#SQL Server Initial Activation

Follow these steps to set up and manage SQL Server (including Microsoft SQL Server in Azure VM and Self-managed SQL Server) activation for AvePoint Cloud Backup:

1. Sign up for AvePoint Online Service to use AvePoint Cloud Backup for IaaS + PaaS.

   • Visit the AvePoint Online Services website (for commercial use) and sign up for a free trial of AvePoint Cloud Backup for IaaS + PaaS. You will get a 30-day trial subscription.

2. Access AvePoint Online Services.

   • Sign in to the AvePoint Online Services environment using the corresponding account. See Sign into AvePoint Online Services for details.

3. Connect your tenant.

   • If you want to protect your tenant via AvePoint services, your tenant owner or service administrators must first connect the tenant to AvePoint Online Services. See Connect Your Tenants to AvePoint Online Services for details.

4. Configure the app profile.

   • Set up the app profile for the app required to protect the SQL Server databases. See Create an App Profile and Grant Consent for details.

5. Enable authentication for your SQL Server.

   • For Microsoft SQL Server in Azure VM, refer to Enable Microsoft Entra ID Authentication.

   • For self-managed SQL Server, refer to Enable SQL Server Authentication.

6. Create the backup scope.

   • Navigate to Cloud Backup for IaaS + PaaS > Backup page and create a backup scope for SQL Server using the CAP Gateway mode. Define the protected databases, configure the backup start time, and ensure the data retention policy and backup schedule meet your organization's needs. See Create a New Backup Scope for SQL Server for details.

7. Monitor and manage backups.

   • Regularly monitor the backup status and ensure that backups are running as scheduled. See Monitor Your Backup for details.

   • Use the Subscription Consumption report and Backup Analysis report to track your subscription utilization and backup statistics. See Reports for details.

8. Test restores.

   • Periodically test the restore process to ensure that you can recover data quickly and accurately.