Performing simultaneous backups for mirrored partners
Since backups can occur only on the principal, you must take steps to ensure that you don't miss any scheduled backups due to failover. Establish a procedure to simultaneously initiate backups for both partners, but suppress the operation on the mirror.
When you restore a mirrored database, you must restore it to the node currently in the principal role. See SQL Server Books Online.
To simultaneously initiate backups for both partners
- Create a policy with a backup schedule for the principal.
- Add the host that contains the mirroring partner to the client list.
- Create a batch file and add it to the backup selections list.
- Create a batch file on the mirroring partner that has the same name as the batch file specified in the backup selections policy.
The batch file on the mirroring partner should be identical to the one used on the principal, with one exception. The value for SQLHOST and SQLINSTANCE are different.