automating sql express backup via VSS backup
- by Ornus
I need to set up on my server automated daily SQL db backups (sql express, so no maintenance plans).
To keep things simple I'm gonna use a backup solution (JungleDisk) that uses VSS to back up the DB file. SQL fully supports VSS and on requests freezes DB I/O, so I understand I'm taking snapshots.
JungleDisk supports doing differential back up and compression, so it simplifies things and keeps the cost/bandwidth down.
Is it enough to just backup up db file (mdf). Do I need to back up transaction log (ldf) file as well? I'm ok with losing a day's worth of work (since the last backup).
if I go this route, what's the best way to restore the database?
are there any issues with this approach I'm not aware of?