Backup/restore using OPENDATASOURCE OR OPENROWSET
You can automate all of below using SQL Agent.

There are many alternatives that you can use :


SQLCMD ==> sqlcmd -E -S server_name -q "backup command"
 You can use it with dynamic sql to connect to different servers for backup and restores.
PowerShell ==> There are tons of scripts found on internet that will tell you how to do it. SimpleTalk has -- Backup and Restore SQL Server with the SQL Server 2012 PowerShell
SSIS ==> Automate Database Restore to Remote Instance with SSIS


When doing backup - make sure to use compression in sql server 2008 R2 and up which is even supported in standard edition. Also to speed up restore, use Instant File Initialization.