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SQL Server 2022 introduced the Transact-SQL (T-SQL) snapshot backup feature that allows array-based snapshots to be used for all common backup and restore scenarios. T-SQL snapshot backup supports point-in-time restores using differential backups and transaction log backups. This feature was implemented as extensions to existing T-SQL commands. Also, it works across all SQL Server platforms and does not require any additional components such as Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) provider. The Dell Technologies Blog Post SQL Server 2022 – Time to Rethink your Backup and Recovery Strategy covers some additional history and information about this new SQL Server 2022 feature.
The T-SQL snapshot backup feature allows Unity XT snapshots to be used as a primary option for all backup and recovery workflows, including disaster recovery, repurposing, and reseeding Always-On Availability Groups. This allows backup and recovery operations to be run in seconds, regardless of the database size.
The following workflow examples detail the process for performing T-SQL snapshot backup and restore on Windows. For Linux operating systems, the workflow is the same; substitute Windows disk commands with the appropriate Linux commands for mounting and unmounting file systems.