Hi,
NCM stores the downloaded configs by default to config archive, too (not only to DB) -- this is nothing more than a directory structure on the disk. (By defult in NCM installation directory but you can define the path to be e.g. a network storage.)
Additionally, you have the possibility to export configs on a reagular basis -- you just need to schedule a job for it.
Please let me know if you need more details.
Jiri
P.S. I agree CatTools is a nice tool that does its job well.