Bareos Backup FAQ
Bareos is a leading open-source backup and recovery software for enterprises. This FAQ page provides clear answers to the top questions about Bareos, including migration, ransomware protection, cloud backup, disaster recovery and compliance.
1. General Information
Bareos is a fully open-source data backup, recovery and archiving solution for businesses and enterprises. Unlike many commercial alternatives such as Veeam, Bareos offers complete transparency and flexibility with no vendor lock-in. Compared to Bacula, Bareos is actively developed, offers an easy-to-use web interface and supports modern platforms and cloud storage.
Yes, Bareos is 100% open source under the AGPLv3 license. You can use, modify and audit the software for free. Professional support and enterprise features are available via subscription, but the core product remains open and free.
2. Compatibility and Features
Yes, Bareos offers seamless cross-platform backup, supporting Linux, Windows, macOS and specific distributions like Red Hat, Fedora, Debian, Ubuntu, SUSE and FreeBSD. This broad compatibility ensures efficient data protection across complex, multi-platform environments. Learn more about Bareos’s efficiency and scalability.
Yes, Bareos can back up a wide range of databases, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, and others, using database dump/restore scripts for consistent protection. For specialized needs, Bareos can be scripted to automate database exports and backups, making it suitable for enterprise deployments.
Bareos can back up any server (Linux or Windows) running in AWS, Azure or OpenStack by installing its agent inside the VM. It also supports storing backup data in S3-compatible and Azure Blob storage. Direct backup of cloud-native services (like AWS S3, RDS, or Microsoft 365) is not included.
Yes, Bareos supports data protection compliance, including alignment with NIS2 regulations, offering secure, traceable backups that help meet compliance standards.
3. Backup Strategies & Best Practices
Choosing the right backup strategy depends on data volume, recovery time and budget. For a detailed guide, check our article on data backup strategies for businesses.
Bareos offers flexible services suited for businesses of all sizes and requirements. From small-scale setups to complex enterprise needs, our solutions are customizable and scalable, ensuring you get a high-quality backup system without overspending. Learn more about our services here.
Bareos is committed to sustainability, optimizing resource use to reduce energy consumption and e-waste in data management. For companies dedicated to sustainable practices, Bareos offers a backup solution that aligns with corporate sustainability goals. Learn more in our article on sustainable backup solutions.
4. Security, Disaster Recovery & Compliance
Bareos employs advanced security features to guard against ransomware, ensuring data integrity and secure recovery. Read our article on ransomware protection for best practices.
Bareos ensures reliable disaster recovery with tools like Relax-and-Recover, which enables automated system recovery and streamlined data restoration. This integration simplifies recovery processes, minimizing downtime and securing critical data in diverse environments. For a deeper look, check out our article on Relax-and-Recover.
5. Migration & Onboarding
Bareos simplifies the migration process with its flexible, open-source framework, making it easy to transition from other backup solutions. Our Bareos Consulting Service provides expert support to ensure a smooth, efficient migration with minimal disruption to your operations.
Bareos consulting services offer expert support for migrating from other backup products like Bacula, Veeam, or Acronis. Our team helps ensure a smooth transition and seamless integration with your existing systems. For community advice and peer support, visit our GitHub repository or join the Google Group.
More on professional services: bareos.com/services/
6. Support & Community
Bareos backup software offers strong support and community resources, including:
Bareos Documentation
GitHub repository – for code, issues and contributions
Google Group – community support and discussion
Bareos Consulting Services – professional support and services
Didn’t find your answer? Contact us, discuss your questions with the community in the Bareos Google Group or explore topics on GitHub.