Backup All Supported Versions of Microsoft SQL Server to Windows Azure

SQL Server 2012 was the first version to provide the ability to back up databases to the Cloud, and SQL Server 2014 improves on the process. But, what if you want to backup other versions of SQL Server to Windows Azure?

Microsoft has released a new tool that will bring Cloud backup capability to any version (SQL Server 2005 and later) of SQL Server that does not already have the built-in function.  The tool also affords both backup compression and encryption support.

The tool provides a 3-step wizard that allows you to create rules to apply to the backup process. A Windows Azure subscription, Windows Azure Storage Account, and a Windows Azure Blob Storage Container are all required.

The tool is available from the Microsoft Download Center: Microsoft SQL Server Backup to Microsoft Windows Azure Tool