# Using the Staging Path Export Method for a Secure Transfer of Data

This method uses a local staging path with Microsoft SQL Server Data-Tier Application Framework (DacFx) on the access node. Use this method to obtain the following benefits:

- The ability to export an Azure SQL database without utilizing a public connection transport method. This method performs the export process locally on the access node before moving the exported BACPAC files to media and does not require the use of an Azure storage account.
- Large, exported Azure SQL databases resulting in BACPAC files larger than 200 GB will benefit with this method, assuming the access node disk has enough available space. This is because Azure blob storage only has a maximum size of a block blob of 200 GB.

## Procedure

1. From the Command Center navigation pane, go to Protect > Databases.

   The Overview page appears.

2. On the Instances tab, click the instance.

3. On the Configuration tab, in the SQL cloud configuration section, click the Edit button .

   The SQL cloud configuration dialog box appears.

4. In the Staging path used for export box, enter the staging path that is available on all the configured access nodes.

   - During the export process, the Data-Tier Application Framework (DacFX) generates temporary files that are stored in the staging path and can be up to three times the size of the database. Therefore, it is recommended to use a drive with sufficient disk space to allow the export operation to complete successfully.

   - The staging path must have free drive space that is 25% of the total size of the database to be protected. This ensures that there is enough space to store the exported BACPAC files.

   - If you leave the staging path empty, the system uses the job results directory as the default staging location.

5. From the Credential list, select the credentials of an Azure Server admin account.

   By default, this account is the instance server admin account that has access to the instance and database to perform all operations, including backup, restore, and browse operations.

6. Click Save.

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