Backup options for primedocs
Options for Database Backup and Transfer in primedocs
primedocs supports various methods to back up databases or transfer content between systems. This page provides an overview of the available options, their typical use cases, as well as key advantages and disadvantages to help you choose the right solution for your scenario.
Use this overview especially if you want to create a full backup, migrate a database between systems, or specifically transfer template data from one primedocs installation to another.
| Option | File Format | Use Case | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SQL Database Backup | .bak | 1:1 copy or backup of the database. | Complete copy of the database. | - Typically requires direct access to the SQL Server. - Tied to the specific SQL Server version used. - No direct import into SQL Azure possible. - Import overwrites existing data; no partial import possible. |
| Package Import/Export (via Admin Dashboard) | .oopx | Export and import template data between different systems. | Selective choice of which template data to export and import. | - Not intended as a backup for the entire database. - Not all data can be exported. - primedocs proprietary format; no third-party products usable. |
| Smugger (via Admin Dashboard) | .zip | Copy databases between different systems. | - Complete copy of the database. - Import also possible on SQL Azure. | - RowVersions are rewritten, so no direct 1:1 copy. - primedocs proprietary format; no third-party products usable. - Import overwrites existing data; no partial import possible. |
| DacPac (via Admin Dashboard) | .dacpac | Copy databases between different systems. | - Complete copy of the database. - Import also possible on SQL Azure. - Microsoft tooling can be used. | - RowVersions are rewritten, so no direct 1:1 copy. - Import overwrites existing data; no partial import possible. |
For a classic, complete backup of the primedocs database, the SQL Database Backup (.bak) is especially suitable, provided there is access to the SQL Server. For system changes or migrations between different environments, DacPac and Smugger are useful, particularly if the target system is based on SQL Azure or Microsoft tooling is to be used. If only specific template data is to be selectively transferred from one primedocs system to another, the Package Import/Export with .oopx files is recommended.