# Onboard the first workload to protect

You can start protecting data by configuring a workload and running your first backup.

During onboarding, you can create shared resources such as credentials, storage, and backup plans, or reuse resources that already exist in your environment. The order and details of the following steps vary by workload type and subscription.

The onboarding process is generally as follows:

1. Select a workload: Go to Service catalog and click a workload type, such as Virtual machines, Databases, Files, or Microsoft 365.

   For details, see the documentation for the workload under Protect. Links for a few common workloads:

   - VMware vSphere

   - Microsoft 365

   - Active Directory

   - Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines

   - SQL Server

2. Connect your environment: Provide access to the environment that contains your data by entering connection details, creating or selecting credentials, and authorizing access.

3. Select resources to protect: Select the individual resources or groups of resources to protect, such as VMs, databases, accounts, sites, or file systems.

4. Configure protection: Define how to protect the resources, leaving the default settings. You can refine them later. During this phase, you are prompted to create or select a backup plan and storage.

5. Run your first backup: After configuration is complete, start a backup. The first backup creates a baseline copy of your data.

6. Verify a restore: Confirm that the job completed successfully, and then confirm you can restore a small item.

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