We are running SQL Server 2014 EE SP1. With a database size of 500 GBs broken out into 4 File Groups (A, B, C, and D). File Group A and File Group B have most of the pertinent data with the following sizes (File Group A - 150 GBs and File Group B - 75 GBs). We are considering trying to move data stored in two of the File Groups (A and B) from one environment to the other (i.e., from Prod to Test or from Prod to QA). To do a full database restore (from one environment to the other), the restore may take an hour and then the post restore steps take more time. To save time, we are now looking into how we can just move some of the data. I have read where files and file groups can be backed up and restored, and SSIS Packages can be used to export/import selected tables. 1) Is backing up files and/or file groups the best route to take?2) By moving specific files and/or file groups, would this affect referential integrity or cause any other issues? 3) Are there any other methods, techniques or tools to move data from environment to environment? Please provide any suggestions, 'best practices' and other items that need to be considered.Thanks in advance.
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