Why backups matter
Agent configurations change over time. Instructions get updated, approval rules change, and permissions get modified. Without backups, a bad configuration change can break production agents with no way to recover.
Configuration backups enable fast rollback when changes cause issues. They provide audit history for compliance. They enable testing configuration changes in staging before applying to production.
Backup strategy
1. Enable automatic version control
Turn on version control for all agent configurations. Every change creates a new version. Track who made the change, when they made it, and what changed. Automatic version control ensures backups happen even when you forget.
2. Export configuration snapshots
Export configuration snapshots in JSON or YAML format. Store them in a secure location (cloud storage, version control system). Export after every configuration change.
3. Retain 30 days of history
Keep at least 30 days of configuration history. For regulated industries, retain longer (90 days or more). Older configurations can be archived but should remain accessible for compliance audits.
4. Test rollback procedures quarterly
Test that you can restore a previous configuration. Pick a non-production agent, roll back to a previous version, verify it works, then roll forward. Untested rollback procedures fail when you need them most.
5. Document configuration dependencies
Document which systems each agent connects to and what permissions it requires. Configuration backups are useless if you cannot restore the connections. Document OAuth scopes, API keys (not the keys themselves, but which systems use them), and service accounts.
6. Separate credentials from configuration
Do not include API keys or OAuth tokens in configuration backups. Store credentials separately in a secrets manager. Configuration backups should reference credentials by name, not contain them directly.
Best practices
- Enable automatic version control. Manual backups get forgotten. Automate configuration versioning after every change.
- Export configuration snapshots. Store them in a secure location outside the agent platform for disaster recovery.
- Retain 30 days of history. Longer retention for regulated industries. Older configurations can be archived.
- Test rollback procedures quarterly. Verify that you can restore previous configurations when needed.
- Separate credentials from configuration. Store API keys and OAuth tokens in a secrets manager, not in configuration backups.
Frequently asked questions
How often should we backup agent configurations?
Backup automatically after every change. Use version control to track configuration history. Keep at least 30 days of configuration snapshots for rollback.
What should we include in backups?
Agent instructions, approval rules, permission scopes, connection details (not credentials), workflow triggers, and configuration settings. Do not backup API keys or OAuth tokens directly.
Can we restore a previous configuration if something breaks?
Yes. Version control enables one-click rollback to any previous configuration. Test rollback procedures quarterly to ensure they work.
Should we backup manually or automatically?
Automatically. Manual backups get forgotten. Configure automatic exports after every configuration change.