Azure Data Box for initial direct to object storage

[_james]

Hello everyone

Were looking to implement Veeam 12 feature to directly store backups to Azure. We plan to offload backup copy job's as they dont affect VMs and primary backup repository.

Initial data set is large in size and due to current WAN link and its usage we cannot utilize it for initial backup. This is where we plan to use Azure Databox, however has anyone used this with Veeam direct backup to Object storage?

There is plenty of documentation of when its being used with Scale-out repositories, would it work the same with direct to object storage backups?

Plan then would be -

1. Configure blob storage
2. Order data box
3. Attach databox to Veeam
4. Do the initial backup
5. Send databox back, add the Azure blob, repository map backups
6. Do incrementals from there

[Mildur]

Hi James

Yes, Azure Data Box also works for seeding "Direct To Object Storage" backup copy jobs to Azure.
Please be aware, you cannot use it with immutable Azure Blob Storage. Only non-immutable backups can be seeded with Azure Data Box.

Your process looks good to me. Just make sure that on the Azure Blob Container, you have the same folder structure as in the Azure Data Box. Veeam will recognize the available backups after a rescan of the repository and allow you to map the jobs to the backup chains.

Best,
Fabian

[_james]

Hello @Mildur

Thank you for the clarification and confirmation.

Just to be sure - my Azure folder structure is: [veeamcontainer]/backups
Then in Databox I should also create a container called "veeamcontainer" and folder "backups"? No further folders for Veeam necessary?
If container and folder is different is it still possible to move backups to the correct folders?

[Mildur]

Hi James

Best you follow our user guide. Microsoft should import the objects and folders exactly as they are on the databox.
https://helpcenter.veeam.com/docs/backu ... ml?ver=120

1.) Order and install your Azure databox
2.) Add Azure Databox as a repository
3.) Configure your backup copy job to use the databox as a target
4.) Disable your backup copy job
5.) Ship the databox to Microsoft and import the backups --> https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/ ... ada-europe
6.) Add the Azure Blob storage with the imported folder as a new standalone object storage repository to Veeam
7.) Rescan the object storage in Veeam (Not import as in the guide)
8.) Change your backup copy job to the new Azure Blob target and map the job to the backups
9.) Test a restore from the backups on Azure Blob.
10.) Enable your backup copy job

Best,
Fabian

[_james]

Hello everyone, @Mildur

Thank you for the steps. We tested and can confirm - Azure Databox also works with direct to object type backups.

[Mildur]

Thank you for the feedback.

Best,
Fabian