How do you back up your SQL Azure database? [closed] - sql-server

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What is the best way to perform a nightly, automatic backup of a SQL Azure database? I make random backups when I need to before changes using the "create database xxx as copy of yyy" technique but I need something automatic.
I've considered using the Import/Export feature in SQL Azure Labs with a script that runs nightly to export to my laptop
https://www.sqlazurelabs.com/ImportExport.aspx
That sure seems a bit clunky for a service that's supposed to be enterprise ready, though.
Are there better ways to perform SQL Azure backups?

I haven't used it myself, but might be worth a look at Red Gate's SQL Azure Backup. It's currently in beta (expires 1st Sept), and is free. TBH, I'm not sure there are currently a lot/any other options at the moment.
Also see the linked article from there to Grant Fritchey's post on the tool.

Try our SQLBackupAndFTP tool to backup Azure databases to a local folder or to a clouds (Dropbox, Box, Google Drive, Amazon S3 or SkyDrive). Some clouds are available only in a paid version, but you can try all features in Trial mode.
Just select SQLBackupAndFTP with Azure to download it.

The free SQL Azure Migration Wizard now has a command line backup option to pull schema, data (bcp) or both.

I came across this great technique that doesnt use any third party tools and is completely Cloud based.
http://geekswithblogs.net/BenBarreth/archive/2013/04/15/how-to-create-a-nightly-backup-of-your-sql-azure.aspx
This post describes how to use the Azure Mobile Services to create a nightly backup.....pretty sneaky!

Try this out: http://www.bluesyntax.net/backup.aspx. I haven't tried it personally but had a brief look at it and it looks promising. Though we also have a product which supports SQL Azure Backup (http://www.cerebrata.com/Products/AzureManagementCmdlets), it is currently only providing backing up your data to your computer with no restore feature.

The backup tool mentioned by Gaurav provides a command-line utility. The command line utility can be executed on a regular basis using any scheduler, giving you the ability to schedule backups.
Full Disclaimer: I am the author of the tool.

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Database and hosting with ASP.NET MVC application [closed]

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I started to work on an ASP.NET MVC5 application but I still not decided where I will host everything and what type of database I will use. The first option I thought was shared or vps hosting (like Godaddy) that includes traditionnal MSSQL and MySQL. The second option is Azure Websites which seems more scalable and adapted. However, on the short term, I fear this option is more expansive.
First question : Is there any other option I didn't see ?
Second question : SQL Azure and SQL Server are they exactly the same thing ? Can I still use the Entity Framework the same way ?
Third question : Do you have any suggestions... pros and cons ?
Thank you.
I fear this option is more expansive.
It is not exactly right. AzureWebsites offer in 3 modes - Free/Shared/Standard. Based on the mode you run, there will be pricing. If your application got limited visitors you can run on Free mode, which is least expensive.
First question : Is there any other option I didn't see ?
Not that I can think of. Your options are - OnPremises, Cloud, Shared Hosting Providers. You are exploring Cloud and Shared hosting providers.
Second question : SQL Azure and SQL Server are they exactly the same
thing ?
SQL Azure is not exactly the same SQL Server. It got its own limitations -
Transact SQL Limitations - http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee336253.aspx
Other Guidelines and Limitations - http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff394102.aspx
This thread showed lot of limitations and associated resources
Can I still use the Entity Framework the same way ?
SQL Azure got EF Compatibility - http://www.windowsazure.com/EN-US/develop/net/how-to-guides/sql-database/
Windows Azure has some Execution Models:
-Web Sites
-Cloud Services
-Virtual Machines
http://www.windowsazure.com/en-us/documentation/articles/choose-web-site-cloud-service-vm/
To use a database you should go with Virtual Machines and install it in there. There's a image of virtual machine that already has Sql server and you don't need to apply your own license, it's in the price you'll pay.
You can also use some features of Windows Azure Storage, such as Table Services or SQL Database (Sql Server for Azure with limitations #ramiramilu said)
if you're just looking at it in terms of the cost of hosting your site, then you may find that traditional hosting may be cheaper.
Windows Azure Websites though provides more than just hosting. You get staging slot, source control integration, monitoring and alerts, redundancy, auto-scaling, etc...

Development To Staging to Production [closed]

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Tools that I have: SQL Server Database/SSIS/SSAS/SSRS
Different servers for Dev/Stage/Prod
Different DB for Dev/Stage/Prod (SSMS/SSAS)
Goal: Create something in dev environment. Pass it to Staging. After verification, pass it to production.
Question: How do I do that?
once I make some tables, packages, cubes, packages in dev, how do i push it to staging server and finally production server?
You don't specify the version you're using, so I'll just assume something other than 2012. The information below applies to versions 2005, 2008, or 2008 R2.
For SSIS - see this:http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc966389.aspx. Short story- there is a package deployment utility that you use in BIDS that can use to put together a manifest that allows an admin to push all your packages to a target location, either on the file system or in MSDB.
For SSRS - see this: http://rsbuild.codeplex.com/ for a tool that you can use to deploy reports. You can also write an RSS script to give to an admin with your RDL files to deploy. You can learn more about this and other options at : http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/Administration/2967/
For SSAS - there is a deployment wizard you open from the Analysis Services folder in the Microsoft SQL Server 20xx program group (from the Start menu). You point it to an ASDATABASE file and step through the wizard to configure any settings you want (like changed connection strings) and produce an XMLA script file that you can hand off to an admin for execution on the target server. Learn more here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms174817.aspx
on SSIS you can generate your deployment manifest and send it to DBAs to do the deployment
on SSAS there are several deployment ways like BIDS and Synchronize Database Wizard but eh best option is the Deployment Wizardo that enables you to generate an incremental deployment script that updates the cube and dimension structures. Can also customize how roles and partitions are handled. I usually use it with the /a mode that runs the wizard but doesnt actually deploy the cube, only creates the script then you send the script to the DBAs to do the actuall deployment
on SSRS send the report file to the DBAs and give them structions about the folder to upload it into. Also ask for any datasources requiered to be created
Not to shill for a private company, but my organization uses http://www.sqldelta.com/, a fairly easy to use tool. Allows piece by piece comparisons of database objects and optionally database table data.

sql server client for mac [closed]

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I'm looking for a SQL Server client that will run on Mac OS X. Ideally, I'd like something lightweight that allows me to easily browse the schema, run adhoc queries, highlight SQL syntax, etc.
I really like SQL Yog, so something like that would be perfect, any recommendations?
You may like SQLPro for MSSQL (App Store).
The app has a few neat features such as:
Syntax highlighting.
Intellisense.
Tabbed based interface.
Support for executing multiple queries at once.
Quick access to tables, columns and more.
Query primary key detection and the ability to edit/delete/insert rows directory from query results.
Support for MSSQL 2005+ database, including those hosted on Azure.
NTLMv2 supported (but not required).
Netbios hostnames supported.
There is a seven day trial available via the website. If you purchase via our website, use the promo code STACK25 to save 25%.
Disclaimer: I'm the developer.
I would suggest you NAVICAT. It's not free but it's not that expensive either. Other than that, any JDBC based solution would work, although they might not be as lightweight as you may want. SQuirreL SQL is pretty good.
Have you tried Aqua Data Studio? It's not very lightweight but if the database is small it should handle it easily.
DBVisualizer. Been around for a while. Not the cheapest but has a lot of bell/whistles and works very consistently bet/ MAC and Windows.
Supports all commercial/popular DBs.
http://www.dbvis.com/
You may like Valentina Studio, which is FREE for its 80% of features. Some advanced features go as Pro Edition.
The app has a few neat features such as:
Syntax highlighting.
Intellisense.
Tabbed based interface.
Support for executing multiple queries at once.
Quick access to tables, columns and more.
Support for MSSQL 2005+ database, including those hosted on Azure.
Have powerful Report Tools
Query Builder
Schema Editor
Diagram Editor, forward and reverse engineering
Data Editor with unique Related Tables feature
SQL Diff
Works in mac, win and Linux also. Natively. C++ app.
etc and etc
Disclaimer: I'm from Paradigma Software.

Does anyone have a backup strategy for SQL Azure databases?

I'm using SQL Azure on a project and it works great. The problem is that the usual backup features do not exist. I have exported the database a couple of times using SQLAzureMW ( http://sqlazuremw.codeplex.com/ ) but this tool is now choking trying to download the database data with bcp. In any case, it's not as nice a solution as SQL Server backups.
Is anyone aware of a commercial or open source tool, or other technique, for making reliable backups of SQL Azure databases? This is really a showstopper.
Starting with update 4, SQL Azure now supports database copies. You can make a copy of your database, kept in Azure, and use that to retrieve data in the event of an accidental deletion or schema bugaboo:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff951624.aspx
It's still up to you to get that database off Azure and onto your own local SQL Server, though, but at least you've got a mechanism for making a point-in-time copy.
Microsoft takes care of the backups for you. There is no reason to back up SQL Azure databases yourself.
Yes, we had the same problem and couldn't find any good/simple solutions, so we cobbled together a solution using Red Gate: http://mooneyblog.mmdbsolutions.com/index.php/2011/01/11/simple-database-backups-with-sql-azure
SQL Azure will support PIT (Point in time) backup/restore (mainly restore) later this year (2011), CTP in summer. There is some (little) preliminary info here info here.

Your favourite database client tool [closed]

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Wondering what is the best or most popular database client tool. Similar to Microsoft's SQL management studio, but one that can work with various databases. Other tools I have found are:
Toad for SQL Server
Database fishing tool
Apex SQL Studio
Some of these tools can even compare and sync database schema's and some cases the data itself as well. Very useful when deploying applications for example from a pre-production environment to production environment.
So what's your favourite database manager ? Maybe there is a nice open source tool out there that is well rounded with the most useful features.
SQuirreL SQL
Open source
Works with many databases
SqlDbx - www.sqldbx.com - has a free edition, is portable and works with quite a few dbs.
Also AnySQL Maestro - http://www.sqlmaestro.com/products/anysql/maestro/
I use PL/SQL Developer, as soon as I have to work on an Oracle Database. I like the UI, simple and fast.
I'm using Aqua Data Studio for many years now and it is the most valuable of all my tools - see Aquafold
I use Navicat myself. It supports MySQL, PostgreSQL and Oracle.
SQL Developer is nice for Oracle and has plugins for several other databases.
http://www.oracle.com/technology/products/database/sql_developer/index.html
Eclipse Data Tools Platform within Eclipse (my primary IDE):
Open source, works with many databases
Do all the basics and some advanced stuff. In recent versions you can find some kind of visual query builder as well.
Oracle has a plugin where implemented some Oracle-specific functions.
If you are using PostgreSQL (and, really, you should be!), PgAdmin rocks. It lets you query, explore tables, do administrative tasks, manage users, visually explain complex queries, graphically build queries and much more. It runs on Windows, Linux and OS X and can connect to local or remote PostgreSQL servers.
DbVisualizer - there's a free version with a bit limited functionality and a fully fledged one for $149.
If your're using MS Sql Server, try using LinqPad; it's much more lightweight than the Management Studio, and you'll be practicing writing queries in linq in the meantime as well.
(source: linqpad.net)
I prefer...
PL/SQL Developer for Oracle
The inbuilt tool for MSSQL
The inbuilt tool for DB2
RazorSQL - it works with pretty much any database you can think of.
Any comments on LyteRAD? Not a pure database management tool, but good for creating and prototyping db apps quickly.
I've used Query Express and it's great because it's actually a standalone 100 KB file, no installation needed. It only does querying but it's fast and free.
SQLyog for MySQL.
TOAD for when I worked with Oracle.
If you need data comparison, schema comparison or visual query builder, than you should take a look at our database tools for SQL Server:
dbForge Schema Compare for SQL Server
dbForge Data Compare for SQL Server
dbForge Query Builder for SQL Server
All these tools are quite affordable and have 30-days trial period.

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