When is the best time to run a backup of Tableau Server?

Running a backup of Tableau Server during non-business hours is optimal for several reasons. First, this period typically experiences lower system usage, which minimizes the impact on performance for users accessing the server. Conducting backups during peak business hours can lead to slow response times and potential disruptions for users who are interacting with the server.

In addition, performing backups during non-business hours allows for a safer environment where the backup process can complete without interference from ongoing work or data changes. Since backups involve reading data and potentially locking resources, it’s best to perform them when fewer users are logged in, ensuring data consistency and integrity.

While backing up immediately after a new install or before software updates may also seem prudent, these situations do not consider ongoing user activity and potential system strain. Thus, the best practice is to schedule backups during non-business hours to maintain server performance and ensure reliable data retention.