read: Automated database backups are used when you create a database copy.

So do I need to create a database copy before the built in backups take place or have they already begun getting backed up when I created the database?

Where are these backups stored? and what is the backup schedule?

Secondly i have found that you cannot backup a container service in the traditional manner, what is the method I can employ in order to possibly take a snapshot of this service or any other method to backup the service itself?

Thanks