To configure a backup policy for the preferred or the primary replica of a SQL Server availability group

1. Open the NetBackup Administration Console.
2. Create a new policy.
3. On the Attributes tab, configure the following:

   • Select the MS-SQL-Server policy type.

   • Specify a storage unit.

4. Click on the Instances and Databases tab.
5. Select Protect availability groups.

   See About tuning parameters for SQL Server backups.

6. Click New.
7. Select the availability groups or availability databases that you want to protect.

   See Adding an availability group to a policy.

   See Adding availability databases to a policy.

8. Add schedules.

9. Click the Microsoft SQL Server tab.
10. From the Availability Database Backup Preference list, choose one of the following:

    • Protect primary replica

    • Protect preferred replica

    See About tuning parameters for SQL Server backups.

11. (Optional) Make any other changes to the tuning parameters.

    See About tuning parameters for SQL Server backups.

12. Click OK to save the policy.