Protecting PostgreSQL databases using Veeam
PostgreSQL has become one of the most widely adopted open-source databases in modern data-driven environments. As businesses scale, ensuring the safety and recoverability of PostgreSQL data becomes a top priority. Veeam, a leader in data protection, offers versatile solutions to protect PostgreSQL databases efficiently—whether running on standalone Linux virtual machines, physical servers, or clustered environments.
In this post, we’ll explore the key strategies for protecting PostgreSQL using Veeam, with a special focus on WAL (Write Ahead Log) truncation, agent-based protection, PostgreSQL clusters, and granular recovery options.
🛰️ 1. Agentless Backups for Linux VMs with WAL Truncation
One of the most compelling features of Veeam is its agentless backup capability for virtual machines. When PostgreSQL runs on a Linux VM within a virtualized environment like VMware, Hyper-V, or AHV. Veeam can back up the entire VM without needing an agent installed inside the OS. and enable Application Aware Image Processing (AAIP) thus providing the capability to protect workloads in a consistent state.
But here’s the real advantage: Veeam integrates with PostgreSQL to safely truncate WALs post-backup. WAL files are critical for data durability and point-in-time recovery—but if unmanaged, they can quickly consume storage. Veeam’s backup process ensures that these logs are flushed only after the backup is successful, maintaining data integrity and optimizing storage.
✅ Benefits:
- No agent installation or maintenance
- Efficient and secure log management
- Ideal for VM-based PostgreSQL deployments
🛠️ 2. Agent-Based Backup for Physical Linux Servers or VMs with RDM
In scenarios where PostgreSQL runs on a physical Linux server or where VM-level backups aren’t sufficient, Veeam’s agent-based approach provides the needed flexibility and depth.
With the Veeam Agent for Linux, administrators can:
- Perform application-aware backups
- Protect individual databases and file systems
- Schedule backups at granular levels
- Ensure proper WAL truncation post-backup
This method gives full control, especially in environments with unique infrastructure or security policies that require in-OS operations.
✅ Benefits:
- Fine-grained control over backup and recovery
- Excellent for bare-metal or non-virtualized servers
- Resilient and secure for critical databases
🔁 3. Protecting PostgreSQL Clusters with Agent-Based Strategy
PostgreSQL streaming replication clusters introduce another layer of complexity—especially in terms of consistency and recoverability. To back up a PostgreSQL cluster, Veeam recommends installing an agent on the primary node, where read/write operations occur.
This could be presented as below. where the most common cluster architecture is Patroni. while this is “Not Supported” it pretty much works if you know what you are doing around a cluster.
By targeting the primary node:
- You ensure backup consistency across the active dataset
- Replication lag and read-only states of replicas are avoided
- Custom scripts can dynamically detect and verify the primary role before the backup
A typical scripting strategy may include querying the pg_is_in_recovery() function or monitoring replication slots, allowing automated selection of the active node for backup operations.
✅ Benefits:
- Ensures cluster consistency
- Avoids partial or outdated backups from replicas
- Scriptable and automatable for larger environments
🔄 4. Easy Recovery with Veeam Explorer for PostgreSQL
Backing up your database is only half the story—recovery is where the true value lies. Veeam Explorer for PostgreSQL enables granular and time-saving recovery options, including:
- Restore individual databases or schemas
- Point-in-time recovery using WAL logs
- Preview before restore to avoid overwriting
Its intuitive UI and deep integration with Veeam Backup & Replication make it accessible to both DBAs and general IT administrators.
✅ Benefits:
- Fast and precise recovery workflows
- Non-disruptive testing and restores
- Confidence in meeting RTO/RPO requirements
☸️ 5. PostgreSQL on Kubernetes with Kasten by Veeam
As more organizations move to Kubernetes-native infrastructure, protecting stateful workloads like PostgreSQL becomes critical. Kasten K10 by Veeam delivers robust Kubernetes-native data protection, purpose-built for containerized applications—including PostgreSQL.
With Kasten K10, you can:
- Automatically discover PostgreSQL pods and associated PVCs (Persistent Volume Claims)
- Coordinate application-consistent backups using Kanister blueprints or hooks
- Perform namespace-wide or targeted backups/restores
- Integrate with cloud-native storage (CSI drivers) for volume snapshots
- Protect PostgreSQL running in Helm charts, Operators, or custom deployments
✅ Benefits:
- Kubernetes-native backup, restore, and DR
- Application-aware workflows for PostgreSQL
- Policy-driven automation for multi-cluster environments
Kasten also offers seamless integration with GitOps pipelines, enabling declarative backup policies and version-controlled protection strategies.
🔐 Final Thoughts
PostgreSQL is powerful, but protecting it should never be an afterthought. Veeam offers a rich toolset to safeguard your PostgreSQL environments—whether virtual, physical, clustered, or containerized. From efficient agentless VM backups to Kubernetes-native protection with Kasten, and powerful recovery with Veeam Explorer, you’re fully covered.
Backup confidently. Recover rapidly. Stay resilient with Veeam.
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