Amanda
What it is
Amanda is a free backup system for administrators managing data across multiple networked hosts. It uses one master server to coordinate backups to disk, tape changers or drives, and cloud storage, with bundled drivers for DVD-RW, RAIT, and Amazon S3. Administrators can schedule full and incremental runs, and Amanda spreads work across the backup cycle. Its catalog records files and their media locations, helps identify tapes needed for restoration, and manages tapes to reduce the risk of overwriting the wrong one. Archives can be compressed before or after transfer with compress, gzip, or a custom program. Security options include OpenSSH for server-client communication, GPG or another encryption program for archives, and Kerberos 5. An Application API supports custom backups for databases and special file systems. Amanda has a native Windows client and lists Windows, macOS, Linux, and Unix client platforms. It works best with one or more large holding-disk partitions; without one, backups run sequentially to tape.
For and against
For
- Coordinates backups for multiple networked hosts.
- Supports disk, tape, and cloud destinations.
- Schedules full and incremental backups.
- Catalogs files and identifies restore tapes.
- Offers archive encryption and secure communication options.
Against
- Without a holding disk, backups run sequentially to tape.
- Free support is unavailable.
- Community edition is provided as-is.
The verdict
Amanda brings centralized backup scheduling, media tracking, and multiple destination options to administrators managing networked systems. Consider its holding-disk preference and limited support before relying on it for a deployment.
Who it suits
Amanda suits administrators who need to coordinate backups across networked hosts, particularly Linux and Unix labs or testing environments. Its free community edition is provided as-is, and the project says free support is unavailable.
Plans and prices
Amanda Community
Free open-source community edition · provided as-is · no free formal support
Read 21 Oct 2026 · amanda.org
Business
Linux and Windows backup · database and Microsoft 365 backup · ransomware protection · standard support
Read 21 Oct 2026 · zmanda.com
Business Plus
Business features · 24/7 premium support · SSO · self-hosted servers
Read 21 Oct 2026 · zmanda.com
Amanda Community Edition
Free open-source project · provided as-is
Read 2 Oct 2026 · amanda.org
Enterprise
Custom deployment · integrated data-resiliency solutions · automation scripts · SIEM integration
Read 21 Oct 2026 · zmanda.com
On the record
- Application API
- An application API allows custom backup handlers for databases and specialized file systems.amanda.org · read 21 Oct 2026
- Application integrations
- Its Application API supports custom backups for applications such as relational databases and for special file systems.amanda.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Backup architecture
- The system uses native tools such as GNU tar and dump and supports centralized scheduling across multiple clients.amanda.org · read 21 Oct 2026
- Backup destinations
- It can back up to disk, tape changers or drives, and cloud storage, with bundled device drivers for DVD-RW, RAIT, and Amazon S3.amanda.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Backup scheduling
- Amanda schedules full and incremental backups and adjusts the schedule to spread work across the backup cycle.amanda.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Backup scope
- mixedamanda.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Catalog
- Amanda maintains a catalog showing which files were backed up and where their images are stored.amanda.org · read 21 Oct 2026
- Cloud integration
- The bundled storage drivers include Amazon S3, and release notes document OpenStack Keystone and Google Cloud storage support.amanda.org · read 21 Oct 2026
- Commercial alternative
- The maker positions Zmanda Pro as a modern cloud-native alternative with web management, professional support and a 15-day free trial.amanda.org · read 21 Oct 2026
- Company founded
- LinkedIn states that Zmanda was founded in 2005 and acquired by BETSOL in 2018.linkedin.com · read 21 Oct 2026
- Company headquarters
- BETSOL's LinkedIn profile lists Broomfield, Colorado as headquarters.linkedin.com · read 21 Oct 2026
- Company size
- BETSOL's LinkedIn profile lists 501–1,000 employees.linkedin.com · read 21 Oct 2026
- Compression
- Archives can be compressed before or after network transfer using compress, gzip or a custom program.amanda.org · read 21 Oct 2026
- Computer backup
- Yesamanda.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Current steward
- The official site says Amanda development is supported by Zmanda, a BETSOL company.amanda.org · read 21 Oct 2026
- Device API
- A pluggable device API lets developers add storage drivers and control tape libraries or other media systems.amanda.org · read 21 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- Project resources include a README, wiki, FAQ, forums, mailing lists, developer documentation and release notes.amanda.org · read 21 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- Client-side or server-side archive encryption is supported through GPG or another encryption program.amanda.org · read 21 Oct 2026
