AvePoint seems to be nice for item level backups. It's just that if you completely damage the DB it's ALL gone.
I only mention "seems" because that is all I have used and it fits my needs. I maintain two SP Servers, versions 2 and 3, would love to have a MOSS 2007 but that is just cost prohibitive.
MOSS2007 is an enterprise level product, based around development for custom modules, custom workflow, and other things outside of a basic document library. Oh and I think it does search as well. Our exposure here is limited, only the MCA's and MCM's for sharepoint are the ones who deal with it. You would be surprised that working for msft that we cant even touch their infrastructure, its completely outsourced, and we have to call a helpdesk for ridiculous things even laptop issues.. Totally sucks..
Good luck with sharepoint though.. Its a fun learning experience..