Choosing the Best MySQL Backup and Recovery System

In the world of computers there are fifty different software suites for every function that you need to perform - except iPhone apps, but Steve Jobs is a different story. This is no different when it comes to selecting a method to back up your databases. You can always do this manually, but that can eat a lot of space on your hard drive or take hours of changing disks in your burner. Even if you use DVD's, you can easily eat through a handful of each of these. If you backup on a daily or even weekly basis, you are looking at twenty disks or, more likely, more every month. There is also the hassle of remembering to do this. Even if you set your computer to do this automatically, there is still the downtime and you still have to switch out the disks. There are some easier ways. ISO images can cut the file size down, and compression can save a little space as well. For a truly easy method, there are a couple software suites that you can turn to.

I understand that whenever someone even hints at a software suite for businesses it will cost you hundreds of dollars. Many major companies think that the small business is made of cash and will even use some scare tactics to get you to try their product. Well, you do not have to spend thousands of dollars for a quality backup software. There are several open source options. Before you shy away with the idea that open source is not safe, you will need to understand what open source truly is. Open source is just a platform that is driven by sheer love of coding, rather than love of money. Open source programs are either free, or very cheap, not because they are prone to attack or filled with viruses and Trojan horses. They are this way because the programmers are wither bored and want a challenge (these are the free ones) or need some money for Cheeto's and Twinkies (these are the low cost ones). They are developed out of love for business solutions. In fact, most open source programs are immediately seen as "off limits" to hackers (or more accurately, crackers) since it is the elite programmers that create these. Open source is just another way for the true coders to get back at Microsoft, and now Steve Jobs, for making everything so difficult and expensive to work with. Keeping this in mind, here is a review of some of the best backup software out there.

Norton Online Backup

For those that are still leery of open source, Norton has an excellent backup system. This is a monthly charge and your database will be stored on their servers. While this is not without risk, Norton does protect their servers like they were the "Holy Grail". This is a very tough nut to crack and they do guarantee their services, so you can feel secure in this choice. It is easy to set up and works automatically. The only problem is that this occurs monthly and if you are late paying your bill, you will find access to your backups impossible to get. This can also add up. If you total the fee per month over a year, you will find that you will be paying much more than some of the designer suites on the market.

Zmanda ZRM 1.1

This is a very good solution, but still a little pricey for being open source. It is much cheaper than most other options out there. At $300, it will save you a little bit over Microsoft or Norton, but there are less expensive methods out there. It is very easy to set up, but you will need to know a little about computers. There is ample service and several how to articles to make it easier for you to install and run. If you know your computers, you can have this up and running with your first backup completed in about 15 minutes. It is one of the faster and more reliable ones on the market, but the price can also be a little intimidating. It is also approved by MySQL and works well with these type of databases.

PHP MyBackupPro

This is the free open source project on this list. This is a very robust system to use. It is a little difficult for the beginner, but there is enough support and read me files to walk even the most novice user through the setup and execution process. This may take you a little while to set up if you are not an IT pro, but it is well worth the struggle. This is one of the best programs for automating your backups and keeping your database safe and secure.

PHP MyAdmin

One thing that is almost certain from host to host is that PHP MyAdmin will have a backup method. While this will not help you in the case of viruses or attacks on the server, since your backups will be stored on the same server, it is a good start while you are looking for a sturdy backup system. If your host does not offer a backup option, it is time to find a new host. If they do, most of them will offer at least a white paper that will walk you through. There are also forums and the like that will be more custom tailored to your server. They are all pretty similar, but there will be some minor differences. While this is included in the cost of your hosting service, it may not be the most reliable one to use. Some of the hosts out there (Network Solutions namely) have a very robust suite that you can use and it is all that you need, while some of the cheaper or free hosts (Go Daddy, it is worthless and you should switch anyways) shouldn't be trusted to guard the local dump, let alone the backup of your databases.

There are several others out there, but these three are some of the best on the market and won't make you take out a loan on your future children to buy them. One thing is for sure, you should be able to use a trial version of any software prior to buying. This will let you know that they are legit and that they are compatible with your host and needs. A little research can go a long way, and always remember to keep open source in mind when selecting any business software.