Backing Up Older SQL Server Version Databases to Microsoft Azure

 

SQL Server 2012 and SQL Server 2014 SP1 CU2 have built in the ability to backup Microsoft Azure storage, but what if you want to take advantage of off-site (Cloud) backup for previous versions of SQL Server?
The backup tool for Microsoft SQL Server for Azure provides the same functionality provided by SQL Server 2012 and SQL Server 2014 SP1 CU2, but it works for SQL Server 2005 and 2008 versions.
To install:
1.    Address the prerequisites:

• a.    Microsoft Azure subscription and a Microsoft Azure Storage Account.
• b.    A Microsoft Azure Blob Storage Container.

2.    Download and install the tool: Microsoft SQL Server Backup to Microsoft Azure Tool. The tool must be installed on a machine that contains the SQL Server instance you want to work with.
3.    Locate and run the installed app.
4.    Once the app executes, Add a new backup Rule.

 

5. Choose the local paths to backup and set the filename filter.

 

 

 

6.Configure your Microsoft Azure storage settings. Give it the account name, access key, and destination container. 

 

7.Configure encryption and compression.

 

 That's it.

Remember, this tool allows you to configure the settings for only the selected files for backup to be encrypted, compressed and uploaded to Microsoft Azure storage. Does not provide scheduling automatic backups on your Azure Microsoft container, or provide tracking error or registration. For those tasks that still need to use SQL Server Management Studio.

The same tool can be used at any time to review and edit settings.