What are some common backup strategies for ArcGIS Enterprise?

Using full system snapshots as a backup strategy for ArcGIS Enterprise is a widely accepted approach because it captures the entire state of the system at a specific point in time. This includes not only the data but also the configuration settings, installed applications, and system-level information. By creating a full snapshot, you can restore the system to that exact state in the event of a failure or data corruption, ensuring minimal downtime and data loss.

Moreover, full system snapshots can be taken at scheduled intervals, giving administrators control over the backup process and allowing the recovery of the system to various points in the past. This comprehensive approach is particularly beneficial in complex environments like those that run ArcGIS Enterprise, as it ensures that all components are consistently captured and can be restored together.

In contrast, incremental backups—while useful for saving storage space and time during the backup process—rely on a base full backup and can complicate restoration procedures. Physical hardware backups might only address the data stored on those devices, missing out on important configurations and software settings. Running application backups could overlook critical system-level configurations that are vital for a full recovery of ArcGIS Enterprise.