What technology does the Azure Backup service use to ensure a consistent backup of files in use?

The Azure Backup service utilizes Volume Shadow Copy Services (VSS) to ensure that files in use are backed up consistently. VSS is a Microsoft technology that allows for the creation of backup copies or snapshots of files or volumes, even while they are actively being used by applications. This is particularly important for maintaining data integrity, as it allows backups to capture the exact state of data at a specific point in time, without needing to shut down applications or systems.

When VSS is invoked during the backup process, it temporarily pauses the writing of data to disk, creates a snapshot, and then resumes normal operation. This ensures that all necessary files, including those being modified, are included in the backup, leading to a reliable restoration process should it be needed.

Other choices might refer to different methodologies used in data management or storage optimization but do not specifically address the consistency of backups for in-use files as effectively as VSS does. For instance, file compression technology and data deduplication focus on reducing storage requirements, while snapshotting services are broader and may not guarantee the same level of file consistency that VSS provides during backups.