On-demand Webcast Abstract
A few years ago, we asked the question: “Are snapshots backups?”
Since then, application landscapes have evolved, SQL Server has introduced new snapshot-aware capabilities, and data protection expectations have shifted toward faster RPOs, automated policies, and fleet-wide recovery intelligence.
In this updated session, we revisit the snapshot vs. backup debate with fresh perspective. We will look at how array snapshots work and how they can provide consistent recovery points. We’ll dive into SQL Server’s T-SQL Snapshot Backup feature for application-consistent snapshots, common backup and restore scenarios, and show you how to build a queryable metadata-driven snapshot catalog enabling you to search snapshots by database name, instance, and timestamp across your entire storage fleet.
This will be a demo-heavy session with practical scenarios and deep dives, and I’ll share my opinions on why snapshots have become a cornerstone of modern data protection strategies.
You will learn:
- How storage array snapshots work and differ from traditional backups
- How to use T-SQL Snapshot Backup for application-consistent database snapshots
- How to seed an availability group from a snapshot
- How to build a searchable snapshot catalog that follows your data through replication
- Why snapshots have become a cornerstone of modern data protection strategies
Date
Thursday, Jan 22, 2026
Speaker
Anthony Nocentino is an accomplished technology professional, author, and speaker with over 20 years of experience in the IT industry. He is a Senior Principal Field Solution Architect at Pure Storage.
He is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and is recognized globally for his SQL Server, Kubernetes, and Public cloud infrastructure expertise. He is the author of “SQL Server on Kubernetes” and “Azure Arc-enabled Data Services Revealed” as well as Pluralsight courses.
Anthony has a Masters degree in Computer Science with research publications in high-performance/low-latency data access algorithms and spatial database systems.
Anthony’s passion for technology and ability to deliver engaging and informative presentations make him a sought-after conference speaker internationally at leading data and cloud conferences. Attendees can expect to leave their sessions with a deep understanding of the technology and practical tips.
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