Modernizing the Bareos Integration in Relax-and-Recover (ReaR)

Overview of ReaR

Relax-and-Recover (ReaR) is an Open-Source disaster recovery and automated Linux bare metal restore solution that allows users to create a bootable rescue system and recovery media. It is highly adaptable and supports numerous backup solutions, ensuring that in the event of system failure, you can quickly and efficiently restore your data and system configurations.

Bareos: A Trusted Partner in ReaR

Bareos, an Open-Source backup solution, has been integrated into ReaR for many years. This partnership has proven its reliability, providing seamless backup and recovery operations. The continuous evolution of both ReaR and Bareos has made this integration indispensable for users who require robust disaster recovery strategies.

In 2013, Bareos decided to rely on and integrate with ReaR for Linux bare metal restore, instead of developing its own solution. This illustrates how Bareos benefits from the rich Open-Source ecosystem to achieve a best-of-breed solution for both backup and disaster recovery.

The Need for Modernization

Over the years, both software ecosystems have seen significant advancements. To keep up with these changes and to enhance the integration, Bareos GmbH & Co. KG undertook a fundamental modernization of the Bareos-ReaR integration. This initiative aimed to not only adapt to the latest features but also to improve the overall robustness and functionality of the integration.

Key Improvements in the Modernized Integration

The result of these efforts is impressive. Here are the major enhancements that have been introduced:

Support for Recent Bareos Versions

The integration has been updated to support Bareos >= 22 and preparations have been made for future versions, including Bareos 24. This ensures compatibility with the latest features and security updates of Bareos.

Enhanced Automation and Configuration

Autoconfigure Bareos Client, Job, and Fileset: Whenever possible, the system will now automatically configure the client, job, and fileset, reducing the need for manual setup and minimizing potential configuration errors.

Fully Automated Processes: The integration can now be fully automated, streamlining the backup and recovery process and reducing administrative overhead.

Improved Usability and Security

Improved Logging Output: Enhanced logging provides more detailed information about the backup and recovery process, aiding in troubleshooting and system audits.

Restore-Only Mode: The integration starts Bareos-Filedaemon in a restore-only mode to prevent accidental backups of the rescue system.

Use of Systemd Unit: Utilizing a systemd unit enhances the management of Bareos services, aligning with modern Linux system management practices.

Enhanced Functionality and User Experience

Ensuring Client Functionality: The updates ensure that the Bareos client is fully functional and ready for recovery tasks.

Simplified Code and Improved Readability: The codebase has been significantly simplified, making it easier to maintain and understand.

Progress Information During Restore: Users can now see progress information during the restore process, providing better visibility into the operation’s status.

Removal of Untested Methods

The integration now exclusively uses bconsole, ensuring a more reliable and tested approach to backup and recovery operations.

Collaborative Effort with the ReaR Team

This modernization effort was carried out in close coordination with the Rear team, especially Schlomo Schapiro (https://schlomo.schapiro.org/) of Tektit Consulting (https://tektitconsulting.com). The collaboration ensured that the integration not only meets the technical requirements but also aligns with the user expectations and the overall design philosophy of ReaR.

Conclusion

The modernization of the Bareos integration in ReaR marks a significant step forward in ensuring reliable and efficient disaster recovery solutions. The updated integration is more robust, admin-friendly, and ready to support the latest advancements in backup technology. A big thank you to the ReaR team for their continued support and collaboration in making this possible. Bareos customers now have the option to buy “Bareos Bare Metal Restore for Linux”, to get Bareos ReaR support directly from Bareos.

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