> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.savemydb.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Agent Overview

> What the savemydb agent does and how it connects.

The savemydb agent is a small program you run on the same server as your database. It's responsible for actually performing backups — connecting to your database, compressing and encrypting the data, and uploading it to your chosen storage.

## Why an agent?

Your database credentials and data never need to leave your own infrastructure except as an encrypted file headed to your chosen storage. savemydb's dashboard never connects to your database directly — only your agent does, from inside your own network.

## How it connects

The agent always initiates the connection outward to savemydb — you never need to open inbound ports, configure port forwarding, or adjust firewall rules. This works the same way whether your server is on a cloud provider, behind a corporate firewall, or on a home network.

```
Your server (agent)  ──────────▶  savemydb
                      (outbound only, always)
```

## One agent, multiple databases

A single agent can manage backups for multiple databases on the same server. You don't need to install a separate agent for each database — just add multiple database connections pointing at the same agent.

## Multiple agents

If you have databases on different servers, install one agent per server. All agents under your account appear together on the [Agents page](https://app.savemydb.com/agents) of your dashboard.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Download the agent" icon="download" href="/agents/downloading-the-agent">
    Get the right build for your operating system.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Check agent status" icon="signal" href="/agents/agent-status">
    Understand what online, idle, and offline mean.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>