Back up Release

This topic describes how to create a backup and how to restore from that backup. It is a best practice to create regular backups of your Release server.

Create a Backup

important

Release must not be running when you are creating a backup.

To back up Release:

1. Shut down Release

   Operating system	Shortcut
   Microsoft Windows	Ctrl + c
   Unix-based systems	Ctrl + c

2. Compress your Release installation folder into a ZIP file.

note

If you store the Release repository in an external database, backup the database using the tools provided by your database vendor. Ensure that you backup both xlrelease and archive databases.

Restore a Backup

important

Release must not be running when you restore a backup.

To restore your Release configuration:

1. Shut down Release

   Operating system	Shortcut
   Microsoft Windows	Ctrl + c
   Unix-based systems	Ctrl + c

2. Replace the installation directory with the contents of the backup.

note

If you store the repository in an external database, restore the backup of the database using the tools provided by your database vendor.

Release Backup – Best Practices and Guidelines

A comprehensive backup strategy is essential to prevent data loss and maintain business continuity in Digital.ai Release environments.

note

The following best practices are common recommendations and general guidelines. They should not be considered exhaustive or universally applicable. Carefully review, consider, and customize these practices to fit your organization's specific infrastructure, operational requirements, and compliance needs.

Identify Critical Components for Backup

• Database: Include both the repository and archive databases in your backup plan.
• Filesystem: Back up the conf, ext, and hotfix directories.

Choose an Appropriate Backup Strategy

• Select a backup frequency and method that balances data protection, operational impact, and storage use.
• Two common strategies:
  • Strategy One: Weekly full backup (system down), daily incremental database backups (system live), hourly database snapshots.
  • Strategy Two: Monthly full backup (system down), weekly incremental database backups (system live), daily database snapshots.
• Choose one of the above strategies based on storage, database setup, and acceptable risk.

note

Review and update backup strategies regularly as your environment or business needs change. Select a strategy that fits your storage capacity and database setup. Using clustered databases or storing data in multiple locations can further minimize the risk of data loss while balancing backup frequency, storage costs, and operational requirements.

Minimize Downtime and Data Loss

• Full backups with the system down ensure data integrity but may not be practical for all organizations.
• Incremental and snapshot backups can be performed while the system is live, with minimal risk of data inconsistency.

Automate and Monitor Backups

• Use automated tools and scheduling for reliable backups.
• Monitor backup jobs and regularly verify backup integrity with test restores.

Store Backups Securely

• Store backups in multiple secure locations (on-premises and/or cloud).
• Encrypt backup data and restrict access.

Document and Test Recovery Procedures

• Keep clear documentation of backup and restore procedures.
• Test recovery from backups regularly to ensure effectiveness.

Customize for Your Environment

• Adjust these guidelines for your infrastructure, compliance, and operational needs.
• Consult Digital.ai support or your database administrator for site-specific advice.