Forum Discussion
Hyper-V replication vs checkpoints vs backups
They are very different mechanisms used for very different purposes.
Providing an over-simplified view on just these three that you've mentioned:
| Replication | Used to provide high-availability. i.e. the primary purpose is to avoid service disruptions.
Of no use whatsoever in most/all point-in-time recovery procedures.
Is not even a comparison to, let alone a replacement for a backup solution. |
| Checkpoints | Provides point-in-time recovery to a (hopefully) known good position, but that requires planning by the operator - it doesn't just happen magically on its own.
Generally only useful in fast-changing, non-production environments. |
| Backups | Best option (in this three-option context) for production recovery purposes.
Allows for point-in-time recovery.
Hopefully provides - with the right supporting agents - an application-consistent recovery, which is the only type that matters. There is a world of difference between restoring data and restoring a system/application to working order. |
Approaches to disaster recovery and higher availability are much bigger topics but this very loosely covers the three you've enquired about.
Cheers,
Lain