InfluxDB version 1.5 introduces an open source backup utility that allows for both online and offline backups, as well as restore operations, without requiring system downtime. The new backup tool can generate portable files in the same format used by InfluxDB Enterprise, while also supporting legacy file formats for compatibility with existing automation tools. Additionally, the restored data is no longer erased from the target system during the restoration process, and the process now imports data through a streaming API provided by `influxd`. The improved restore function can be activated using either the portable or online flags, allowing users to choose between importing data in the new portable backup format or the legacy backup format.