Backup solution for 801 training MABS vs MARS - AZ-801

Question

Hi

im abit confused about the difference in backup technologies I’ve done the training and reading about it

i can understand there is local level backups on windows server

Also Backup and file level and virtual machine level snapshot

Labs looking at

https://github.com/MicrosoftLearning/AZ-801-Configuring-Windows-Server-Hybrid-Advanced-Services/blob/master/Instructions/Labs/LAB_AK_05_Implementing_Azure-based_recovery_services.md

https://github.com/MicrosoftLearning/AZ-801-Configuring-Windows-Server-Hybrid-Advanced-Services/blob/master/Instructions/Labs/LAB_AK_04_Implementing_Hyper-V_Replica_and_Windows_Server_Backup.md

from Exam objective

Implement disaster recovery (10–15%)

Manage backup and recovery for Windows Server

Back up and restore files and folders to Azure Recovery Services Vault

Install and manage Azure Backup Server

Back up and recover using Azure Backup Server

Manage backups in Azure Recovery Services Vault

Create a backup policy

Configure backup for Azure VM using the built-in backup agent

Recover VM using temporary snapshots

Recover VMs to new Azure VMs

Restore a VM

Implement disaster recovery by using Azure Site Recovery

Configure Azure Site Recovery networking

Configure Site Recovery for on-premises VMs

Configure a recovery plan

Configure Site Recovery for Azure VMs

• Implement VM replication to secondary datacenter or Azure region

Configure Azure Site Recovery policies

Implement disaster recovery (10–15%)

Manage backup and recovery for Windows Server

Back up and restore files and folders to Azure Recovery Services Vault

  Install and manage Azure Backup Server
  
     Back up and recover using Azure Backup Server
     
        Manage backups in Azure Recovery Services Vault
        
           Create a backup policy
           
              Configure backup for Azure VM using the built-in backup agent
              
                 Recover VM using temporary snapshots
                 
                    Recover VMs to new Azure VMs
                    
                       Restore a VM
                       
                       Implement disaster recovery by using Azure Site Recovery
                       
                          Configure Azure Site Recovery networking
                          
                             Configure Site Recovery for on-premises VMs
                             
                                Configure a recovery plan
                                
                                   Configure Site Recovery for Azure VMs
                                   
                                      Implement VM replication to secondary datacenter or Azure region
                                      
                                         Configure Azure Site Recovery policies
                                         

Answer 1

Microsoft offers two primary Azure-based backup solutions: Microsoft Azure Backup Server (MABS) and the Microsoft Azure Recovery Services (MARS) agent. Both solutions help in protecting your data, but they cater to different needs and use cases. Here's a detailed comparison:

Microsoft Azure Backup Server (MABS)

Microsoft Azure Backup Server (MABS) is a more comprehensive and feature-rich backup solution compared to MARS. It is essentially a version of System Center Data Protection Manager (DPM) without the need for a System Center license. MABS offers the following features:

1. Workload Protection: MABS can back up a wide range of workloads, including Microsoft Exchange, SQL Server, SharePoint, virtual machines (both Hyper-V and VMware), and file servers.
2. On-Premises and Cloud: MABS allows you to back up data to local disk storage (for short-term retention) and to Azure (for long-term retention).
3. Granular Recovery: Offers detailed recovery options, such as item-level recovery for SharePoint and mailbox-level recovery for Exchange.
4. Consistency Checks: Provides integrity checks to ensure the backup data is consistent and can be restored.
5. Centralized Management: MABS offers a centralized console to manage backups and recoveries for multiple machines and workloads.
6. Compression and Encryption: Data is compressed and encrypted before being sent to Azure.

Microsoft Azure Recovery Services (MARS) Agent

Microsoft Azure Recovery Services (MARS) agent, also known as the Azure Backup agent, is a simpler, lightweight solution compared to MABS. It provides the following features:

1. File and Folder Backup: MARS primarily focuses on backing up files and folders on Windows machines, including client PCs and servers.
2. Direct to Cloud: MARS backs up data directly to Azure without the need for intermediate storage.
3. Frequency and Retention: Supports scheduling backups multiple times per day and retaining data for up to 99 years.
4. Ease of Use: It is easy to set up and configure, making it suitable for simple backup needs.
5. Point-in-Time Restore: Allows for the restoration of data to a specific point in time.
6. Encryption: Data is encrypted before it is sent to Azure, and it remains encrypted in storage.

Key Differences

1. Scope of Protection:
   • MABS: Suitable for protecting a wide range of workloads including applications, virtual machines, and databases, both on-premises and in the cloud.
   • MARS: Primarily focused on file and folder backup, suitable for simpler scenarios.
2. Deployment Complexity:
   • MABS: Requires installation of MABS server, configuration of local storage, and possibly more complex setup due to its broader feature set.
   • MARS: Simpler installation and configuration, suitable for quick deployment and straightforward backup needs.
3. Storage Requirements:
   • MABS: Can use local disk storage for short-term backup before sending data to Azure for long-term retention.
   • MARS: Sends data directly to Azure without requiring local storage.
4. Recovery Options:
   • MABS: Offers granular recovery options for various workloads and supports advanced recovery scenarios.
   • MARS: Provides basic recovery options mainly for files and folders.
5. Management:
   • MABS: Provides a centralized management console for handling multiple backup tasks and machines.
   • MARS: Managed individually on each machine where the agent is installed.

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hth

Marcin