MS SQL backup and restore on VM

[jinxnbu]

I have couple of virtual machines which run SQL 2008. Are there any cons to backing up SQL using the AVVI, is there any drawbacks in terms of restore or should I stick to backing up SQL server using the traditional approach ?

I came across a few forum discussions that along with the VM backup I need to create another job for transaction logs. 

Can anyone suggest whats the best approach to backup the SQL server 

Thanks in advance. 

[pkh]

Yes. If you are using transaction logs then you need to run the normal SQL backup plus a log backup to truncate the logs The disadvantage of relying on your VM backups to restore your SQL databases is the time it takes to stage to disk if you're using tapes Of course, doing just a VM backup will save you time

[jinxnbu]

Sorry but I am confused, should i have the following jobs

1) Backup entire VM  (using API)

2) Backup SQL db (agent based) 

3) backup transaction logs (agent based) 

or 

1) Backup entire VM including enable SQL backup (using API)

2) backup transaction logs (agent based)

[pkh]

You cannot do the second option. There is no way to just define a transaction log backup by itself. You need to do a full backup before you can do transaction log backup

[pkh · Accepted solution]

See my article below which is also valid for BE 2014 https://www-secure.symantec.com/connect/articles/how-backup-sql-logs-and-truncate-them-be-2012