Techniques for selecting a resource to be used in a data backup or restore operation are described in various implementations. An example method that implements the techniques may include determining, using a computing system, diagnostic information associated with a plurality of candidate resources that are available for use in a data backup or restore operation. The method may also include selecting, using the computing system, a recommended resource from among the plurality of candidate resources, the recommended resource being selected based at least in part on the diagnostic information. The method may also include causing the data backup or restore operation to be performed using the recommended resource.