Abstract: A finite state machine (FSM) for a redundant array of independent disk includes a single process context that maintains an entire finite state required for input/output operations performed in a RAID system. The finite state is only updated in response to calls and call-backs. The call-backs can include procedure returns and interrupt signals. The call is received directly from an application program, and the call-backs are received from a driver and passed back directly to the application software by the finite state machine.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a snapshot container generated in a copy-on-write backup process to function in the presence of a data-handling system (e.g. a file system) that writes data to the backup disk is provided. The snapshot container, which is read-by and written-to by the system backup application is configured as a read-write container with associated driver. The write data from the backup application is provided to, and stored in the snapshot information container that also receives and stores data from the original read-write container in the manner of a backing store container. Data in the snapshot information container is selectively mapped container as a source, or to backup information container as a source, denoting a backup application write, based upon a bit-map associated with the snapshot driver arrangement.