Backuptools

Backuptools is an open-source software platform designed to model, package, and deploy automated backup workflows across computer networks. It provides a command-line interface and a configuration language for defining backup plans, specifying sources, destinations, schedules, and retention policies. The project emphasizes reproducibility, security, and pluggable storage backends.

Key features include support for incremental and differential backups, encryption at rest, compression, verification of backups, and detailed reporting. Storage backends can be local filesystems, networked storage, or cloud services such as S3, Azure Blob, or Google Cloud Storage. The platform also supports pre- and post-backup hooks and integration with external identity providers for access control.

Architecturally, Backuptools consists of a core engine, a plan compiler, storage adapters, and a scheduling component. Plans are written in YAML or JSON and assembled by the plan compiler into executable workflows. An optional agent runs on managed hosts to collect data and perform backups; the central server coordinates tasks and stores metadata. The system is designed to work in distributed environments, coordinating multiple agents and ensuring consistency across backup runs.

Usage typically involves defining backup plans, deploying them to agents, and using the CLI or a web UI to monitor status, review run histories, and verify retention compliance. The platform supports modular extensions, including database backups, file-level backup sets, and integration with external monitoring systems.

Backuptools originated as an open-source effort aimed at simplifying enterprise-grade backups. It has an active community, with regular releases, documentation, and forums. Adoption ranges from small teams to mid-sized organizations seeking portable, auditable backup workflows.

See also: data backup software, disaster recovery, data protection, backup verification.