Abstract: Embodiments are directed to efficiently backing up portions of data and to performing a scoped data recovery. In an embodiment, a computer system preloads data images with data corresponding to various different software applications or operating systems. The computer system chunks the data images, so that each data image is divided into multiple data chunks, and where each data chunk is represented by a hash value. The computer system then receives, from a user, portions of delta data representing data differences between the received user data and the data in the preloaded data images. The computer system also generates a logical backup representation that includes the data chunk hash values for the preloaded data images as well as the delta data received from the user. This logical representation allows restoration of the user's data using only the hash values and the delta data.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for backup using a metadata virtual hard drive (VHD) and a differential VHD. A particular system includes a memory device that stores files and a backup agent configured to detect changes to the files. The system includes a translation module configured to translate the detected changes into VHD formatted changes and a VHD module configured to write the VHD formatted changes to a metadata VHD stored at the memory device. The VHD module is also configured to generate a differential VHD based on the metadata VHD. A network interface at the system is configured to transmit the metadata VHD and the differential VHD to a remote storage device.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to efficiently backing up portions of data and to performing a scoped data recovery. In an embodiment, a computer system preloads data images with data corresponding to various different software applications or operating systems. The computer system chunks the data images, so that each data image is divided into multiple data chunks, and where each data chunk is represented by a hash value. The computer system then receives, from a user, portions of delta data representing data differences between the received user data and the data in the preloaded data images. The computer system also generates a logical backup representation that includes the data chunk hash values for the preloaded data images as well as the delta data received from the user. This logical representation allows restoration of the user's data using only the hash values and the delta data.

Abstract: Controlling data retention of a collection of data in a data store. An instruction is received to store a shadow collection of data to the data store. The data store has a previous version of the shadow collection of data. An available amount of data storage space on the data store is identified. An amount of data storage space needed is estimated for storing the shadow collection of data to the data store based on the received instruction. It is determined whether the identified available amount of data storage space is sufficient for storing the estimated amount of data storage space. The shadow collection of data is stored to the data store when said determine indicates that the identified available amount of data storage space is sufficient and the previous version is permitted to be deleted or to be overwritten.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for backup using a metadata virtual hard drive (VHD) and a differential VHD. A particular system includes a memory device that stores files and a backup agent configured to detect changes to the files. The system includes a translation module configured to translate the detected changes into VHD formatted changes and a VHD module configured to write the VHD formatted changes to a metadata VHD stored at the memory device. The VHD module is also configured to generate a differential VHD based on the metadata VHD. A network interface at the system is configured to transmit the metadata VHD and the differential VHD to a remote storage device.

Abstract: Data can be protected at a production server in a virtually continuous fashion, without necessarily imposing severe constraints on the source application(s). For example, a production server can create an application-consistent backup of one or more volumes, the backups corresponding to a first instance in time. A volume filter driver can monitor data changes in each volume using an in-memory bitmap, while a log file and/or update sequence number journal can keep track of which files have been added to or updated. The volume updates are also consistent for an instance (later) in time. At the next replication cycle, such as every few minutes (however configured), the volume filter driver passes each in-memory bitmap to the physical disk on the production server. The production server then sends the updates to the backup server, which thus stores application-consistent backups for the volume for multiple instances of time.

Abstract: Controlling data retention of a collection of data in a data store. An instruction is received to store a shadow collection of data to the data store. The data store has a previous version of the shadow collection of data. An available amount of data storage space on the data store is identified. An amount of data storage space needed is estimated for storing the shadow collection of data to the data store based on the received instruction. It is determined whether the identified available amount of data storage space is sufficient for storing the estimated amount of data storage space. The shadow collection of data is stored to the data store when said determine indicates that the identified available amount of data storage space is sufficient and the previous version is permitted to be deleted or to be overwritten.

Abstract: An automatic resource management service implements a policy to automatically control resource usage by processes running on a computer. A policy expresses criteria for identifying process sets, and imposes allocations and sub-allocations or resource amounts to be used by given process sets and subsets. Exclusion lists are used in an embodiment of the invention to exclude processes from management by the management service. In an embodiment of the invention the resources whose use is managed are CPU resources, although in further embodiments the managed resources include memory resources as well.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention provide systems, methods, and components configured to preserve valid shadow copies during replication cycles, before those valid shadow copies have expired. In particular, one or more components can identify the size and rate of changes in production server data that will be applied to a new volume shadow copy. The components can then determine the storage area that would be needed to store the new volume shadow copy in the backup volume and apply changes onto the backup volume if there is appropriate space. If there is not an appropriate amount of space, the components can alert the system that new action should be taken to preserve both prior, valid shadow copies as well as new shadow copies. For example, a backup administrator may need to increase the shadow copy storage space, or assign a new storage medium for handling new shadow copies.

Abstract: Data can be protected at a production server in a virtually continuous fashion, without necessarily imposing severe constraints on the source application(s). For example, a production server can create an application-consistent backup of one or more volumes, the backups corresponding to a first instance in time. A volume filter driver can monitor data changes in each volume using an in-memory bitmap, while a log file and/or update sequence number journal can keep track of which files have been added to or updated. The volume updates are also consistent for an instance (later) in time. At the next replication cycle, such as every few minutes (however configured), the volume filter driver passes each in-memory bitmap to the physical disk on the production server. The production server then sends the updates to the backup server, which thus stores application-consistent backups for the volume for multiple instances of time.

Abstract: An automatic resource management service implements a policy to automatically control resource usage by processes running on a computer. A policy expresses criteria for identifying process sets, and imposes allocations and sub-allocations or resource amounts to be used by given process sets and subsets. Exclusion lists are used in an embodiment of the invention to exclude processes from management by the management service. In an embodiment of the invention the resources whose use is managed are CPU resources, although in further embodiments the managed resources include memory resources as well.