Cloud Backup concepts

To use the Rackspace Cloud Backup API effectively, you should understand several key concepts.

Agent

An agent is an executable that sits on your cloud server that knows how to perform backups and restores. Agent installation currently supports Windows and Unix or Linux platforms.

Backup

A group of folders, files, or both stored on Cloud Backup for a particular server and configuration.

Backup configuration

Backup configuration defines what needs to be backed up and when it needs to be backed up. The backup configuration includes a schedule for the backup, files to back up, and notifications.

Restore

Restore is a process of bringing your system back to a previously saved state, usually by using a backup as the checkpoint.

Restore configuration

A restore configuration defines what the restore checkpoint is and the where the backup should be restored.

Server setup

Because Cloud Backup is a file-level backup product, you must configure a separate backup for each cloud server and that a backup does not automatically apply to an entire environment. You must select the files and folders you want to back up from your cloud server. This setup requirement applies to Rackspace Cloud Servers, including the Performance Cloud Servers offering.