H2 Database Backup

This topic exaplains why is it necessary to backup H2DB database used by InformixHQ and provides details such as scheduling and maintaining backups, backup storage format, backup retention, etc.

Why application data backup?

InformixHQ introduced the Application Data Backup feature to enable users to back up its internal file-based database, H2DB (an open-source, lightweight database). Several critical InformixHQ configurations are stored in H2DB. In certain cases, H2DB may be upgraded by the open-source community to a newer version that introduces breaking changes or incompatibilities with older versions. To address such situations, InformixHQ provides guided steps to upgrade the H2DB file. Having a backup ensures users that their data can be safely restored if an issue arises during upgrade process.

Additionally, there have been instances where H2DB experienced unexpected crashes or data loss, resulting in InformixHQ becoming unresponsive. In these scenarios, a backup allows users to quickly restore the application to a stable state with minimal disruption.

Important:
During the backup process, InformixHQ will be temporarily unavailable.
  • The User Interface will not be accessible.
  • Incidents will not be reported during this time.

However, once the backup is completed, any pending incidents that were not reported during the downtime will be submitted along with any new ones.

It is strongly recommended to schedule backups during periods of low system activity to avoid disruptions.

Key features

  • Default Schedule: Backups are enabled by default and run daily at 02:00 AM.
  • Backup Duration: Most backups complete in less than a minute, depending on the size of the H2DB.
  • Timeout Limit: Maximum 30 minutes is allotted for backup process. If this limit is exceeded, InformixHQ will automatically cancel the backup and return to its available state.
  • Storage Format: Backups are stored as .zip files in the same directory where the InformixHQ server is running.

    File naming format: "H2DB_Backup_yyyy-MM-dd_HH-mm-ss"

  • Backup Retention: Backups are not overwritten. Users are responsible for managing and cleaning up old backup files as needed.
  • Maintenance Restriction: Backup schedules can not be set between 11:30 PM and 12:30 AM as this window is reserved for InformixHQ internal maintenance.

Backup options

System administrative users of InformixHQ can access H2DB backup facility from the System Settings menu.

  • Manual backup:
    • Click the Start Backup button to initiate an immediate backup.
    • The backup will be saved in the same directory from where the InformixHQ server jar is running.
  • Automatic backup:
    • Users can configure preferred time and days for automated backups using the Update button. Backups will automatically execute as per the defined schedule.
    • To disable automatic backups, uncheck all the selected days and click Update.