2 EVault backup job concepts and how they work

Topics:

• What is a backup job and how does it work
• Job types
• The default CloudServerBackup job
• Retention: data retention period
• Job scheduling
• How to configure the execution time
• Relationship between server, job and backup

A job is the logical unit that defines how a backup is performed on a server within the EVault console. The job defines all the settings required to perform a backup, including:

• the data to include (files, folders or the entire system);
• the backup destination;
• the execution schedule and frequency;
• execution methods and advanced options.

Once created, the job can be run manually or automatically according to the configured schedule. The first backup is performed as a full backup (Full), while subsequent backups are performed incrementally, saving only the changes made since the previous backup. The correct operation of the backup depends on the job configuration: any changes to its settings directly affect how backup and restore operations work.

There are two types of jobs, depending on the operating system of the server on which they are run:

Windows servers

• Local System - allows you to select one or more items (files and/or folders) from the server's local system.
  • Entire Server - allows you to perform a complete server backup, automatically including files, system configuration and the components required for a full restore. This option also includes Bare Metal Restore functionality.
  • Bare Metal Restore - allows you to include the components required to fully restore the system (disks, configuration and boot components) to a new or empty machine.
  • System State - allows you to back up critical Windows operating system components, such as the system registry, boot configuration and other elements required for system operation.
  • C:\ - allows you to select specific folders and files from the server's disk for file-level backup.
• UNC Files - allows you to back up network resources (files and folders shared over the local network).

Linux servers

• Local System - allows you to select files and folders from the Linux server's local file system for backup.
• NFS Files - allows you to back up network resources (files and folders shared over the local network).

At the end of the server configuration procedure in the EVault console, the system automatically creates a job named CloudServerBackup. This job is configured to back up the server and is the main job used for data protection.

Retention defines how long backed-up data is kept before being automatically deleted by the system. Backups older than the configured retention period are automatically deleted by the system. It therefore determines how far back you can go to recover a file or a previous version of your data.
The EVault console includes the following preconfigured retention policies:
 

Retention Name	Days Online	Copies Online
Daily	7	7
Monthly	365	12
Weekly	31	5

 
Retention is one of the most important backup plan settings because it directly affects:

• the amount of data you can recover;
• the storage space used by backups;
• the ability to restore data after a certain period of time.

It is therefore important to choose a retention policy that meets your needs, considering how long you may need to recover data in the event of an error or data loss.

Job scheduling defines the execution time and frequency of backups. Each schedule consists of several parameters:

• Retention: the retention period for backed-up data (Daily, Monthly, Weekly).
• Schedule: the execution time and frequency.
  • it can be configured by selecting the days (weekly or monthly).
• Compression: the compression type (Better, Maximum, Minimum, None, Normal).
• Deferring: defines the time interval within which the backup can be performed. If set to none, the backup runs without time constraints until completion. If a value is specified, the job can be deferred within that interval in the event of unfavorable conditions (for example, high system load), but it must complete within the specified time.
• Enable: enables or disables scheduling.
• Priority: defines the priority order to assign when multiple schedules are associated with the same job.

Configuring the execution time allows you to define when the backup job should start automatically. In the Schedule section, you can:

• select the days on which backups should run (for example, weekly or monthly);
• set the job start time;
• define multiple time slots, if supported by the configuration.

When choosing the execution time, consider the server load and resource usage to avoid affecting the performance of running services. Schedule backups during periods of low activity, such as at night.

In the EVault service, there is a direct hierarchical relationship between servers, jobs and backups:

• Server - represents the machine on which the EVault agent is installed and from which data is collected.
• Job - defines how the backup is performed on the server, specifying what to back up, when and how.
• Backup - is the result of running the job, namely the set of data saved in the storage system.

You can configure one or more backup jobs for each server. Each job generates a series of backups over time, according to the configured schedule. The first backup performed by a job is a full backup (Full), while subsequent backups are performed incrementally, according to the system's backup logic.
Proper job configuration is essential to ensure data protection and the ability to perform restore operations.
 

Related guides:

Accessing the EVault management console and managing the password

Encryption password: management and how it works

Viewing and configuring a server

Creating and managing backup jobs