How to Manually Configure a Backup from Your QNAP to Object Storage
Discover how to configure a backup from your QNAP to a Plenit Object Storage
A QNAP unit on its own is not a complete continuity plan: if it is in the same location as your servers, a physical incident takes both out.
Backing up the QNAP to an Object Storage bucket gives you that off-site, reliable, low-cost copy.
This guide sets up a manual backup with HBS 3, using an S3 Compatible.
👍 What you get
A backup of the folders you choose from your QNAP stored in an Object Storage bucket, launched on demand from HBS 3.
Before you begin
Access the administration panel at admin.plenit.com with permissions on the service.
Have an Object Storage. If you don't have one yet, set it up with the Object Storage Quick Start.
Have the QNAP unit up and running, with Internet access and administrator permissions.
Have your Object Storage connection details handy: the access keys (in Users → user → menu (…) → Keys) and the bucket name (in the Buckettab, field My bucket).
📘 About the model, version, and mapping
This procedure was done with a QNAP TS-x73A and is valid for QTS and QuTS hero; depending on the model and version, some menus may vary. Here we map the destination on the fly; if you'd rather prepare it ahead of time to reuse it in several tasks, you can map it first and then select it.
Step 1. Open HBS 3 and create a new backup job
On the QNAP, open HBS 3 Hybrid Backup Sync (the built-in backup app on the unit, so you avoid installing extra software). Click Back up now and, in the menu, choose New backup job.
{/* 📸 SCREENSHOT 1 · HBS 3 · New backup job */}
Step 2. Choose the source folder
Select the QNAP folder you want to back up. Tick its checkbox (it is not enough to highlight it; without the check you cannot continue) and click Next.
{/* 📸 SCREENSHOT 2 · source folder selection with the checkbox checked */}
Step 3. Create the S3 Compatible destination account
As the destination, select Amazon S3 and S3 Compatible and click Add new account. Fill in the connection details with those of your Object Storage:
Name: the name of the connection (auto-completes).
Service provider: S3 Compatible.
Server address:
s3.plenit.com(the address shown by the service, without thehttps://at the beginning).Access key: your Object Storage Access Key.
Secret key: your Object Storage Secret Key.
Signature version: V2 (the default).
Enable secure connections (SSL): enabled.
Validate SSL certificate: enabled.
Click Create.
{/* 📸 SCREENSHOT 3 · S3 Compatible account settings (endpoint, keys, V2, SSL) */}
📘 Why S3 Compatible
Object Storage is compatible with the S3 protocol, so HBS 3 connects to it using its S3 Compatible account option.
That is why the data you enter are the endpoint, the keys, and the standard S3 signature.
Step 4. Select the bucket and destination path
Check that the resource you just created is selected. In the bucket field, the bucket name (if it does not appear, expand and choose it). The part size you can leave it at 128 MB, the default value. Click Select. Then choose the destination folder inside the bucket according to how you want to organize the backup.
{/* 📸 SCREENSHOT 4 · selection of the bucket, part size, and destination folder */}
Step 5. Name the job and choose when it runs
Give it a job name that is descriptive and, preferably, a description: over time and with several tasks, you'll appreciate knowing what each one is for. For a one-time backup, check No schedule and then Back up now, and click Next.
{/* 📸 SCREENSHOT 5 · job name and Back up now option */}
Step 6. Adjust the methods, review, and create
In the methods section, uncheck the options that are enabled by default if you don't need them, and click NextNext summary and, if everything is correct, click Create.
HBS 3 shows the backup progress (duration depends on the size and the connection). When it finishes, you'll see a Success message with the completion time and backup details. Close with Close.
{/* 📸 SCREENSHOT 6 · summary, creation, and backup progress */}
Step 7. Verify that the data are in the bucket
To confirm it, go into the structure of your Object Storage and check that the data copied from the QNAP appear.
👍 How to tell it went well
HBS 3 shows the successful backup message, and in the bucket structure the files you backed up from the QNAP appear.
Conclusion
The first time takes some work — creating the S3 Compatible account with the endpoint and keys, choosing the bucket and folder — but it opens the way: from then on, launching new backups is immediate.
The important thing is to enter the connection details correctly (endpoint s3.plenit.com without https://, correct keys, V2, and SSL enabled) and give the tasks descriptive names so you don't get lost when you have several.
With the copy in the bucket, you have the off-site backup that a good continuity plan needs.
Next steps
If you prefer a copy that stays up to date by itself, set up a One-way Sync.
To restore what you've backed up back to the QNAP, follow How to restore a backup from Object Storage to a QNAP.
Check the S3 connection details and compatibility at S3 Access and compatibility.
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