MySQL is a very widely-used relational database management system. The application is free to use and usually bundled in with Web hosting packages. As a result, it is tough to avoid using MySQL if your business runs a website.
The extensive use of MySQL for e-Commerce systems means that its integrity and availability are crucial to many businesses. If your MySQL database gets wiped, you’ve lost your product catalog, sales orders, and delivery records. In addition, the loss of data from MySQL can cause your business to fail.
Here is our list of the six best Oracle backup tools:
- Vembu BDR Suite EDITOR’S CHOICE This backup, replication, and recovery package provides flavors for VMWare and Hyper-V and will extract database objects locally and then transfer to remote storage. Offered in free and paid versions to run on Windows Server or Linux and available for a 30-day free trial.
- N-able Cove Data Protection This SaaS platform can backup servers or individual applications. MySQL is one of the applications that the service can protect with its security processes.
- Ottomatik This cloud platform offers protection for MySQL and also MongoDB and PostgreSQL databases.
- Commvault Backup and Recovery This service offers a range of backup strategies and includes a specialist agent to manage the backup of MySQL databases. It runs on Windows Server.
- Bacula A backup system available in free and paid versions that include processes to backup MySQL databases. It runs on Unix and Linux.
- Iperius Backup This backup software package has several plans, and the higher editions include specialized processes to backup MySQL databases. It runs on Windows and Windows Server.
Backing up MySQL
The simple solution to preventing a catastrophe with MySQL is to back up the data that it holds. The frequency with which you back up your MySQL instances depends on the turnover of transactions on the database. However, keep in mind that you could lose all data stored in a backup, so work out the period you could afford to let database entries get lost – it is probably none.
Fortunately, there is a stop-gap service that will enable you to reassemble the database. This is the transaction logs system. However, you should know that the transaction log creation service is not active by default in MySQL – you have to turn it on per instance. Another issue you will face is that the system can write out many files, which can be challenging to manage, particularly if you have a lot of activity on your database.
The easiest way to exploit transaction logs to recover database records is to buy a tool that will manage that process for you. Effectively, you will be purchasing a MySQL backup tool.
MySQL backup strategies
Once you have decided on the frequency of your backups for your MySQL database instances, you need to work out where to put the files that the backup system will extract. This can be performed locally or on a remote server. The remote server can be one of your own on another site or rented space on a cloud server.
When settling on a strategy for backup targets, you should consider the threats that your business could face and the immediacy of availability demands. You will probably come to the same conclusion as everyone else – you need a local copy for a speedy recovery plus a remote copy to protect against every possible physical disaster that could occur on your premises.
If your MySQL database is cloud-resident already, you don’t have to worry too much about coverage for problems on your site. For example, you could extract records to a device in your offices because the Cloud-hosted original database will still be ticking over nicely if your building gets blown up.
The beat MySQL backup tools
Every business is different. However, your enterprise will probably fall into one of a small number of categories that relate to its size, its distribution, its customer base, and its connectivity requirements. That business model will dictate the type of MySQL backup service that it will require. As businesses have different structures, the best MySQL backup service for an enterprise will not suit a company operating differently. Therefore, several various My SQL backup services would qualify as “the best.”
With this set of criteria in mind, we have identified a range of MySQL backup and recovery systems that offer solutions for any type and size of business.
Our methodology for selecting a MySQL backup tool
We reviewed the market for systems to back up MySQL database instances and analyzed the options based on the following criteria:
- A range of options for backup storage
- Systems that can scan cloud platforms as well as services for on-premises servers
- An easy-to-use system for non-technical users
- Logging and reporting to trace administrator actions
- Encryption to protect file transfers and backup storage
- A free trial or a demo account for a no-obligation assessment
- Value for money, represented by adaptable services at a reasonable price
You can read more about each of these services in the following sections.
1. Vembu BDR Suite (FREE TRIAL)
Vembu BDR Suite is a family of backup and recovery tools that can also be used for replication and migration. There are six different packages and the version that covers MySQL is called Vembu BDR Suite for Apps and DB. This system is also able to back up SQL Server and Microsoft Exchange databases.
Key Features:
- Backup to local and remote stores
- Table-level recovery
- Performs a database dump
- Use for migration or replication
- Free option
Vembu BDR Suite is also available to backup virtualizations managed by Hyper-V and VMWare and this version can also backup MySQL databases. The tool is available for free for smaller implementations that covers just 10 VMs.
The backup process for databases involves invoking a dump of an instance. This creates a local file that can be managed by the backup software for rapid recovery. The recovery process lets you select individual tables and related objects to restore or you can choose to reinstall the entire instance.
The backup service will copy over that local file to a remote repository server of your choosing. That location can be a cloud account or a server of your own on another site. The remote copy is held in case the local backup gets corrupted. Damage to the local backup could occur if there is severe environmental damage on your site.
Vembu BDR Suite is an on-premises package and it is available for Windows Server and Linux. Storage space is not included in the plan price, however, there is an add-on storage option available from Vembu Cloud. Vembu offers a demo of the BDR suite and you can also get the software package for a 30-day free trial.
Pros:
- Multi-location backups are automatically implemented
- You choose the remote backup store
- Multi-tenancy option with white labeling for MSPs
- Data compression for improved transfer speeds and storage saving
- AES-256 encryption to protect data at rest and in motion
Cons:
- Backup storage space is not included in the plan price
2. N-able Cove Data Protection
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Vembu BDR Suite is our top pick for a MySQL backup tool because it manages the data and structure extraction process, creating both local and remote backup files for your MySQL instances. The database backup service is also included in the VM backup version of the BDR Suite package and there is a free version that is limited to managing up to 10 VMs. You can use this tool to create a copy of your database either for replication or migration. The system offers secure and easy-to-use backup processes that can be set to run automatically in the background.
Download: Get a 30-day FREE Trial
Official Site: https://www.vembu.com/vembu-bdr-suite-download/
OS: Windows Server or Linux
N-able Cove Data Protection is an MSP service delivered from the cloud and performs backup, recovery, and replication. The service offers full server backups and also application-level backups. Databases are among the applications that the system can back up, and it covers MySQL, SQL Server, and Oracle DBMSs.
- Backup to cloud
- Cloud storage included
- Physical and virtual systems
- Application and database backups
- Good for MSPs
This secure system includes the storage space needed to hold the backups. This space is protected by AES-256 encryption, and so are the data transfers required to extract the backup and send back the recovery files.
N-able has a few options to choose from in its strategies. It offers hot and warm backups, and these can be extracted while the database is still operating because it won’t slow down the database’s performance.
After taking a complete copy of a MySQL database, N-able performs incremental backups. These are indexed by time, so the DBA can roll back to a specific version rather than being forced just to go back to the last backup point. This is useful in cases where a database corruption is discovered sometime later when the latest back might be just as incorrect as the current state.
In summary, Cove Data Protection offers a series of versions to roll back to. The service is very secure, with encryption for both transfers and storage. The system can operate both backup and recovery while the database is still in use. The N-able Cove Data Protection can also be used for SQL Server and Oracle databases. The system can also protect Microsoft 365, virtualizations, and entire servers.
Backups can also be used to implement replication or migration. In addition, the service can be used to back up hypervisors or entire servers running Windows Server or Linux. N-able Cove Data Protection service is available for a 30-day free trial.
Backup MySQL databases automatically or manually
Create a version history with several rollback points
Runs with a script that is active within the database
Backups can be used for migration and replication
Will take MySQL databases running on Windows, Linux, or macOS
It doesn’t have an on-premises option
3. Ottomatik
Ottomatik is a cloud service that offers specialized processes for database protection. As well as backing up MySQL databases, this service can be used for MongoDB and PostgreSQL databases. In addition, the system allows the DBA to set the frequency of backup extraction. Options include hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly actions.
- Cloud-based
- Specialized database backup
- MySQL, MongoDB, and PostgreSQL
- Local and cloud storage options
The Ottomatik system can be used to undo mistaken deletions from tables and restored dropped tables immediately.
As well as extracting table structures and records, you could use a full server backup to cover MySQL databases. Unfortunately, while it interfaces with a list of Linux distros, the Ottomatik system cannot make backups of Windows hosts. The system also has a file backup service, which would enable you to back up the database by storing transaction logs.
Ottomatik includes encryption protection for data transfers, and access to the console is controlled by creating many user accounts with different permission levels. The actions of each account are logged, so it is easy to track activity and maintain activity logs for data protection standards compliance. In addition, backups can be used for database replication and migration.
The Ottomatik service is offered in four plans that cater to businesses of all sizes. All plans are available for a 14-day free trial.
Choose to back up MySQL through a database dump or as part of an entire server backup
Use file backup for transaction logs
Choice of a cloud storage provider
It doesn’t include a local backup option
4. Commvault Backup and Recovery
Commvault is an on-premises software package that can backup entire servers and cloud accounts or specific applications. This service has a lot of application-specific backup processes built into it and provides a very comprehensive solution that makes it a rock-solid 3-2-1 strategy. This system is straightforward to use, and the well-presented Command Center gives guided options on how to manage backup and recovery.
- On-premises package
- Backup locally and remotely
- Ransomware protection
Databases are among the applications that Commvault Backup and Recovery can manage. The provider has adapted its software to integrate with a long list of DBMSs and MySQL is on that rollcall. Among the others are Oracle, DB2, PostgreSQL, SAP, and Sybase.
Commvault creates three backups, including one locally and two on other sites. There is a recommendation to put one copy on removable storage and at least one copy on the cloud. The service offers full, incremental, differential, and block-level backups. The system also scans for ransomware to prevent an infection from being carried over into the backup store.
Once a backup has been stored, it can be installed anywhere, not just back to the original database. The full, stored copy contains enough information to recreate the database completely. This means that the Commvault system can be used for database replication or migration.
The Command Center is organized to let you set up automated schedules for backups, but it is also possible to create a full backup on demand.
The Command Center of Commvault Backup and Recovery runs on Windows Server, and there are agents for Unix, Linux, Windows, and Windows Server. The Backup and Recovery service is available for review as a demo system.
Options for database or full server backup to protect MySQL
Coverage for a long list of DBMSs
Process for on-premises and cloud-based databases
It doesn’t include cloud storage space
5. Bacula
Bacula is available in both free and paid versions. The free system, called the Community Edition, is open source and so you acquire the code and compile it on your server. Unfortunately, both free and paid editions are only available for Linux – the is no version for Windows.
- Free version available
- Runs on Linux
- Always full database backup
With the Bacula MySQL backup system, you set up a particular instance for the data extract. That becomes a staging area for each backup run. The Bacula system runs shell scripts around a database dump. Therefore, the frequency of the backup needs to be written into one of the managing scripts.
Bacula takes a full database copy every time. This can be a little inefficient because it involves transferring more data than would be required for a differential or an incremental backup.
The free Bacula system is available for Solaris and Linux. You download the code and compile it yourself.
The paid version of the Bacula system is explained on a different website. While the free version is at Bacula.org, the paid version is at BaculaSystems.com. That paid package is called Bacula Enterprise Edition.
While the Enterprise Edition also installs on Linux, it can reach across the network to extract backups from MySQL instances running on Windows. It can also reach out to cloud-based databases. In addition, the Enterprise Edition has a graphical user interface, which makes setting up the MySQL backup and recovery system more accessible than the script-based method available in the Community Edition.
With the Enterprise Edition, the MySQL database extract is saved to a directory monitored by a file server module. There is also a transfer manager and a storage manager to handle the distribution of backup files to other locations.
The Enterprise Edition runs on CentOS Linux, and there is a multi-tenanted version for MSPs. You can get a 30-day free trial to assess Bacula Enterprise Edition.
Offers backups for MySQL instances on multiple sites and cloud platforms
Backs up complete servers, applications, and virtual systems
Free version available
Storage not included
6. Iperius Backup
Iperius Backup offers protection for MySQL databases and databases run by SQL Server, MariaDB, Oracle, and PostgreSQL DBMSs. An alternative strategy for backing up MySQL databases is the full server backup option, which would take MySQL database data with it.
- On-premises for Windows Server
- AES encryption protection
- MySQL, MariaDB, SQL Server, and PostgreSQL
The MySQL backup capabilities of Iperius Backup can work with MySQL versions 3, 4, and 5. It offers hot backups which can run in the database while users are still accessing the system. In addition, the data extraction process doesn’t impair the response times of the database instance.
Data files are compressed to speed up transfers, and those file movements are always protected by encryption. That encryption uses an AES cipher with a 256-bit key.
An Iperius Backup license gives you the right to backup as many database instances as you like as often as you like without extra charges. There are four editions for Iperius Backup, but the lower two don’t include database backups. The main option for MySQL managers is the Advanced edition, which is tailored to specific types of services. These are virtualizations, databases, Microsoft 365, and tape management. In this case, you would buy a separate license to cover each of these types of services. The top plan is called Full, and that includes all backup capabilities.
The Iperius system is made up of a central server and then agent programs. The server unit runs on Windows Server. An Iperius Backup plan doesn’t include cloud storage space; however, Iperius does offer cloud storage as a separate service. You can also choose another provider for storage or backup to a server on another site.
Iperius Backup is available for a 21-day free trial.
Offers a range of backup strategies for MySQL and other DBMSs
Backups can be used for migration and replication
Options for disk backups
Cloud storage space not included
