Backup
Quick answer
A backup you have never restored is only a hopeful assumption.
Key takeaways
- For HANA, backups cover the data area plus continuous log backups so you can do point-in-time recovery.
- Backup frequency (especially log backups) is driven by your RPO, how much data loss is tolerable.
- The database (data and, crucially, logs), the authoritative state.
- Watch out: Backing up data but not logs, no point-in-time recovery.
What to back up
- The database (data and, crucially, logs), the authoritative state.
- The file system components (kernel, profiles, interfaces).
- Configuration and documentation needed to reconstruct the system.
Database backup essentials
For HANA, backups cover the data area plus continuous log backups so you can do point-in-time recovery. Full/incremental/differential strategies balance backup time against restore speed. Backups should be automated, stored offsite/encrypted, and monitored for success.
Backup and the recovery point
Backup frequency (especially log backups) is driven by your RPO, how much data loss is tolerable. Frequent log backups mean you can recover to close to the point of failure.
Test restores
A backup you have never restored is only a hopeful assumption. Regularly test restores in a non-production environment to prove the backups are valid and that your team can actually recover.
Common pitfalls
- Backing up data but not logs, no point-in-time recovery.
- Never testing a restore.
- Backups only stored on-site, lost with the site.
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Check your understanding
Which statement is true of Backup?
- A. The SAP GUI is the classic desktop interface for navigating SAP.
- B. Navigating SAP efficiently is a foundational skill: knowing how to move around the system, launch functions…
- C. For HANA, backups cover the data area plus continuous log backups so you can do point-in-time recovery.
Show answer
C. For HANA, backups cover the data area plus continuous log backups so you can do point-in-time recovery.
Covered in the “Database backup essentials” section of this lesson.
Which of these also applies to Backup?
- A. Learning screens, not the end-to-end process.
- B. Full/incremental/differential strategies balance backup time against restore speed.
- C. Confusing company code with company or plant.
Show answer
B. Full/incremental/differential strategies balance backup time against restore speed.
Covered in the “Database backup essentials” section of this lesson.
Which part of the Learn SAP curriculum covers Backup?
- A. SAP installation
- B. SAP administration
- C. SAP navigation
Show answer
A. SAP installation
This lesson sits in the SAP installation section of the Learn SAP course.