Backup and Restore

Database backup creates copies of your data and metadata to protect against accidental deletions, hardware failures, software issues, and disasters. Restore operations recover your database from these backups to return to a previous state.

Tacnode provides robust database-level backup and recovery capabilities with automated scheduling and configurable retention policies.

Understanding Backup Operations

What Gets Backed Up

• All database tables and indexes
• Database schema and metadata
• User permissions and roles
• Transaction logs up to the backup point

Backup Types

• Full Backup: Complete database snapshot
• Automated Backups: Scheduled backups with configurable retention
• Manual Backups: On-demand backups for specific events

Creating Database Backups

Prerequisites

• Database must be in "Attached" state
• Proper permissions for backup operations
• Sufficient storage quota for backup files

Step-by-Step Backup Process

1. Navigate to your Data Cloud

   • From the console home page, enter your Data Cloud environment

2. Locate the Target Database

   • Go to "Data" → "Database" tab
   • Find the database you want to backup
   • Verify it shows "Attached" status

   

3. Initiate Backup

   • Click the "Backup" button for your target database

   

4. Configure Backup Settings

   • Retention Period: Set how long to keep the backup (required)
   • Description: Add optional notes about this backup
   • Click "OK" to start the backup process
   • Authorize the backup operation when prompted (first-time setup)

   

5. Monitor Backup Progress

   • Backup runs asynchronously in the background
   • Check the "Backup files" list for task status
   • Successful backups appear in the backup inventory

   

Managing Backup Files

Viewing Available Backups

1. Navigate to the "Backup" tab in your Data Cloud
2. View all completed backups and current backup tasks
3. Monitor backup job status and completion times

Backup File Information

Each backup entry displays:

• Source database name
• Backup creation timestamp
• File size and retention period
• Backup status and description

Restoring from Backups

When to Use Restore

• Recover from accidental data deletion
• Restore corrupted databases
• Clone databases for testing or development
• Migrate data between environments

Restore Process

1. Select Backup File

   • Locate the backup you want to restore from
   • Click the "Restore" button

   

2. Configure Restore Settings

   • Target Database Name: Specify the restored database name
   • Nodegroup: Choose where to perform the restore
   • Description: Add optional notes about this restore operation
   • Click "OK" to start restoration

   

3. Monitor Restore Progress

   • Restore operations run asynchronously
   • Check task status on the Backup page
   • Restoration creates a new database instance

   

4. Verify Restored Database

   • Once complete, find the restored database in the "Database" tab
   • Database is automatically attached to the nodegroup that performed the restore
   • Verify data integrity and accessibility

   

Best Practices

Backup Strategy

• Regular Schedule: Set up automated daily backups for production databases
• Retention Policy: Balance storage costs with recovery requirements
• Test Restores: Regularly test restore procedures to ensure backup integrity
• Documentation: Maintain clear naming conventions and descriptions

Security Considerations

• Backup files inherit the same security policies as source databases
• Ensure proper access controls for backup management operations
• Monitor backup and restore activities through audit logs

Performance Impact

• Backups have minimal impact on database performance
• Schedule large backups during low-activity periods when possible
• Monitor storage usage to avoid quota exhaustion

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

• Backup Fails: Check database status and permissions
• Insufficient Storage: Verify backup storage quotas
• Authorization Required: Complete first-time backup authorization
• Restore Fails: Ensure target nodegroup has sufficient resources

Getting Help

If you encounter persistent issues with backup or restore operations, contact Tacnode support with:

• Database and backup identifiers
• Error messages and timestamps
• Current system status and configuration