How do I activate automatic backups for my Ubuntu Instance running Odoo?

Question

Im a small business owner and i have an ubuntu instance running with Odoo for my company data services.  I want to make sure that I have automatic backups running in case something happened.

I searched and found this article: https://docs.aws.amazon.com/aws-backup/latest/devguide/create-auto-backup.html

My first question is, is this the right article for my AWS plan.  Im on a basic plan.  My console has an EC2 dashboard with the ubuntu Instance with a Storage subtab with Root Device Type EBS.  If I select Volume in my console I see the volume which says type gp2.  If I go to the console link named EFS, i get a welcome page saying "Create file system" so it seems I dont have it.

When I follow the article links I reach pretty much the same place, where i have the EFS menu on the left hand side and a link to File Systems which shows there are none.  So Im confused because i know i have a file system, so maybe its just not an EFS type.

1. Do I need an EFS system to have automatic backups?
2. Can I create an EFS following those links and not screw up my up and running production instance?

Thanks!
[Console Home](/media/postImages/original/IMd9UcqWRaRTKYWWQOjWVmAQ)

Answer

From what you've described, it seems you have a single EC2 instance that has only a single root volume. In this case, consider using Amazon Data Lifecycle Manager https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AWSEC2/latest/UserGuide/snapshot-lifecycle.html

This can be configured to snapshot your instance at a particular time (UTC) every day, will be retained for a user-defined duration, and can be recovered to create a fresh EC2 instance if thats ever needed.

Answer

Hello,

No, you don't need an EFS for automatic backups. EFS is a storage type in AWS like EBS(gp2 in your case)

In the link you mentioned that the blog will tell how to create a backup for AWS Service called **EFS** not the Ubuntu Instance

To enable the automatic back of your EC2 follow the below link-
https://docs.aws.amazon.com/aws-backup/latest/devguide/create-on-demand-backup.html

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Thanks

Answer

Hi,

The most efficient way to go for you is AWS Backup:  https://aws.amazon.com/backup/

```
AWS Backup is a fully managed service that centralizes and automates data protection 
across AWS services and hybrid workloads. It provides core data protection features, 
ransomware recovery capabilities, and compliance insights and analytics for data 
protection policies and operations. AWS Backup offers a cost-effective, policy-based 
service with features that simplify data protection at exabyte scale across your AWS estate. 
```

If you need to run scripts before and after a backup, this blog post provides detailled guidance: https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/storage/automating-aws-backup-pre-post-script-execution-with-aws-step-functions/

Ransomware protection offered by AWS Backup is described here: https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/storage/introducing-aws-backup-logically-air-gapped-vault/

Best,

Didier

How do I activate automatic backups for my Ubuntu Instance running Odoo?

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