What is the difference between cloning an apps service and backup & restore of an app service?

Question

I want to migrate SOME of the app services from one resource group in subscription A to another resource group in subscription B. Now the problem with migrating to another subscription is that it asks me to select ALL the app services within the source resource group which is not as per my requirement. So I want to explore if I can either clone or backup and restore the app services to another subscription. And whats the difference between both these options?

Answer 1

Hi Sarish, Clone as the name suggest allows you to recreate your App Service "as is" (e.g App Configuration, Connection Strings, etc.) but in the same region or in a different region, never in another subscription. Backup allows you to perform the restore operation anywhere you prefer, including in a new subscription. Please keep in mind that you might need to perform some adjustments in the App Configuration, as it only restores the file system. You can find an example -> https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/app-service/scripts/powershell-backup-restore-diff-sub Thanks, Vinicius

Answer 2

Hi @Sarish Shaikh thanks for the question. I am going to expand on Vinicius's answer- Here are a few things to consider for your specific requirements.

1. Cloning an App Service:
   • Purpose: Cloning an app service creates a duplicate of your existing app service, including its configuration, code, and settings. Cloning is useful when you want to create an identical copy of an app service in a different location or subscription.
   • Steps:
   • You create a clone of your app service.
   • The clone is independent of the original, and any changes made to one do not affect the other.
   • You can then move the cloned app service to another subscription.
   • Limitations:
   • Cloning is at the app service level, so it doesn’t allow fine-grained selection of specific services within a resource group.
   • It’s a straightforward copy, so you’ll need to adjust settings (like connection strings) if needed.
   • Advantages:
   • Quick and easy way to create a replica.
   • Minimal downtime during migration.
2. Backup and Restore:
   • Purpose: Backup and restore involve creating a backup of your app service and then restoring it to a new location. Backup and restore are suitable when you want to move specific app services or databases within a resource group or across subscriptions.
   • Steps:
   • Take a backup of your app service (either traditional or snapshot-based).
   • Restore the backup to the desired location (subscription B).
   • Adjust settings as needed.
   • Traditional Backup:
   • Creates a full backup of your app service (including files, databases, and settings).
   • Requires storage (like Azure Blob Storage) to store the backup.
   • Longer process but provides more flexibility.
   • Snapshot Backup: Creates a lightweight snapshot of your app service (only files and settings).
   • Faster process but limited to the app service itself (no databases).
   • Advantages:
   • Allows selective migration of specific app services.
   • More control over what gets moved.
   • Can be automated using Azure Automation or scripts.

Also, make sure that any dependencies (like databases, storage accounts, or networking resources) are also moved or updated accordingly. Test the migrated app services thoroughly in the new subscription to ensure everything works as expected. If you have further questions, please let us know.

-Grace