Exchange Server backup, use agent or not

[kwokwaic]

Hi

I have 2 exchange 2016 servers (both are VM) setup as cluster DAG.

Currently I have the protection group setup by using Veeam agent and backup both servers.

However, I saw some article mention that you can just need to backup the exchange node that is on passive mode (all exchange dbs mounted on other server) and it will take care the log truncation on both servers. Isn't it true?

If it is true, what is the best practice? Use protection group with agent installed on both servers or just backup the passive exchange server without the Veeam agent?

Thanks!!

[HannesK]

Hello,
and welcome to the forums.

If your Exchange cluster is in VMs, then the recommendation is to use agentless backup (meaning backup directly from VMware / Hyper-V). https://helpcenter.veeam.com/docs/backu ... ml?ver=110

Yes you can. But the recommendation is to backup everything. See https://www.veeam.com/kb2463 and the user guide https://helpcenter.veeam.com/docs/backu ... ml?ver=110

Best regards,
Hannes

[Andreas Neufert]

The recommendation to backup a node with only passive databases is only valid if you have issues when you would face cluster failovers at backup.
Usually this happens only when your storage and servers are undersized, wrong storage type choosen for the application or the needed configuration to run Exchange virtual was not made. Specifically arround the cluster failover time settings.
Please see here: https://andyandthevms.com/exchange-dag- ... plication/

As Hannes said, just backup everything and you do not need to take care about special processing when you need it the most => At a DR. Just restore all servers.

[kwokwaic]

Thank you Hannes and Andreas.

I will keep my current setting by using the protection group to backup everything.

Thanks!!