Cloud Snapshots Explained
A snapshot is a point-in-time image of a cloud server or disk, captured by the cloud provider. Snapshots are quick to take and quick to restore, which makes them a handy tool — but they are not a complete backup strategy on their own.
This article explains what snapshots are good for and where they fall short.
What Snapshots Do Well
Snapshots shine before risky changes and for fast rollbacks.
- Capture a whole server in moments.
- Roll back quickly after a failed update.
- Create copies of an environment for testing.
Where They Fall Short
Snapshots usually live with the same provider and account as the original. If that account is lost or compromised, the snapshots often go too. They complement off-cloud backups rather than replacing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are snapshots the same as backups?
Not really. They are fast and convenient but lack the off-site, off-account independence of a true backup.
Should we use both?
Yes — snapshots for quick rollbacks and proper off-site backups for real disaster protection.
If you need a hand with any of this, your Progressive Robot delivery team is ready to help. Raise a ticket from the Support area of your client portal or speak to your account manager and we will guide you through the next steps.