Top Amanda Alternatives: Finding Your Perfect Backup Solution
Amanda is renowned as the most popular open-source backup and recovery software globally, trusted by millions of servers and desktops for its robust capabilities across various operating systems like Linux, UNIX, BSD, Mac OS-X, and Microsoft Windows. Its ability to simplify backup management, support simultaneous tape and disk backups, and offer strong security features makes it a go-to for system administrators. However, specific needs, budget constraints, or a desire for different feature sets might lead you to explore an Amanda alternative. This guide will walk you through some of the best backup solutions available.
Top Amanda Alternatives
Whether you're looking for a simpler interface, more specific application support, cloud integration, or a different pricing model, there's a strong Amanda alternative out there for you. Here are some of the leading contenders:
CrashPlan
CrashPlan offers automatic data loss protection specifically tailored for small businesses, available commercially for Windows and Web platforms at $10 USD per month per computer. It's an excellent Amanda alternative for those prioritizing ease of use and automated, encrypted backups with features like incremental backups, AES encryption, automatic backup, file versioning, and unlimited storage, ensuring your critical business data is always safe.
Bacula
Bacula is a powerful set of open-source, enterprise-ready computer programs for managing backup, recovery, and verification of data. As a free and open-source solution available on Mac, Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, and OpenBSD, it stands as a robust Amanda alternative, especially for larger environments seeking extensive control and customization over their backup operations.
UrBackup
UrBackup is an open-source client/server backup system designed for both data safety and fast restoration times through a combination of image and file backups. Free and available for Windows and Linux, it offers automatic backup, encrypted backups, incremental backups, multi-user mode support, and schedule backup features, making it a strong Amanda alternative for those valuing both speed and comprehensive data protection.
Areca Backup
Areca Backup is a free and open-source file backup software that supports incremental, image, and delta backups to local drives or FTP servers. Available for Windows and Linux, its features like command-line support, delta backup, differential backup, encrypted backups, and support for FTP make it a flexible Amanda alternative for users who need varied backup types and destination options.
BackupPC
BackupPC is a high-performance, enterprise-grade, free and open-source system for backing up Linux, WinXX, and MacOSX PCs and laptops to a server's disk. Highly configurable and supporting a range of platforms including Web and Android, it serves as a powerful Amanda alternative for organizations seeking a robust and customizable disk-based backup solution.
ShadowProtect
ShadowProtect offers fast and reliable disk-based backup, capturing full, differential, and incremental point-in-time backup images of entire systems, including the operating system. This commercial software for Windows and Linux is a strong Amanda alternative for businesses prioritizing rapid recovery and comprehensive system protection with its unique VirtualBoot technology.
CA ARCserve Backup
CA ARCserve Backup provides industry-leading, enterprise-class data protection for a wide range of operating environments. As a commercial solution available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, it's a comprehensive Amanda alternative for large enterprises needing robust and scalable backup capabilities across diverse platforms.
Wasabi
Wasabi offers hot cloud storage that is faster than Amazon S3 and less expensive than Glacier, making storage simple and cost-effective. While primarily a commercial cloud storage platform, it serves as an excellent Amanda alternative for those looking to offload their backups to the cloud, providing a secure and scalable solution for data at rest.
Systweak Right Backup
Systweak Right Backup is a commercial cloud backup application available on Mac, Windows, Android, and iPhone, enabling users to store personal data on the cloud. With features like auto backup, file sharing, file storage, file-sync, and remote backup, it's a versatile Amanda alternative for individuals and small businesses seeking cross-platform cloud backup solutions.
Veritas Backup Exec
Veritas Backup Exec provides simple, complete backup and recovery protection for businesses, covering all data wherever it resides. This commercial software for Windows offers a comprehensive backup solution, making it a reliable Amanda alternative for companies requiring robust and straightforward data protection.
The best Amanda alternative for you will depend on your specific environment, budget, desired features, and technical expertise. Carefully evaluate each option based on its platform compatibility, open-source status, and key features to find the perfect backup solution that aligns with your organization's needs.