This topic is an overview of system backup and restoration recommendations for the following elements of an Aptify environment:

• Aptify Database Layer
• SQL Server System-Level Databases
• Aptify Business Layer
• Aptify Presentation Layer
• IIS Configuration Files

Aptify Database Layer

On the Aptify Database Layer, the SQL Server database installed and used by the Aptify application is the APTIFY database. This is a single database that is added to Microsoft SQL Server during installation that stores all of the relevant Aptify objects. In addition, if the e-Business module is licensed and implemented, the SITEFINITY database will be in use. Likewise, if the Aptify Learning Management System (LMS) add-on application is licensed and implemented the AptifyLMS database will be in use.

Backup and restoration plans should be developed that protect the content and availability of these databases. SQL Server has various recovery models with the two common models being Simple and Full. The Aptify applications do not require a specific recovery model, but the recovery model should be well thought out and selected based on the business needs for data protection and availability. If the Full recovery model is used, a robust restoration plan can be developed that uses database and transaction log backups that allow recoverability to point in time or point of failure with minimal or no data loss. A source for SQL Server information are the Microsoft Books Online documents, such as Backing Up and Restoring Databases in SQL Server  (http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms187048(v=SQL.100).aspx).

SQL Server System-Level Databases

The SQL Server system-level databases, master, model and msdb, are not specific to Aptify, but are essential for the operation of a server instance. It is recommended that the content and purposes of the system databases be reviewed and database backup and restoration plans developed for the system databases. See the Microsoft Books Online document Back Up and Restore of System Databases (SQL Server) (http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms190190.aspx).

Aptify Business Layer

On the Aptify Business Logic Layer, the Application Server's typical install location is C:\Program Files\ [Your Aptify Version] (for example, C:\Program Files\Aptify 5.0). There should be no need to backup files in this directory.  Changing objects should be in the database object repository and maintained by the Object Repository sync. 

Aptify Presentation Layer

On the Aptify Presentation Layer, if the e-Business or Aptify LMS applications are implemented, the directories here these Web Services are installed should be backed up. For e-Business an example location might be C:\Program Files (x86)\telerik\Sitefinity 7. For LMS an example location might be C:\inetpub\wwwroot\courses.

IIS Configuration Files

Although not specific to Aptify, a good practice on the Web server would also include the backup of IIS Configuration files, see How To Back Up and Restore IIS (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/302573) and Back up System State Data (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc781353(WS.10).aspx).