# Best Database Backup Software - Page 4 *By [Tian Lin](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/tian-lin)* Database backup solutions help businesses protect their data with reserve database copies in the event of corrupt data, user error, or physical hardware failure. By utilizing database backup solutions, businesses can ensure their data is always available, even if their main database fails. IT or operations departments typically configure backup programs for use by any team within an organization that has a need for security and peace of mind in regards to important files. In the event of data loss, data is restored to its previous state from a backup. These can take the form of [incremental or differential backups](https://learn.g2crowd.com/incremental-vs-differential-backup) and can occur as frequently as needed. Some database backup solutions can be found to support only certain types of databases, while others are built with a more broad approach and can even back up other data, including servers. Whatever the scope, database backup software needs to integrate with other software in a company’s IT infrastructure (e.g., database management tools and other backup solutions) for it to be a valuable asset. To qualify for inclusion in the Database Backup category, a product must: - Copy and back up data from one or more types of databases - Allow for both automated and manual backup - Integrate with other IT infrastructure and management solutions ## Category Overview **Total Products under this Category:** 95 ## Trust & Credibility Stats **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 3,500+ Authentic Reviews - 95+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. ## Best Database Backup Software At A Glance - **Leader:** [Druva Data Security Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/druva-data-security-cloud/reviews) - **Highest Performer:** [CyberSentriq](https://www.g2.com/products/cybersentriq/reviews) - **Easiest to Use:** [Druva Data Security Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/druva-data-security-cloud/reviews) - **Top Trending:** [Oracle Database Backup Service](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-database-backup-service/reviews) - **Best Free Software:** [NAKIVO Backup & Replication](https://www.g2.com/products/nakivo-backup-replication/reviews) ## Top-Rated Products (Ranked by G2 Score) ### 1. [Petti](https://www.g2.com/products/petti/reviews) Petti is a database backup tool with built-in cloud storage, protection, and monitoring. It requires only a one-time setup. Currently available for Microsoft SQL Server databases. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Pyle Innovations](https://www.g2.com/sellers/pyle-innovations) - **Year Founded:** 2023 - **HQ Location:** Chennai, IN - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/petti-in/ ### 2. [Recoveryfix Cloud Backup Tool](https://www.g2.com/products/recoveryfix-cloud-backup-tool/reviews) Recoveryfix Cloud Backup is a software solution designed to securely back up and restore data stored in cloud services. It helps users recover lost or deleted files from various cloud platforms, ensuring data safety and accessibility. Key features may include automated backups, selective file recovery, and compatibility with multiple cloud storage providers. Ideal for individuals and businesses seeking reliable cloud data protection. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [RecoveryFix](https://www.g2.com/sellers/recoveryfix) - **Year Founded:** 2002 - **HQ Location:** Noida, IN - **Twitter:** @RecoveryFixTool (11,123 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/3208571 (5 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** Recoveryfix ### 3. [Recoveryfix Microsoft 365 Backup](https://www.g2.com/products/recoveryfix-microsoft-365-backup/reviews) Recoveryfix Microsoft 365 Backup is a specialized software designed to backup, restore, and recover data from Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365), including emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, and OneDrive files. Key Features: Backup & Export – Safely backs up Outlook emails (PST), OneDrive files, SharePoint, and Teams data. Recovery – Recovers lost or deleted items from Microsoft 365 accounts. Selective Restoration – Allows restoring specific emails, folders, or documents. Supports Multiple Formats – Exports data to PST, EML, MSG, PDF, HTML, MHTML, DOC, RTF, and more. User-Friendly Interface – Easy-to-use for both technical and non-technical users. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [RecoveryFix](https://www.g2.com/sellers/recoveryfix) - **Year Founded:** 2002 - **HQ Location:** Noida, IN - **Twitter:** @RecoveryFixTool (11,123 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/3208571 (5 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** Recoveryfix ### 4. [Recoveryfix Salesforce Backup and Restore](https://www.g2.com/products/recoveryfix-salesforce-backup-and-restore/reviews) Recoveryfix Salesforce Backup and Restore is a specialized tool designed to securely backup and restore Salesforce data, metadata, and attachments. It enables users to schedule automatic backups, perform selective data recovery, and migrate data between Salesforce orgs. The tool supports CSV, Excel, and SQL formats for backups and ensures data integrity during restoration. Ideal for administrators and businesses seeking reliable disaster recovery and data management solutions in Salesforce. Key Features: ✔ Full or partial backup of records, metadata & files ✔ Automated scheduled backups ✔ Cross-org data migration ✔ Filtered exports & imports ✔ Supports large datasets **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [RecoveryFix](https://www.g2.com/sellers/recoveryfix) - **Year Founded:** 2002 - **HQ Location:** Noida, IN - **Twitter:** @RecoveryFixTool (11,123 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/3208571 (5 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** Recoveryfix ### 5. [SharePoint Recovery Tool](https://www.g2.com/products/sharepoint-recovery-tool/reviews) DRS Softech SharePoint Recovery Tool is an advanced software solution designed to efficiently repair and restore corrupted SharePoint databases. This powerful tool enables users to recover all types of data, including documents, lists, and site configurations, from damaged MDF files. With its intuitive user interface, the tool offers dual recovery modes—Complete Database Recovery and Document Recovery—catering to various levels of corruption. Users can preview recoverable items before restoration and export the recovered data directly to SQL Server or as SQL scripts, ensuring no data loss during the process. Additionally, DRS Softech provides comprehensive support for all Windows operating systems, making it a reliable choice for organizations seeking to maintain the integrity and accessibility of their SharePoint data. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [DRS Softech](https://www.g2.com/sellers/drs-softech) - **Year Founded:** 2010 - **HQ Location:** Noida, IN - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/13699368 (5 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 6. [SQLite Database Recovery Tool](https://www.g2.com/products/sqlite-database-recovery-tool/reviews) DRS Softech SQLite Database Recovery performs hassle-free recovery of SQLite database objects like triggers, tables, indexes, and views, and restores them easily. The software smoothly recovers data from SQLite2 and SQLite3 database files. The software previews the recovered data in the preview pane of the software. It is compatible with all Windows OS versions. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [DRS Softech](https://www.g2.com/sellers/drs-softech) - **Year Founded:** 2010 - **HQ Location:** Noida, IN - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/13699368 (5 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 7. [SQL Server Database Repair Tool](https://www.g2.com/products/sql-server-database-repair-tool/reviews) The SQL Database Repair Tool helps users recover data from damaged SQL database files (MDF and NDF). It scans the files and displays the recovered data in a preview panel. The tool supports all versions of SQL Server and ensures complete and accurate recovery. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Easytechtools](https://www.g2.com/sellers/easytechtools) - **HQ Location:** Noida, IN - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/easy-tech-tools/ (2 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 8. [SuiteCRM ReCycle Bin (Premium)](https://www.g2.com/products/suitecrm-recycle-bin-premium/reviews) What is a SuiteCRM Recycle Bin (Premium)? Make an easy way to Recover deleted records in CRM. Stop recovering accidentally deleted records manually because it takes a lot of time. Try the latest extension for your business called SuiteCRM Recycle Bin (Premium). Use it in your CRM to get back all such essential records in one click that you deleted by mistake. Daily, you work on lots of records to deal with your customer. Maybe a situation can come when one of your team members deletes records by mistake. So, it is better to recover it with the easiest method. This add-on of SuiteCRM saves your precious time and effort. Functionalities of SuiteCRM Recycle Bin (Premium) Check out what functionalities the extension can provide to all businesses. Have a look- 1. An authorized user in your organization can do the recovery of deleted records. 2. Get the advanced functionality of Mass restore. Get back dozens of records rapidly. 3. This extension provides one-click restoration for you all. Save a significant amount of time. 4. There is no need to put in extra manual efforts. Let this plugin take your burden and bring your records back once again. 5. Users can recover all those records that were accidentally deleted before this extension installation in SuiteCRM. 6. It can uncover information like when the record was deleted, from which module it was deleted, and more. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Outright Store](https://www.g2.com/sellers/outright-store) - **Year Founded:** 2014 - **HQ Location:** Noida, Uttar Pradesh - **Twitter:** @outrightstore (622 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/outright-store/ (2 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 9. [SymmetricDS](https://www.g2.com/products/symmetricds/reviews) SymmetricDS is the most advanced data replication and synchronization software solution for databases and filesystems. Easily integrate data using continuous change data capture in near real-time so you can focus on your application. SymmetricDS is proven in use cases that require fast and reliable database replication across local and wide area networks. Our data capture solution excels in the cloud and conditions where network bandwidth is limited or connectivity is intermittent. Core features include: ✓ Cross-platform data capture solution ✓ Sync any database to any database ✓ Distribute, filter, and transform ✓ Replicate from on-premise to cloud ✓ Scale to thousands of databases ✓ Automatic recovery ✓ Easy setup and configuration ✓ Powerful extension API **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Jumpmind](https://www.g2.com/sellers/jumpmind) - **Year Founded:** 2008 - **HQ Location:** Columbus, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/jumpmind-inc (58 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 10. [SysInfo DBF Recovery](https://www.g2.com/products/sysinfo-dbf-recovery/reviews) SysInfo DBF Recovery Tool is designed to recover corrupt DBF Files easily. The tool is capable of recovering a wide range of database components, including tables, indexes, primary keys, and column data, while also offering the unique ability to load a schema from a healthy DBF file to assist with severely corrupted headers. Users can preview the recovered data before saving, and have the flexibility to export the restored information into a new DBF file or convert it to an MDB (Microsoft Access) format, ensuring data integrity throughout the non-destructive recovery process. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [SysInfoTools Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/sysinfotools-software) - **Year Founded:** 2010 - **HQ Location:** Uttarakhand, India - **Twitter:** @SysInfoTools (415 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/6619925/ (24 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 11. [SysInfo MySQL Database Recovery Tool](https://www.g2.com/products/sysinfo-mysql-database-recovery-tool/reviews) SysInfo MySQL Database Recovery Tool is an easy and prominent tool to repair and recover MySQL databases. It repairs severely corrupted and damaged MySQL databases and efficiently fixes MySQL DB objects. Efficiently fixes DB objects such as tables, keys, table properties, data types, views, triggers, etc. This tool also recovers data from MyISAM and InnoDB storage engines in the MySQL database. Moreover, it includes several features like saved recorded data as a script, a smart preview option, and a user-friendly GUI Interface. compatible with all the versions of Windows OS. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [SysInfoTools Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/sysinfotools-software) - **Year Founded:** 2010 - **HQ Location:** Uttarakhand, India - **Twitter:** @SysInfoTools (415 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/6619925/ (24 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 12. [SysInfo SQL BAK File Recovery Tool](https://www.g2.com/products/sysinfo-sql-bak-file-recovery-tool/reviews) SysInfo SQL Backup Recovery Tool is an easy-to-use solution for repairing corrupted SQL Server backup (.bak) files. It helps recover all database objects like tables, views, and stored procedures by extracting MDF and LDF files without losing data. The tool supports both standard and advanced scanning modes, and works with split or compressed backup files. It supports all SQL Server versions (2005-2019) and has no file size limit. With a preview feature and a user-friendly interface, this tool ensures 100% recovery and works seamlessly on all Windows versions. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [SysInfoTools Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/sysinfotools-software) - **Year Founded:** 2010 - **HQ Location:** Uttarakhand, India - **Twitter:** @SysInfoTools (415 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/6619925/ (24 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 13. [TunesKit iPhone Data Recovery](https://www.g2.com/products/tuneskit-iphone-data-recovery/reviews) TunesKit iPhone Data Recovery is the fastest iOS data savior to retrieve all lost data, such as SMS, photos, videos, contacts, etc. on iPhone/iPad/iPod from any scenario, like accidental deletion, virus attack, device lost, jailbreak failure, etc **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [TunesKit](https://www.g2.com/sellers/tuneskit) - **HQ Location:** London, GB - **Twitter:** @TunesKit_Soft (401 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/tuneskit/about/ (1 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 14. [VDI Recovery Tool](https://www.g2.com/products/vdi-recovery-tool/reviews) DRS Softech VDI Recovery Tool is an advanced solution designed to repair and recover inaccessible or corrupted VirtualBox VDI files. It offers three distinct recovery modes—Standard, Advanced, and Deep—catering to various levels of file corruption. This tool supports both MBR and GPT partition types, ensuring comprehensive recovery capabilities. Users can preview the recovered files before saving them, allowing for selective restoration of data such as audio, images, and documents. Additionally, it is compatible with multiple file systems including FAT16, FAT32, FAT64, NTFS, and RAW, making it versatile for different recovery needs across all Windows versions. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [DRS Softech](https://www.g2.com/sellers/drs-softech) - **Year Founded:** 2010 - **HQ Location:** Noida, IN - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/13699368 (5 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 15. [VHD Recovery Tool](https://www.g2.com/products/database-file-recovery-vhd-recovery-tool/reviews) The VHD Repair Tool helps you recover damaged, corrupted, or deleted VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) files. It supports both fixed and dynamic disks and uses two scanning modes to detect issues. You can choose from three recovery options – Standard, Advanced, and Deep—based on how badly the file is damaged. The tool also lets you save disk images directly to your computer. It's very user-friendly and suitable for all types of users, even beginners. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Database File Recovery](https://www.g2.com/sellers/database-file-recovery) - **HQ Location:** N/A - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/No-Linkedin-Presence-Added-Intentionally-By-DataOps (1 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 16. [VHD Recovery Tool](https://www.g2.com/products/vhd-recovery-tool/reviews) DRS Softech VHD Recovery Tool is an advanced solution designed to efficiently repair and recover corrupted Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) and VHDX files. This user-friendly software allows users to access, restore, and repair their virtual disk data while supporting both Master Boot Record (MBR) and GUID Partition Table (GPT) formats, ensuring compatibility with various systems. With features such as dual recovery modes tailored for different levels of corruption, the ability to add custom volumes, and a comprehensive preview option for recovered files, users can easily manage their data recovery process. The tool guarantees maximum data extraction from damaged files, making it an essential resource for anyone facing issues with their virtual hard disks. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [DRS Softech](https://www.g2.com/sellers/drs-softech) - **Year Founded:** 2010 - **HQ Location:** Noida, IN - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/13699368 (5 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 17. [VMDK Recovery Tool](https://www.g2.com/products/vmdk-recovery-tool/reviews) The DRS Softech VMDK Recovery Tool is a powerful solution designed to restore corrupted VMware VMDK files effortlessly. It features a user-friendly interface and is compatible with all versions of MS Windows, including Windows 11. The tool offers dual scanning modes to effectively extract data from damaged files, ensuring comprehensive recovery. With support for various file systems such as FAT, NTFS, and HFS+, it guarantees compatibility across different platforms. Additionally, the software includes multiple recovery modes—Standard, Advanced, and Deep—tailored to address varying levels of corruption. Users can preview recovered files in a structured format before saving them, making the recovery process efficient and reliable. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [DRS Softech](https://www.g2.com/sellers/drs-softech) - **Year Founded:** 2010 - **HQ Location:** Noida, IN - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/13699368 (5 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 18. [Weap.io - Server & Database backups](https://www.g2.com/products/weap-io-server-database-backups/reviews) Weap.io allows you to schedule provider backups for the following cloud providers: DigitalOcean, AWS EC2 & Lightsail, Hetzner, Google Cloud Platform, Alibaba Cloud, UpCloud, Scaleway, Exoscale, and OVH. The Database & File backups are uploaded by default on the storage included in your plan (up to 250GB) and, in order to have more space, you can connect as many storage accounts as you need. Currently, we support AWS S3, DigitalOcean Spaces, Wasabi, and Backblaze B2. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Weap.io](https://www.g2.com/sellers/weap-io) - **Year Founded:** 2010 - **HQ Location:** Gemert, NL - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/weap-v-o-f-/ (16 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 19. [What is SugarCRM Recycle Bin (Premium)?](https://www.g2.com/products/what-is-sugarcrm-recycle-bin-premium/reviews) Get back entire deleted records of CRM in a simple manner. Introducing an extension for your assistance called SugarCRM Recycle Bin (Premium) which allows you to get back accidentally deleted records once again. Every day we deal with multiple records for our business operations. If by mistake you delete any vital record then there is no need to panic. The best proactive solution would be investing in the best addon like Recycle Bin (Premium). In one click, you can see the deleted record is back in your CRM again. Also, you will get a FREE PRODUCT TOUR facility for not making Installation and Configuration of the product complicated. What Functionalities are there to help you? Explore more about the Record Restore manager extension. We are going to drill down the complete list of its features. Restoring every record in one click can save the quality of time and manual effort. It never makes this a mundane task for your business team. You can do a Mass Restore here to save time again. Maybe you have plenty of records. So, get all records back rapidly in your CRM world. This superior plugin is advanced to give you all records which were deleted before this Plugin installation in your CRM software. Are you fret about how to get back vital notes, emails, calls, meetings, etc? You need to fret no longer now. Buy a Recycle Bin (Premium) add-on to restore these activities in a simple process. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Outright Store](https://www.g2.com/sellers/outright-store) - **Year Founded:** 2014 - **HQ Location:** Noida, Uttar Pradesh - **Twitter:** @outrightstore (622 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/outright-store/ (2 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 20. [WholeClear Webmail Backup Software](https://www.g2.com/products/wholeclear-webmail-backup-software/reviews) The WholeClear Webmail Backup Software is one of the best solutions to backup and restore all cloud-based accounts like Gmail, iCloud, Hotmail, Google Workspace, Office 365, and other accounts. Users will get a simple graphic interface that makes it an easy and user-friendly solution to process with basic technical understanding. This instant solution can safely work with bulk data to backup and restore without creating errors. This utility is compatible with all IMAP accounts, including but not limited to Hotmail, Gmail, Office 365, Google Workspace, Yahoo, and iCloud. This backup software possesses user-friendly features that can be easily comprehended by individuals who may not be particularly technologically inclined. Users can export their Webmail accounts in various formats, including PST, MSG, EML, EMLX, MBOX, PDF, HTML, or MHTML files, ensuring that the data remains unaltered. This application enables users to establish connections with various email clients, including Thunderbird, Mac Mail, Eudora, Postbox, Outlook Express, Windows Live Mail, and Microsoft Outlook files. This program is capable of opening files from any version of Microsoft Outlook and Adobe Reader. This utility is compatible with the following operating systems: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, XP, and Vista. Upon the installation of Wholeclear Webmail Backup Software, you are allowed to explore its functionalities at no cost through a trial version. The company also offers consumer service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [WholeClear](https://www.g2.com/sellers/wholeclear-1d703898-d6f6-4f2b-b4bc-6b76fbaec24a) - **HQ Location:** Redhill, England - **Twitter:** @wholeclear (1 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/wholeclear/ (1 employees on LinkedIn®) ## Parent Category [Backup Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/backup) ## Related Categories - [SaaS Backup Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/saas-backup) - [Server Backup Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/server-backup) - [Online Backup Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/online-backup) --- ## Buyer Guide ### What You Should Know About Database Backup Software ### What is Database Backup Software? Database backup is the process of saving a copy of a user’s current database into another location. Users can roll back to the previous versions of backup when their primary database is corrupted by human errors, natural disasters, and cyberattacks. The digital age has pushed data to the forefront of business functions, cementing data as one of the most valuable assets a business can have. Many businesses have adopted database backup software as a means to manage their data, including functionality to add, edit, and remove data as needed. Database backup software allows users to search for data using a massive and customizable range of parameters to get back exactly the information they need. The software is also often integrated into a variety of business functions like storing transactional information and user data to stock quantities and more. Because the data stored in business databases is important to daily functions, it’s imperative that businesses have their databases backed up. Equipment failures, data corruption, user error, and other calamities can massively affect both internal users and customers. Database backup software helps ensure that companies always have more copies of their business data, just in case it’s needed. Not only that, backups can provide valuable information into past versions of data, meaning companies can track how their data has changed over time and isolate specific changes to find trends. These backups can be scheduled or manually run, and they can back up fully, differentially, incrementally, or any combination thereof. #### What Types of Database Backups Exist? **Full backup** Full backups tackle all data within a database. Due to the sheer volume of data that full backups cover, they tend to take quite a while, but they will back up every bit of data they are tasked to copy. Users can restore everything with a full backup.  **Differential backup** Differential backups focus on what data has changed since the last full backup occurred. Because they only back up what has changed since the last full backup occurred, they can reduce the amount of time needed to run a database backup. These tend to give a more complete view of what has changed since a full backup doesn't rely on other previous differential backups to restore data. Unlike a full backup, differential backup saves restoration time since it only backs up the most recent data change. **Incremental backup** While differential backups focus on what has changed since the last full backup, incremental backups focus on what has changed since the last backup of any kind. These backups tend to be more burst oriented, in that they cover only what’s changed since the last backup of any kind, and thus, run much more quickly than the previously mentioned types. That said, data recovery for incremental backups relies on the previous backups not getting corrupted in some way, so recovery from incremental backups is slightly riskier by nature. However, the benefit is that this is the fastest backup available.  **Filegroup backup** These backups differ from the others listed because they focus on data in a fundamentally different way. Filegroup backups focus more specifically on the group of data being copied as opposed to the last time the files were backed up. They prioritize backing up specific data groups. This allows companies to, for example, back up transactional data significantly more often than employee information. This type of backup might be most useful in databases where data changes quickly and often. ### What are the Common Features of Database Backup Software? The following are some core features within database backup software that can help users to protect the integrity of their databases: **Backup locations:** Database backup solutions should allow users to select the storage locations for both saved data and data backups. **Automatic and manual backup:** Whichever is more convenient for a business, a strong database backup solution should offer both manual and automatic backup options. Automatic backup adds convenience and ensures backups will happen, while manual backup allows backing up at will and as the need arises outside the automatic backup schedule. Automatic backups should also be schedulable for specific times, ensuring they won’t interrupt the business functions during peak hours. **Backup scope settings:** Whether a user would like to back up the entire database or just what has changed since last time, most database backup solutions should allow them to set the scope of what they’d like backed up from their database with ease. **Multiple backups:** Users may want to run a full backup bi-weekly, but also schedule differential backups twice a week as well as run incremental backups every day. Most database backup solutions should enable them to schedule several backups without having them conflict. ### What are the Benefits of Database Backup Software? **Peace of mind:** Database backups can help companies feel more secure about their data preservation. Database backups ensure all critical data is always there when the user needs it. When the business data is corrupted, the data team can continue operation with backup data. **Reliability:** Most backup solutions don’t require backups to be run manually anymore. By automating backups and scheduling their frequency by need, users can be sure their business’ data is always backed up, without needing the backup to be manually run every time. Users can also rely on database backups as the single source of truth.  **Auditing and transparency:** Because most backup solutions can handle maintaining several versions of a backup at once, businesses can get insight into changes in data over time, which allows them to build trends from that data. ### Who Uses Database Backup Software? **Database Teams:** Responsibility for databases typically falls to a company’s database administrator(s), or a database team if the company has those kinds of resources. So database backup solutions will likely be used most by those administrators or the database team. While databases themselves can be highly accessible for any member of a company, database backup software—as a part of the database maintenance ecosystem—should be handled by those explicitly focused on maintaining a company’s database integrity. #### Software Related to Database Backup Software Related solutions that can be used together with Database Backup software include: [Online backup software](https://www.g2.com/categories/online-backup) **:** Online backup software usually focuses on smaller volumes of data that businesses would use on a day-to-day basis. These solutions will back up general-use data and files to online repositories. Generally, text documents, PDFs, presentations, spreadsheets, media files, and the like will be backed up with these solutions. [SaaS backup software](https://www.g2.com/categories/saas-backup) **:** SaaS backup software is built to create data backups for any software as a service (SaaS) products a business might be using. These software backups are from cloud solutions, so the data can be anything from sales lead information to marketing data and more. [Server backup software](https://www.g2.com/categories/server-backup) **:** Server backup software, as the name would suggest, specifically focuses on backing up any server-specific data. These solutions are built specifically to handle large volumes of data, as servers typically hold the highest volume of data for most companies. They also tend to be focused on midsize and enterprise companies, since most small companies don’t need servers. That said, small companies with, say, a large internet presence might have servers as a big part of their business model and would thus need a server backup solution. ### Challenges with Database Backup Software Database backup solutions can come with their own set of challenges.  **Backup speed:** Two main factors affect the backup speed—the volume of data and the speed of the connection. The more data that needs to be copied during the backup, the longer a backup can take. This can be further exacerbated, though, by internet connection speeds when backing up cloud data locally or backing up local data to a cloud repository. Even small quantities of data can take a significant, inconvenient amount of time to back up if the connectivity is poor. If a company is planning on doing regular local-to-cloud or cloud-to-local backups, their internet connectivity should be strong enough to support it. **File volume:** When looking for a database backup solution, users should choose one that can handle the volume of data they’re expecting to back up regularly. While some businesses might have thousands of data points to back up from their databases, others might easily pass from millions into billions of database points. Not all solutions may be able to handle that kind of volume, so it’s important to be sure their choice can scale to meet their needs. **Log management:** Poor database backup management often results in oversized logs. Buying more disk drive capacity to accommodate database maintenance operation is only the short-term solution. Users can also add a temporary secondary log to handle the excessive growth of the log file, but that will also slow down the restoration process, so they might want to remove it once it is no longer needed. If users want to save space by undersizing the transaction log, the database server may auto grow it in small fragments. This results in log fragmentation which slows down the whole database backup process. Ideally, users should set the correct size for the log file according to the database size and requirement and buy additional space based on predicted growth.  ### How to Buy Database Backup Software #### Requirements Gathering (RFI/RFP) for Database Backup Software Whether a company is looking for its first database backup software or looking to replace an existing one, g2.com can help find the best fit. Database backup software often comes with specifically desired features and capabilities. To start, companies should first think about their core requirements. They should think about the size and type of database that will be saved, storage location (cloud or on-premises), and constraints related to budgeting, staffing, or continued maintenance. If a database is on cloud storage such as Dropbox or Google Drive, there is no reason to replicate the cloud data to an on-premises NAS server for data protection, unless the user plans to experience significant internet data loss. Industries involving large amounts of sensitive data should also factor compliance and security needs into their proposal as well. Also, many companies already have other backup solutions, so these companies can first ask if their current vendor offers database backup as part of their backup solutions. Prioritizing the desired feature set that meets the requirement can help narrow down the potential pool of database backup solutions, allowing teams to then apply further considerations for budget, ease of administration, security requirements, and more. This holistic approach empowers buyers to move forward with a focused checklist, which can be used in conjunction with G2 scoring to select the best database backup product for the business. #### Compare Database Backup Software Products **Create a long list** Requirements gathering for database backup solutions is fairly straightforward, but can still vary greatly depending on the scope of capability. From the bottom of the list, there is backup software from the database vendor. They often come with the database software (Microsoft Azure SQL, Amazon S3, or MySQL databases) or database management software (MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MS SQL) but have limited features. For example, if a user is using the Azure SQL server database, they can use Microsoft SQL Server Backup. However, SQL server backup automates checksum (same data page bytes between original and backup) to ensure that the backup file is correct. That might not be enough depending on the context. On the other hand, there are expensive database backup solutions that offer advanced features such as additional integrity checks, different types of backup, good user interfaces, and so on. Some even integrate with disaster recovery software. Users also may want to encrypt sensitive database copies with AES. There are many options so companies need to prepare their list of requirements to get through the long list quickly. Since budget and staffing will largely dictate what products end up on the short list, a vendor’s ability to meet each of the company’s requirements and budget is fundamental. **Create a short list** From the long list of vendors, it is helpful to narrow down the list of vendors to come up with a shorter list of contenders, preferably no more than three to five. With this list in hand, businesses can produce a matrix to compare the features and pricing of the various solutions. **Conduct demos** To ensure a fair comparison, the user should demo each solution on the short list with the same use case and datasets. This will allow the business to evaluate like-for-like and see how each vendor stacks up against the competition.  #### Selection of Database Backup Software **Choose a selection team** To choose a selection team, the decision makers need to involve subject matter experts from all teams that will use the system. This primarily involves database teams and IT teams. The purchasing team can also help with the negotiation. **Negotiation** Using the requirements prioritization list, users can organize the data to help people understand how each solution meets their requirements. This can prevent siloed thinking and serve as a catalyst for internal debates and bring new questions for the vendor. Every product will have pros and cons, but the selection analysis should paint a clearer picture of each product’s ability to meet the company’s unique needs. The identified cons can then be used to either eliminate options from the short list or serve as leverage for discounts and other offers. **Final decision** After this stage, it is important to perform a trial run if possible with a small selection of IT professionals. This will help to ensure that the software of choice integrates well with the company’s infrastructure setup (on-premises and off-site or cloud backup). If the database backup tool is well liked and well utilized, the buyer can take that as a sign that their selection is the right one. If not, reevaluation of the options may be necessary.