Mysqldump

I don't use mysqldump to do the database backup, because it is lame and uses to much resources.

I would prefer mysqlhotcopy or some similar technique that works with binary dumps.

Also one idea would be using database replication. That what you can lock your replicated DB, dump it and unlock it again. With out any effect on the master DB.

Prove me wrong ;-)... I am just throwing ideas around.