in reply to question about MySQL::Backup

As a MySQL DBA, I would only use those tools recommended by MySQL AB themselves. This would be mysqldump or, for InnoDB tables, InnoBase provides a hot backup solution which you can find on their website. Anything else is just asking for trouble.

My criteria for good software:
  1. Does it work?
  2. Can someone else come in, make a change, and be reasonably certain no bugs were introduced?