Considerations when backing up a SQL Server with Always-On

[ibarizz]

Hello, I have a question that I can't somehow answer with the public documentation I've read.

I have few SQL Servers (all VMs) that are part of a Always-On cluster that consist of the following:

- First node (active)
- Second node (pasive replica and works in synchronous-commit mode)

Being said that, does it actually make sense to only backup the first node? Considering that all the bases in there are replicated to the second node, wouldn't it be redundant to have a backup of both SQL Servers? I know it depends on how someone plans its strategy, but I wanna know what is the best practice for this case.

Thank you so much!
Facundo.

[HannesK]

Hello,
the best practice is to back up both nodes for proper transaction log processing.

Best regards,
Hannes