Amanda review
A file-focused, centralized backup system for teams managing mixed operating systems.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Amanda is an open-source network backup and archiving system for IT administrators managing multiple Linux, Unix, macOS, and Windows hosts. A central backup server coordinates scheduled full and incremental backups, then writes them to disk, tape, optical media, or Amazon S3. Its file-focused scope covers computer and server backup with file recovery, making it a fit for open-source teams that need centralized control across mixed operating systems.
The platform’s main strength is its breadth of traditional backup functions. Amanda can run parallel backups to a holding disk, maintain file catalogs and backup-image locations, and support file and backup-image recovery. Encryption can use GPG or another encryption program, while compression can use compress, gzip, or a custom program. Tape management and tape spanning add controls for tape-based workflows, and application APIs plus pre- and post-backup scripts support administrative automation. Integrations include GNU tar, Unix dump/restore, OpenSSH, Kerberos 5, and Amazon S3.
Amanda is distributed under BSD-style and GPL licensing and is maintained with community support. That model suits organizations comfortable administering open-source infrastructure and selecting their own backup targets, encryption tools, compression programs, and scripts. Teams seeking file-level network backup with disk, tape, optical, and S3 options should consider it. Organizations that require published ransomware protection or a wider backup scope should look for an alternative aligned with those requirements.
Amanda pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Centralizes full and incremental backups across Linux, Unix, macOS, and Windows hosts
- Supports disk, tape, optical media, and Amazon S3 backup targets
- Includes cataloging, recovery, encryption, compression, and scripting support
- Where it doesn't
- File-focused scope may not suit teams needing broader backup modes
- Ransomware protection is not a published capability
- Centralized deployment requires administration of a master backup server
Amanda fact sheet, pricing and score →
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