Changes to backup and recovery billing policy
Dear OceanBase Cloud users,
Thank you for your continued trust and support in OceanBase Cloud. To better serve you, align with industry standards, and meet your data backup needs, we are updating the billing policy for our backup and recovery service. These changes will take effect on April 8, 2026. The details are outlined below.
1. Free backup allowance
Background
Our previous free backup tier had terms and time limits that varied by cloud provider. To create a simpler, more consistent experience, we are standardizing the free storage allowance for OceanBase Cloud backup and recovery.
Details
Channel | Previous policy | New policy |
Alibaba Cloud | Free if data backup usage ≤ 2 × single-replica storage capacity and log backup usage ≤ 0.5 × single-replica storage capacity, for a retention period of up to 15 days. | Adjusted to: Combined data and log backup usage ≤ 100% of the single-replica storage capacity |
Simplified rules:
Single-replica storage capacity is the storage capacity of a single node in a 1-1 or 1-1-1 deployment mode. In an N-N or N-N-N deployment mode, it is the storage capacity of a single node multiplied by N.
No time limit within the free allowance: As long as your total backup storage does not exceed the free allowance, you can retain your backups long-term without additional charges.
Usage beyond the free allowance is billed at standard rates. For detailed pricing, see Backup and recovery billing.
Goals
To provide a consistent free tier across all cloud environments.
To remove time limits on free backups, giving you more flexibility for long-term retention.
2. Recycle bin backup retention policy
Background
By default, when you release an instance, the system retains its backups indefinitely in the recycle bin. This policy can lead to unnecessary storage costs and management overhead. To optimize resource utilization, we are adjusting the default retention period.
Details
Item | Previous policy | New policy |
Backup retention policy after an instance is released | Permanent retention after the instance is released. | Updated to a default retention of 7 days after you release an instance. The system automatically deletes backups older than 7 days. |
This change only applies to new instances purchased after 00:00 on April 8, 2026.
For any existing instance created before this date, the original "permanent retention" policy remains in effect. If we decide to apply this change to existing instances in the future, we will notify you through an official announcement on the OceanBase website or an internal message at least 30 days in advance. During the notice period, you can choose to download your backups or continue to retain them.
OceanBase Cloud is not responsible for data loss from the recycle bin if you fail to download or transfer your backups in time.
3. Effective date and scope
Effective date: 00:00 (UTC+8) on April 8, 2026
Scope:
The change to the free backup allowance applies to all existing instances.
The change to the recycle bin retention policy applies only to new instances purchased after April 8, 2026.
If you do not agree with these changes, you may stop using the OceanBase backup and recovery service before 24:00 on April 7, 2026. If you continue to use the service after the effective date, you agree to the new policy.
4. Important information
Automatic allowance upgrade: After the new policy takes effect, the new free allowance will be automatically applied to your instances. You do not need to take any action.
Monitor backup storage: We recommend that you monitor your total backup capacity. You can view your current backup storage usage on the "Backup Management" page for your instance in the OceanBase Cloud product console. This helps you assess your storage needs and avoid extra charges.
Long-term backup retention: For backups that require long-term retention, download or transfer them to another storage service before releasing the instance.
Questions?: If you have questions, contact our technical support team at 400-109-0633 or your account manager. We are here to help.