S2|DATA has released a free NetBackup reader that gives users complete access to their backup data without maintaining a NetBackup environment. This standalone application helps organizations catalog and restore from NetBackup disk images quickly and efficiently. (We’ve written about S2|DATA before. Check it out.)

This blog post summarizes the main points of my latest podcast episode. If you’d like, you can listen to it or watch it at https://www.backupwrapup.com/

Why A Free NetBackup Reader Matters

The reality of backup data is simple – it often outlasts the infrastructure used to create it. Companies frequently need to access their backup data long after they’ve stopped paying for or maintaining their backup environments. Whether it’s for litigation, business compliance, or regulatory requirements, organizations need reliable access to their historical backup data.

How The Free NetBackup Reader Works

The tool offers two key capabilities. First, it can quickly generate a CSV catalog of all files contained in NetBackup disk images. This catalog includes essential metadata like file names, paths, creation dates, and sizes. Second, it can restore data directly from these images without requiring a NetBackup environment.

Getting Started with the Free NetBackup Reader

The application is available as a free download from S2|DATA. While it initially runs in demo mode with a file limit, users can obtain a free license by contacting S2|DATA. The tool is signed and requires minimal system resources – just basic desktop hardware and file access to your backup images.

One of the tool’s standout features is its speed. Point it at a location containing NetBackup disk images, and it quickly generates a comprehensive catalog. This catalog comes in CSV format, making it simple to analyze the data using common tools like Excel or command-line utilities.

The free NetBackup reader represents a shift in thinking about backup data ownership. As Brendan Sullivan, CEO of S2|DATA, emphasizes, “It’s the client’s data, not the backup software’s data.” Organizations should have total command of their information without being tied to specific vendor environments or infrastructure.

For companies considering migration away from NetBackup or those concerned about recent industry changes like the Cohesity acquisition, this tool provides peace of mind. While Cohesity has committed to supporting NetBackup customers, having vendor-independent access to your backup data adds an extra layer of security.

This release marks just the beginning. While the current version handles NetBackup disk images, future releases could support other backup formats. For organizations needing immediate support for other backup types or more comprehensive data access solutions, S2|DATA continues to offer professional services covering all major backup platforms.

The message is clear: your backup data belongs to you, not your backup software vendor. With tools like the free NetBackup reader, organizations can maintain access to their historical data without the overhead of maintaining legacy backup environments. That’s not just convenient – it’s essential for modern data management.

Free NetBackup Reader: Your Path to Data Freedom

Whether you’re planning a backup platform migration, need to access historical data, or simply want more control over your backup environment, the free NetBackup reader provides a powerful solution. It’s a practical tool that solves real problems while challenging traditional notions about backup vendor lock-in.

Written by W. Curtis Preston (@wcpreston), four-time O'Reilly author, and host of The Backup Wrap-up podcast. I am now the Technology Evangelist at S2|DATA, which helps companies manage their legacy data