With the external backup, we back up your cloud server automatically every night - without you having to set anything up. If a disk fails, an update goes wrong or something has been deleted by mistake, we restore the state you need.
The key facts at a glance
- When: every night between 01:00 and 06:00, automatically.
- What: a complete image of your server including operating system, configuration, applications and data.
- Where: on a dedicated backup system that is separate from the host system your server runs on.
- How long: 5 days of retention are included; 14 or 30 days are available on request.
- Storage: backups do not count towards your server's storage.
- Restore: the complete server or individual files, free of charge by our support team.
How the backup works
We create a 1:1 copy of your server's disk image. The backup runs at host level - your server does not have to be stopped, and you will hardly notice the additional load during the backup.
We cannot specify the exact time: servers are backed up in random order, and the duration depends on the amount of data. If possible, schedule major maintenance work outside the window from 01:00 to 06:00.
The backups are stored on a dedicated backup system that is decoupled from the actual host system. A failure of the host system therefore does not affect your backups.
Backup or snapshot?
You create snapshots yourself in the customer area, for example right before an update, and can use them to roll your server back within seconds. However, they are stored on the same host system as your server and therefore do not replace a backup. Find out more in Managing your cloud server.
Extending the retention period
How far back you can go depends on the booked "External backup" option. 5 days are included with your cloud server. If you want to be able to go back further, for example because an error is only noticed after a week, book 14 or 30 days in addition: in your server's details in the customer area under Manage options.
Restoring data
- Create a support ticket in the customer area.
- Name the affected server and what should be restored: the complete server or specific files and directories.
- State which day the backup should be from and when the error occurred.
Our technicians restore the backup free of charge and keep you up to date in the ticket. Important: with a full restore, the server is reset to the state of the backup. Changes made after that are lost. Back them up beforehand or have only individual files restored. You can find further information under How does a backup restore work?
Does the backup count towards my storage?
No. The backups are stored on a separate backup system and are included in the option.
Can I set the time of the backup?
No. Backups run automatically between 01:00 and 06:00 in random order. For a state at a specific point in time, create a snapshot yourself.
Are databases included in the backup?
Yes, the image contains the complete server. For databases with a very high number of write operations, we also recommend regular database exports, for example via a cron job, so that you also have a state between two nights at hand.
Do I also need my own backups?
For important data, we recommend the 3-2-1 rule: three copies on two types of storage, one of them off-site. The external backup is one of these copies; another one in your own hands makes you independent.