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Stash

Stash is an open-source Kubernetes Backup and Disaster Recovery (BDR) (data protection) operator that automates backup, restore, and retention workflows for workloads and persistent data running in Kubernetes clusters.

  • Backup and restore automation for Kubernetes workloads and persistent volumes (data protection)
  • Operator-based controller architecture for managing backup configuration and execution via Kubernetes custom resources (Kubernetes operator)
  • Support for application-aware backups for databases and stateful workloads through pluggable add-ons (database backup)
  • Integration with object storage backends such as S3-compatible stores, Ground Control Segment (GCS), and others for off-cluster backup storage (object storage integration)
  • Policy-driven backup scheduling, retention, and recovery workflows suitable for multi-tenant and production environments (backup orchestration)

More About Stash (OSS Project)

Stash targets the problem of protecting stateful workloads and cluster data in Kubernetes by providing a BDR (data protection) framework that operates natively inside the cluster. It uses the Kubernetes operator pattern (Kubernetes operator) to manage backup and restore workflows through custom resources, so platform and application teams can define data protection policies declaratively alongside application manifests.

The project introduces custom resource definitions for backup configuration, restore sessions, and repositories (Kubernetes extensibility), enabling cluster operators to describe what to back up, where to store it, and how to schedule and retain snapshots. Stash coordinates with sidecar or job-based agents to run backup and restore tasks against workloads, including Deployments, StatefulSets, DaemonSets, and other Kubernetes workload types (container orchestration). This model allows automated execution of recurring backups and on-demand restores triggered via Kubernetes APIs.

For storage backends, Stash connects to object storage and file storage targets such as S3-compatible services, Google Cloud Storage, Azure storage, and on-premises (on-prem) S3 endpoints (object storage integration), as documented in its configuration options. Backup data is typically stored in external repositories so that clusters can be recovered or migrated. Stash maintains retention policies and pruning based on configuration, which supports operational requirements around storage consumption and recovery point objectives (backup orchestration).

A core feature of Stash is support for application-aware backups of databases and other stateful systems using add-ons (database backup). Official materials describe add-ons for systems such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Elasticsearch, and others, which use database-native mechanisms like logical dumps or snapshot tools where applicable. These add-ons allow consistent backup and restore workflows that integrate with the same repository, schedule, and policy infrastructure used for file-level backups.

In enterprise environments, Stash is used by platform teams to centralize backup and restore configuration for Kubernetes namespaces and applications, including multi-tenant clusters (platform operations). Its operator-driven design allows cluster administrators to delegate backup responsibilities to application teams via namespace-scoped resources while retaining control over storage backends and global policies. Stash integrates with Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), supports multi-cluster usage patterns when paired with GitOps or centralized management, and can align with compliance or audit requirements by codifying backup policies in version-controlled manifests (governance and compliance support).

From a technical ecosystem perspective, Stash fits into the Kubernetes data management and business continuity category (data protection), alongside storage, security, and observability tools. It interoperates with standard Kubernetes primitives, supports CSI-backed volumes via persistent volume claims, and is compatible with various cloud providers and on-prem environments. Its extensible add-on system allows vendors or teams to build additional application-specific backup logic while reusing Stash’s repository, scheduling, and policy framework (extensibility and integration).