Abstract: An improved backup utility allows the ability to maintain full backup and incremental backup log chains, even when databases which are part of a clustered database group are backed up from different database nodes and instances. In these embodiments, this is implemented by storing the backup of the databases from both primary and secondary (failover) nodes under a single backup client which is the cluster identifier. The backup is indexed against a constant database instance based on a user configured save set. In other words, regardless of which node is primary at the time of the backup, the backup is made against a constant backup instance.

Abstract: Identifying preferred nodes for backing up availability groups is described. A system logs in to a structured query language instance on an active node. The system identifies a primary replica for an availability group identified for backup. The system identifies a backup preference for the availability group based on the primary replica. The system identifies the backup preference as a preferred node for backing up the availability group if the backup preference is on-line.

Abstract: Federated restores of availability groups are described. A system backs up an availability group from a node in a cluster of nodes based on an identifier of the cluster of nodes. The system outputs information associated with at least one database replica in any availability group which is backed up based on the identifier of the cluster of nodes in response to a user request for the information. The system restores a user-selected database replica to a user-selected node in the cluster of nodes based on a user selecting at least some of the information.

Abstract: Federated back up of availability groups is described. A system identifies multiple availability groups scheduled for backup. The system logs in to a structured query language instance on an active node, identifies a primary replica for the first availability group, identifies a backup preference for the first availability group based on the primary replica for the first availability group, and identifies the backup preference for the first availability group as a preferred node for backing up the first availability group if the backup preference for the first availability group is on-line. The system configures backup storage based on a name of a cluster of nodes associated with the availability groups. The system backs up the first availability group based on the preferred node for the first availability group in parallel with backing up the second availability group based on a preferred node identified for the second availability group.

Abstract: A method, system, article of manufacture, and apparatus for restoring workload backups in a clustered environment is discussed. In some embodiments, each node in the environment may be sequentially restored based on a request received from a remote client. Additionally or alternatively, the process may be controlled from an external server.

Abstract: A database management system add-in for third party backup and restore applications is described. An opportunity to select from multiple backup and restore applications is enabled via a user interface of a database management system. A selection of a backup and restore application of the multiple backup and restore applications is received. Multiple options offered by the backup and restore application are displayed. A selection of an option of the multiple options is received. Execution of the option is enabled, wherein the option is unavailable via a native backup and restore application offered by the database management system.