We are currently considering using Dell's EqualLogic Auto-Snapshot Manager/Microsoft Edition (ASM/ME) to backup our SQL Server databases. However, I am extremely skeptical of this, as ASM/ME uses Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) to provide a framework for backing up and restoring data.
My concern is that while the VSS backup will technically work, there is the potential for database corruption using this method since the database isn't aware of the VSS backup and cannot ensure that everything is committed before the backup.
Do Microsoft VSS-based backups work acceptably for SQL Server database backups and restores? Are there other concerns or caveats I need to be aware of?
Best Answer
VSS and SQL Server are well aware of each other. There is even specific service isntalled by SQL Server to support VSS and other backup technologies, the SQL Writer service. Vendors plug themselves into this ASPI, see A Guide for SQL Server Backup Application Vendors.