The .bff file extension, standing for Backup File Format, is primarily associated with IBM’s Tivoli Storage Manager (TSM), a robust enterprise-level backup and recovery software solution. These files aren’t meant for direct user interaction; they’re created by TSM during the backup process and contain a comprehensive package of data. This includes not only the actual backed-up data itself but also crucial metadata such as file names, timestamps, attributes, and other information vital for accurate restoration. This self-contained nature of .bff files ensures data portability, allowing backups created on one system to be restored on another, even with different operating systems or hardware configurations. However, the file’s structure is proprietary to TSM, meaning it’s not designed to be opened with standard file viewers or editors.
To access the data within a .bff file, you need to use IBM Tivoli Storage Manager. This isn’t a program readily available to the average user; it’s a specialized application used by IT professionals and organizations for managing large-scale data backup and recovery operations. Attempting to open a .bff file with other software will likely result in failure or, at best, display unintelligible data. Therefore, if you encounter a .bff file, it’s crucial to identify the source of the backup and contact the relevant IT personnel or administrator. They possess the necessary TSM software and expertise to restore the data from the .bff file correctly and securely. Improper handling could lead to data corruption or loss.