SQL Cluster backup

[StanoSedliak]

Hi,

we have Veeam 9.5.0.1536 and 2x SQL Server running Windows Server 2016 with Microsoft SQL Server 2017. These SQL servers are in cluster.

Normal VM job is failing with error: SCSI controller engaged in bus-sharing is present - I know that there is a VMware limitations for shared disks.

My questions would be what is the correct way to backup this SQL cluster, I found information that we should install Veeam agent for Windows on the servers and run it in managed mode. Is this the only way how to backup it with Veeam?
We have a license for Veeam backup so if we will use the Veeam agent for Windows we need another license for the agents?

Has someone more info please?

Thank you!

[Andreas Neufert]

Hi Stano,

Backup & Replication uses the VMware Storage API for backups. This API relay on VMware VM Snapshots, but VMware do not allow the creation of Snapshots for shared disks. In the end we can not backup the VM on image level because of this.
Agents in Managemed mode looks like an idea to go.
Please check with you Partner/Veeam contact about the licensing questions.

[Andreas Neufert]

Here is the KB entry for the Failover Cluster: https://www.veeam.com/kb2304

[StanoSedliak]

Hi Andreas,

thank you for the Info. Yesterday I was able to manage the cluster backup.

1. I created a protection group for under Veeam Inventory and add the cluster name/VIP to the group
2. I created a new Backup job as Windows computer-> Type: Failover cluster -> Mode: Managed by backup server -> added the created protection group into protected computers and backup is working

And yes a separate license for windows agent was needed

Br, Stano

[Andreas Neufert]

Hi Stano,

thanks for reporting back here.

[albertwt]

Hi Andreas,

Does the Veeam Endpoint backup agent is still the way to go for SQL Server cluster backup to avoid cluster failover?

[foggy]

Yes, recommendations in this thread still apply.