How do IaaS platforms handle backup and recovery?

IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) platforms handle backup and recovery through a combination of automated tools, customizable policies, and storage solutions designed to protect data and restore services efficiently. Providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud offer built-in services that let users create backups of virtual machines, databases, and storage volumes. These backups are typically stored in geographically distributed data centers to ensure redundancy. Recovery processes are often tied to snapshots or versioned backups, allowing developers to roll back to a specific point in time if data is lost or corrupted. The responsibility for configuring and managing backups usually falls on the user, as IaaS providers focus on ensuring infrastructure availability rather than application-level data protection.

For example, AWS Elastic Block Store (EBS) enables users to create snapshots of storage volumes, which can be automated using lifecycle policies. Azure Backup provides similar functionality with Recovery Services Vaults, supporting application-consistent backups for VMs and databases. Google Cloud’s Persistent Disk snapshots can be scheduled and stored in multi-regional buckets. These services often integrate with object storage (like AWS S3 or Azure Blob Storage) for cost-effective long-term retention. Developers can also use third-party tools like Veeam or Commvault, which plug into IaaS APIs for more granular control. Key considerations include backup frequency, retention periods, and encryption—features most platforms allow users to configure via dashboards or infrastructure-as-code tools like Terraform.

Recovery strategies vary based on use cases. For immediate data loss, platforms often support instant restoration from snapshots, which can be mounted as new volumes or used to spin up replacement instances. Disaster recovery scenarios might involve replicating backups to a secondary region and using failover mechanisms (e.g., Azure Site Recovery). Testing is critical: many teams automate recovery drills to validate backup integrity and minimize downtime. While IaaS providers handle hardware redundancy and uptime SLAs, developers must still design backup schedules, test recovery workflows, and monitor backup jobs to avoid gaps. For instance, neglecting to back up ephemeral storage or misconfiguring retention rules are common pitfalls that underscore the need for careful planning.