Overview
IONOS works with Acronis, a special provider specializing in backup and recovery solutions.
Backups can be set up in two ways:
1. Automatically (before provisioning new servers).
When creating a new instance, you can activate backup on a bootable volume device. This will install the Acronis backup agent on the instance and will associate it with the backup unit of your choice. You can configure the backup schedule via the Backup Service Console according to your needs. The automatic installation is available for IONOS Cloud public images only.
2. Manually (adding a backup solution to an existing server).
Installation of the Acronis backup agent is possible at any time after the deployment. You also have an option to back up resources outside the IONOS Public Cloud. For example, on-premise servers, workstations, or virtual machines in other environments. The manual installation is required for your private images. After installation, you can configure the backup schedule via the Backup Service Console according to your needs.
The DCD's Backup Unit Manager creates and manages distinct organizational entities, called "Backup Units". A Backup Unit is the target for your backup data. Multiple Backup Units allow you to separate backup sources and share access so that you can control which users may have access to particular backup data. The external Backup Service Console connects you to the Acronis backup facilities that enable you to manage your backups, including advanced features and their schedules. You can log in to the console either through the Single Sign-On (SSO) link from the Backup Unit Manager in the DCD or directly through the URL of the Backup Service Console using the username and password that have been specified for the Backup Unit in the Backup Unit Manager at the time of creation.
Backups can be stored in three different storage targets. Overall, you can select the backup storage target per backup plan within the Backup Service Console.
1. Backup Storage
By default, backup data from any source is stored in the backup solution's storage target.
2. Object Storage
Object Storage endpoints can store backup data. However, the storage location must be defined before it can be used in a backup plan.
Backup on Object Storage for Free: From August 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025, IONOS is charging no handling fee on backup data stored on Object Storage. The Advanced Backup Pack as well as the Object Storage fee of your service provider still apply.
3. Network File Storage
A Network File Storage share can be used to store backup data. The storage location must be defined before it can be used in a backup plan, and you may need to apply additional configuration to grant access to the NFS share.
Functionality
To create backups for a server, install a backup agent that communicates with the backup system and assigns backups to the respective Backup Unit.
The communication between the server, backup agent, and backup system requires an internet connection. Backups are charged per Backup Unit; hence, they are compressed before storage to reduce expenses.

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