This interface enables you to utilize new, manufacturer-specific backup media. For example, BRBACKUP/BRARCHIVE/BRRESTORE do not support direct backup to or restore from optical storage media. Such media can now be used via an external backup program using the interface.

By using an external backup program, you can set up a consistent backup procedure for file systems and databases

Many backup programs are not hardware-specific and can be used in the network (for example, backup to an automatic tape system on a mainframe).