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AWS Backup Tags

Cloudaware Backup & Replication uses tags to identify backup intent, retention, replication targets, and storage behavior. Exact tag keys can vary by implementation, but the patterns below describe the expected policy model.

Backup Policy Tag

Example:

gig-backup=3d-10w-12m

Meaning:

  • 3d keeps 3 daily backups.
  • 10w keeps 10 weekly backups.
  • 12m keeps 12 monthly backups.

Replication Policy Tag

Example:

gig-replicate=2@us-west-1;3@eu-west-1

Meaning:

  • Keep 2 recent copies in us-west-1.
  • Keep 3 recent copies in eu-west-1.

Use supporting tags to make backup status easy to filter and report:

TagPurpose
EnvironmentSeparates production, staging, development, and test workloads.
ApplicationIdentifies the application or business service.
OwnerIdentifies the responsible team or person.
ServiceTierMaps assets to RPO/RTO and retention standards.
DataClassificationIdentifies sensitive or regulated workloads.

Validation Rules

When backups do not run as expected, check that:

  • The tag key is present on the asset or inherited from the expected parent object.
  • The value matches the expected format.
  • Region names are valid.
  • Tag governance rules or organization policies do not block Cloudaware from reading or writing required tags.