The Software: Server, Clients and Plugins
Bareos is a cross-network Open Source backup solution designed to preserve, archive, and recover data from all major operating systems. This robust client-server backup solution comprises several components that communicate securely over the network: the Bareos Director, one or more Storage Daemons, and the File Daemons installed on the clients to be backed up.
Connected and Secure
Bareos operates through a secure client-server architecture, comprising several key components:
- Bareos Director: The central control unit manages database settings, client connections, file sets, plugin configurations, storage, media pools, schedules, and backup jobs. The Director daemon saves all data relating to completed sessions, such as which client wrote which file to which medium. It also performs media management and gathers messages.
- Storage Daemon: Responsible for storing backup data on various media.
- File Daemon: Installed on client systems to handle data backup and restoration.
Key Features:
- TLS/SSL Encryption: Data is encrypted with pre-shared keys or certificates during transport. This ensures that the Director and Storage Daemon never access unencrypted content. Data integrity is maintained through pre-backup encryption and signature validation before restoration.
- Open Source Development: Transparent and publicly available source code, encouraging peer review and community contributions.
Structure and Components
Web Interface
WebUI: A multilingual graphical web interface for managing Bareos, accessible via a web browser. It supports multiple Bareos Directors and databases, allows for job management, and provides a file tree view for easier navigation during restores.
File Daemon (FD)
Runs on the client to back up and restore data as instructed by the Director. Supports many operating systems including Linux, FreeBSD, AIX, HP-UX, Solaris, Windows, and macOS.
Plugins
Extensive plugin support for various database servers (PostgreSQL, MySQL, MSSQL), LDAP directory services, cloud storage, and virtual machines (VMware, oVirt).
Storage Daemon (SD)
Receives and stores data from the File Daemon on configured backup media. Supports hard disks, tape libraries, and various cloud storage targets like Gluster, Ceph, and Amazon S3. Manages media changers and restores data upon request.
Catalog Database
The Director daemon uses a database to save information on completed backups, saved files, and the media used. This catalog database uses PostgreSQL, providing a reliable, powerful database management system for handling large volumes of data.
