To configure a snapshot policy for SQL Server

1. For SQL Server legacy policies, create a backup script (.bch file) using the NetBackup MS SQL Client.
2. Open the policy you want to configure.
3. Click the Attributes tab.
4. From the Policy type list, select MS-SQL-Server.
5. Select the Policy storage.

   If database differentials, filegroup differentials, or transaction logs are included in the Backup Selections list of a policy that uses Snapshot Client, then NetBackup performs a stream-based backup. The selected storage unit is used. If a storage unit is not provided, then NetBackup uses the default storage unit for the server.

6. Select Perform snapshot backups.
7. Choose to have NetBackup select the snapshot method or select the snapshot method manually.

   Perform one of the following:

   • By default, NetBackup chooses a snapshot method for you. If you have changed this setting and want NetBackup to choose the method automatically, click Snapshot Client Options. Then from the Snapshot method list, select auto.

   • To use a specific snapshot method, click Snapshot Client Options. From the Snapshot method list, select the method you want to use for this policy.

   See the NetBackup Snapshot Client Administrator's Guide for details on how to select the snapshot method and automatic snapshot selection.

8. (Optional) To use an alternate client to reduce the processing load on the client, perform the following steps:

   • The alternate client must be the client that shares the disk array. This option may require additional configuration. See the NetBackup Snapshot Client Administrator's Guide.

   • Select Perform off-host backup.

   • Click Use alternate client and enter the name of the alternate client.

   Note:

   Use data mover is not a supported option for NetBackup for SQL Server.

9. On the Instances and Databases tab, choose how you want to protect SQL Server:

   • (SQL Server Intelligent Policy) Choose Protect Instances or Protect instance groups.

     If you choose the instances option, you can select either individual instances or databases.

     See Adding instance groups to a backup policy.

   • (SQL Server legacy policies) Choose Clients for use with batch files.

10. (SQL Server Intelligent Policy) Add other policy information as follows:

    • Add schedules.

    • (Optional) Select specific filegroups or files that you want to back up. By default, NetBackup backs up an entire database.

    • (Optional) Make changes to any tuning parameters.

      See About tuning parameters for SQL Server backups.

11. (SQL Server legacy policies) Add other policy information as follows:

    • Add schedules.

    • Add clients.

    • Add batch files to the backup selections list.

12. Click OK to save the policy.