Abstract: An incrementally-scalable database system and method. The system architecture enables database servers to be scaled by adding resources, such as additional servers, without requiring that the system be taken offline. Such scaling includes both adding one or more computer servers to a given server cluster, which enables an increase in database read transaction throughput, and adding one or more server clusters to the system configuration, which provides for increased read and write transaction throughput. The system also provides for load balancing read transactions across each server cluster, and load balancing write transactions across a plurality of server clusters.

Abstract: A backup system is operated in accordance with a server or intelligent storage data controller containing a pre-written script governing a backup protocol. This script designates the possible source of data for backup that could become visible on the network and the possible storage sets that may be available in the storage repository. Preferably, the script also contains a timetable for when the script should be active, and wrap up interval of time for intelligently terminating a particular backup operation. In operation, the total number of accessible data sources (usually computers) and the total number of storage media destinations (for example available tapes mounted in tape drives) are generated to list possible source to storage paths. Utilizing the script, the possible source to storage paths are prioritized with the least recently backed up source as dated by the available media having first priority for backup.

Abstract: A data archive format is disclosed for archiving computer information taken from computer sessions, each session being of the form that includes a so-called "root directory" with appropriate branches leading to each discrete file or subfile within the computer session. The archive format includes the transfer of data to an archive media member, which archive media member can alternatively be addressable or sequential memory and can be recordable in either a rewriteable or right once manner. When data is archieved, a separate and resident archived directory is created in the immediate memory of the computer having data to be archived, the purpose of this separate and resident directory being to maintain high speed during reading and writing of the archived data.