Database Backup Software for Small Business
Handy Backup is multifunctional database backup software designed for small businesses and IT teams that need reliable backups without complex enterprise infrastructure. From one interface, you can automate SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, and ODBC database backups alongside files and other business data, with flexible scheduling, straightforward licensing, and local, NAS, or cloud storage.
Why Choose Handy Backup for Database Backup?
Handy Backup is a database backup tool for small businesses that need automated backups without deploying a separate enterprise backup server. It brings database plug-ins, task scheduling, storage management, and recovery options together in one Windows application.
Instead of managing separate backup programs for SQL databases, application files, and other business information, administrators can organize recurring tasks through the same interface.
Multiple Databases, One Interface
Manage SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, and ODBC backup tasks alongside files, folders, and other business data.
Automatic Scheduling
Run backup tasks daily, weekly, monthly, or at custom intervals without repeatedly exporting databases by hand, reducing manual work.
Simple Deployment
Start with a Windows computer or server and configure database connections through the Task Wizard, without building a separate backup infrastructure.
Flexible Storage
Save copies to local disks, NAS, SFTP servers, and cloud services. Choose your own storage instead of depending on one cloud provider.
Backup Versions and Encryption
Configure encryption, compression, and version retention for stored copies. The available database backup modes depend on the selected plug-in.
Task Monitoring
Review execution logs and receive email notifications about completed or failed backup tasks, making routine administration easier.
Database Backup Solutions Without Enterprise Complexity
Designed for Small Business IT
Not every organization needs a dedicated backup appliance, several management servers, or a complex enterprise deployment.
Handy Backup provides a practical alternative for businesses running a few important databases and applications on Windows PCs or servers.
A small business may run SQL Server for accounting, PostgreSQL for internal applications, and MySQL or MariaDB for a website. Keeping these backups organized should not require maintaining several tools.
With Handy Backup, administrators can create separate tasks for each data source, assign schedules and destinations, and monitor operations from one interface. For larger networks, Server Network adds centralized management while retaining the same approach to backup planning.
Controlled Access
Configure encrypted copies and manage access to backup storage according to your business requirements.
Recovery Planning
Maintain earlier backup versions and prepare recovery procedures before a database problem occurs.
Testing and Migration
Use recoverable database copies when preparing application upgrades, test environments, or migrations.
Backup Records
Use logs, schedules, and retained copies as part of your company's documented data management procedures.
Databases You Can Back Up with Handy Backup
Handy Backup provides dedicated plug-ins for widely used SQL database systems and a generic Database plug-in for ODBC-accessible data. Choose the appropriate method according to your database engine, connection requirements, and recovery objectives.
Use the MySQL plug-in to create scheduled backups of MySQL databases and tables. Store backup copies locally, on NAS, or in cloud storage while managing other website and business data.
Create full database snapshots using the MSSQL plug-in, Windows VSS, and SQL Writer. Schedule copies of selected databases and configure storage and retention from the same application.
Configure automatic PostgreSQL backups using the dedicated plug-in. Select database content through the Task Wizard, choose storage, and run recurring jobs without manually repeating export operations.
Automate MariaDB database and table backups using the corresponding database plug-in. Keep recovery copies alongside website files, applications, and other operational data.
Handy Backup also provides Oracle database backup functionality. See the dedicated page for plug-in configuration, backup procedures, and edition requirements.
Database backup functionality is also available for IBM DB2. Review the dedicated plug-in information to determine the appropriate backup and recovery workflow.
Include IBM Notes and Domino business data in a broader backup plan. See the dedicated page for application-specific backup options.
Back up Cacti database content and related application files. Use MySQL backup functionality where applicable and keep copies according to your monitoring system's recovery requirements.
Dedicated Database Plug-ins vs. ODBC Backup
Choose the Right Database Backup Method
A specialized database plug-in and a generic ODBC connection do not necessarily create the same type of backup.
Handy Backup allows businesses to select a method that fits their database and manage the resulting tasks from one interface.
Dedicated database plug-ins work with specific database engines, such as SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MariaDB. Their backup formats depend on the specific plug-in.
ODBC backup provides access to database tables through a configured driver. It is useful for selected logical data backups, but should not automatically be treated as a complete native database snapshot.
| Method | Best Use | Handy Backup Workflow |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated Database Plug-in | Recurring backups of databases using the corresponding engine-specific plug-in. | Select databases, configure schedules and storage, and use the appropriate restore procedure. |
| ODBC Database Plug-in | Backing up accessible database tables and other selected logical data. | Configure an ODBC connection and create a backup task using the Database plug-in. |
| Native Backup Utility and File Backup | Database-specific backup archives prepared by native database tools. | Run external commands where appropriate and copy completed backup files to independent storage. |
Important: Database backup methods have different recovery capabilities. When a database requires transaction-log recovery, point-in-time restoration, or native physical backups, use the appropriate database engine tools and verify the complete recovery workflow.
Generic ODBC Database Backup Utility
The Handy Backup Database plug-in works with databases accessible through a compatible ODBC driver. It provides another option for small businesses using specialized or legacy applications that store data outside the most common database platforms.
The same database backup utility can be used for different configured ODBC sources, with individual backup tasks, destinations, and schedules.
- Sybase backup: Back up data accessible through a configured ODBC connection.
- Firebird Backup: Automate logical table backups through ODBC or store native Firebird backup archives.
- FoxPro Backup: Preserve data from FoxPro applications through an appropriate connection or file backup workflow.
- MS Access backup: Create recurring copies of Access database data using the suitable backup method.
For databases that require their own consistency mechanisms, use native database backup commands where necessary before saving the resulting files through Handy Backup.
Automatic Database Backup and Storage
Handy Backup combines automatic scheduling with independent storage destinations. You can configure separate database backup tasks and keep copies on your own infrastructure, in cloud services, or across multiple locations.
Scheduling and Automation
Use scheduled backup tasks to automate recurring database copies. Assign execution times that fit your workloads and administrative routines.
Local, NAS, and Cloud
Choose external drives, network folders, NAS, SFTP, Amazon S3, or other cloud destinations. Maintain copies outside the original database server.
Encryption and Access
Configure backup encryption and storage access permissions to manage who can retrieve and use saved copies.
Predictable Costs
Choose a software edition according to the size of your environment, with no mandatory subscription. Use existing storage instead of adding a dedicated backup appliance.
Versions and Retention
Keep previous database backup copies. Configure retention according to available storage and recovery needs, taking database-specific backup dependencies into account.
Restore Verification
Review task logs and notifications, then periodically perform test restorations to confirm that the saved databases can be recovered.
Run Scripts Before and After Database Backup
Handy Backup can run external programs, commands, or scripts before and after a backup task. This helps automate database-specific operations while managing scheduling, storage, and recovery copies from one interface.
Before backup: Run a database utility such as Firebird GBAK or a custom script to prepare a consistent database copy before Handy Backup saves it.
Wait for completion: Configure Handy Backup to wait until the external program finishes before starting the file backup operation.
After backup: Run a follow-up script to perform cleanup, restart a service, or complete another database maintenance operation.
This workflow is useful for ODBC-connected databases when a native backup utility is needed to create a recoverable database archive. Handy Backup can then copy the completed archive to local, NAS, or cloud storage. Verify script execution results to avoid saving incomplete or outdated database copies.
Hot and Cold Database Backups
Hot Database Backup
A hot backup is created while a database remains operational. For example, Handy Backup uses Windows VSS and SQL Writer to create consistent SQL Server database snapshots.
For other databases, consistency depends on the database engine and the selected backup method. See hot backup software for a more detailed explanation.
Cold Database Backup
A cold backup is created after database activity has been stopped and the necessary files are no longer being modified.
Handy Backup can copy closed database files or backups prepared with native utilities. The correct procedure depends on the database system and application.
Database Backup Software Testimonials
Database Backup Use Cases for Small Business
Handy Backup helps small businesses manage database backups without maintaining several independent backup applications. Common scenarios include operational databases, websites, internal software, and development systems.
Accounting and business software: Schedule SQL Server or PostgreSQL backups alongside reports, documents, and other operational files.
Development and testing: Retain previous database copies and restore them to separate environments before application changes.
Websites and online services: Back up MySQL or MariaDB databases together with website files and save copies independently of the hosting environment.
Business record retention: Maintain scheduled database copies, logs, and version history as part of documented recovery and retention procedures.
Flexible Database Backup Licensing for Small Business
Start Small and Expand When Needed
Handy Backup offers database backup solutions for individual business computers and larger network environments. Choose the edition according to your current needs rather than deploying enterprise infrastructure from the beginning.
For smaller businesses, a locally installed backup application can be easier to manage than a separate backup server or appliance. Handy Backup uses purchased software licenses without mandatory subscription fees.
Database plug-ins can also be considered when selecting or extending an edition. Exact license quantities and deployment requirements depend on the chosen configuration.
Handy Backup Small Business
Small Business combines database backup functionality with tools for files, email, applications, and virtual machines. It is designed for businesses that want to manage different types of data from one interface.
Choose this edition when you need recurring database backups on an individual Windows computer or server without a centralized network backup console.
Handy Backup Server Network
Server Network adds centralized administration across multiple computers using Network Agents. It is suitable for organizations with several servers or workstations that need coordinated backup management.
Choose it when the number of machines or administrative requirements make centralized task management more practical.
Licensing consideration: Handy Backup does not require a separate enterprise backup appliance or mandatory subscription to begin using its database backup functionality. For multiple servers, hosts, or virtual machines, select the appropriate edition and license quantities for your specific deployment. Review current licensing terms before purchasing.
Recommended Solution
Lifetime license
Handy Backup Small Business
To take full advantage of our database backup plug-ins, choose the Small Business edition. It comes with all essential plug-ins and storage options, designed specifically to protect and automate your small business server backups with ease.
How to Back Up a PostgreSQL Database with Handy Backup
This example demonstrates how to configure an automatic PostgreSQL database backup. Handy Backup provides a similar task-creation workflow for other database plug-ins, although the available options and backup formats differ.
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Create a backup task. Open Handy Backup, start the New Task Wizard, and choose Backup.
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Select PostgreSQL. In the data selection step, open the Database group and choose the PostgreSQL plug-in.
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Configure the connection. Use an existing connection or enter the required PostgreSQL server details and credentials.
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Select the data. Choose the PostgreSQL database content available through the plug-in and confirm the backup set.
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Choose storage. Select a local folder, NAS, network location, or cloud destination for the backup.
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Configure task options. Set encryption, compression, and backup versioning where appropriate. Use the backup method available for the selected PostgreSQL data source.
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Schedule the task. Select the required execution interval and configure notifications if needed.
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Run the first backup. Finish the wizard, execute the task, and check the resulting log. Test restoration of the required data.
Note: The database account must have sufficient permissions to access the selected PostgreSQL data. A completed backup task should be followed by a test restore to verify the intended recovery procedure.
The same interface can be used to configure other database and file backup tasks, letting small businesses manage several data sources without separate scheduling tools.
Video Demonstration of Database Backup
In this video, watch a best-practice PostgreSQL backup using the PostgreSQL plug-in. Follow a clear, step-by-step demo of saving and restoring tables while we showcase Handy Backup’s full feature set — from transactional consistency to fast recovery.
Download Trial
Experience the reliability and flexibility of one of the best database backup solutions. Handy Backup ensures consistent protection, effortless automation, and quick recovery of your critical data, whenever you need it.
Database Restore and Recovery
Handy Backup provides restore tasks for data saved through its database plug-ins and file backup operations. The exact recovery method depends on the database system, backup type, and format.
Restore Database Plug-in Backups
Open the Restore Task Wizard, select the required backup, and configure the appropriate destination or database connection.
Verify the restored tables and records before putting the recovered database into normal production use.
Restore Native Database Archives
If Handy Backup stored backup files created by a native database utility, first retrieve those files through the appropriate restore task.
Then use the corresponding database engine's own recovery procedure and any additional files required by the backup set.
Regular recovery tests are particularly important when a database stores accounting information, customer records, orders, or other business-critical data.
FAQ About Database Backup Software
Which databases can Handy Backup back up?
Handy Backup provides dedicated plug-ins for SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, Oracle, and other database systems. Its Database plug-in can also back up selected data from ODBC-accessible databases, including Firebird and other business applications. The available backup methods and recovery options depend on the selected database engine and plug-in.
Which database backup software is suitable for small businesses without expensive infrastructure?
Handy Backup Small Business is designed for organizations that need automated database backups without deploying a separate enterprise backup appliance or dedicated management server. It combines database plug-ins, file backup, scheduling, and multiple storage destinations in one Windows application. Businesses can use existing local, NAS, or cloud storage according to their requirements.
Does Handy Backup require a subscription or complex enterprise licensing?
Handy Backup offers purchased software licenses without mandatory subscription fees. Small Business is intended for individual business computers or servers, while Server Network adds centralized backup management across multiple machines. The number of licenses and any additional plug-ins required depend on the actual deployment, including its computers, servers, and virtual machines.
What is the difference between a database backup tool and an ODBC backup utility?
A dedicated database backup tool works with a particular database engine through its specific plug-in or backup mechanism. An ODBC backup utility accesses available database tables through a configured driver. Handy Backup provides both approaches, letting administrators choose the method appropriate for their database and recovery requirements.
Can I back up active SQL databases without stopping applications?
Some database backup methods allow backups while the database remains active. For example, Handy Backup uses Windows VSS and SQL Writer for SQL Server database snapshots. Other database engines and ODBC workflows have their own consistency requirements. Verify the selected backup method before using it with an active production database.
Can I back up multiple databases and business files from one interface?
Yes. Handy Backup can manage separate backup tasks for databases, files, folders, applications, and other business data through one interface. Each task can have its own schedule, source selection, storage destination, and available backup settings. This helps small businesses avoid maintaining unrelated backup utilities for different data types.
Can I create cloud-independent database backups?
Yes. Handy Backup allows database backup copies to be stored on local disks, external drives, NAS devices, FTP/SFTP servers, and different cloud services. You do not need to rely on a single cloud provider as your only backup destination. The most suitable storage configuration depends on recovery requirements, network access, and backup volume.
How can I verify that database backups are recoverable?
Review Handy Backup task logs and notifications to identify unsuccessful operations. Periodically restore database copies to a suitable test environment and verify that the required tables, records, and application functions are available. Task completion alone does not establish that every recovery scenario has been tested.
Which Handy Backup edition should I choose for database backup?
Handy Backup Small Business combines dedicated database plug-ins with backup functionality for files, applications, and other business data. Server Network is intended for organizations that require centralized backup administration across multiple network computers. Select the edition according to your database types, deployment size, and management needs.
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Capterra′s Rating:
"Great product, very simple and effective backup program"