Proxmox has announced the release of Proxmox Backup Server 3.3, bringing several enhancements to their enterprise backup solution.
New Features in Proxmox Backup Server 3.3
The standout feature of this release is the new "Push to Remote Datastore" functionality, which allows users to push backups to remote Proxmox Backup Servers. Other notable additions include:
- Support for removable datastores
- Webhook target for the notification system
- New change detection modes for speeding up file-based backups
Push to Remote Datastore: A Game-Changer for Backup Strategies
The new Push to Remote Datastore feature represents a significant advancement in backup flexibility and efficiency. Previously, Proxmox Backup Server only supported pulling backups from remote servers. With version 3.3, users can now push their backups to remote datastores, offering greater control over backup processes and enabling more diverse backup scenarios.
How Push to Remote Datastore Works
Push to Remote Datastore operates similarly to the existing sync jobs but in reverse. Users can configure push jobs that send backup data from a local datastore to a remote Proxmox Backup Server. This feature is particularly useful for:
- Offsite backups: Easily push critical data to remote locations for disaster recovery purposes.
- Centralized backup management: Push backups from multiple branch offices to a central backup server.
- Cloud backups: Push local backups to cloud-hosted Proxmox Backup Servers for added redundancy.
Configuring Push Jobs
To set up a push job, users need to:
- Configure a remote in the Proxmox Backup Server interface
- Create a new sync job, selecting the local datastore as the source and the remote datastore as the destination
- Set a schedule for automatic pushes or initiate manual pushes as needed
Push jobs support the same filtering and namespace options as pull-based sync jobs, allowing for granular control over which backup groups are pushed to the remote server.
Security and Performance Considerations
Push to Remote Datastore maintains the robust security features of Proxmox Backup Server:
- All data is encrypted during transfer
- User authentication and access control ensure that only authorized users can push backups
- Bandwidth limiting options help manage network usage during push operations
Use Cases for Push to Remote Datastore
This new feature opens up several possibilities for backup strategies:
- Multi-site organizations: Branch offices can push backups to a central location without requiring firewall changes at the central site.
- Managed service providers: MSPs can offer a backup target for their clients, allowing clients to push backups securely to the provider's infrastructure.
- Tiered backup storage: Users can push older backups to cheaper, higher-capacity remote storage while keeping recent backups on faster local storage.
The introduction of Push to Remote Datastore in Proxmox Backup Server 3.3 significantly enhances the product's flexibility and utility. By providing users with more control over their backup processes and enabling new backup scenarios, Proxmox continues to solidify its position as a leading enterprise backup solution.