In my journey of managing my Proxmox VE environment, I have consistently faced the critical task of data backups. In the past, I used Proxmox Backup Server, but I quickly recognized that this solution had its drawbacks: it required the use of another dedicated PC and did not always provide the desired reliability and efficiency. In search of a more integrated and reliable approach, I discovered a method that proved to be much more advantageous: using snapshots directly on Proxmox VE, with the backups being transferred to a TrueNAS VM.

Snapshots on Proxmox VE: One of the most powerful features of Proxmox VE is the ability to quickly and efficiently create snapshots of VMs and containers. Taking advantage of this feature, I have implemented a backup process that allows me to create regular snapshots of my VMs and containers directly on Proxmox VE.

Transferring Backups to TrueNAS: To ensure the safety and availability of my backups, I set up a TrueNAS VM with a dedicated storage pool within my Proxmox VE environment. This TrueNAS machine acts as a central repository for my backups, allowing me to store them safely and reliably.

Cloud Sync with Backblaze B2: For additional data protection and resiliency, I configured my TrueNAS VM to perform a cloud backup of local backups to the Backblaze B2. This cloud sync process, performed nightly, ensures that my data is protected even in the event of hardware failure or local disasters.

Advantages and Conclusions: This approach to backups on Proxmox VE offers several benefits. First, it eliminates the need for dedicated backup hardware, simplifying my infrastructure and reducing costs. Second, the native integration with Proxmox VE and the use of TrueNAS as a central repository improves the overall efficiency and reliability of my backup process. Finally, cloud backup to Backblaze B2 provides additional protection and peace of mind that my data is safe even in the event of a catastrophic event. This approach has proven to be an effective and reliable solution for managing backups in my Proxmox VE environment.