Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for accelerating a response to a request made by a user of an Internet (1) coupled to a server (2), which is coupled to a shared storage (5). Preferably, an object response accelerator (4), or ORA, is inserted between the Internet and the server, and the ORA is coupled by at least one direct access communication link (DACL) to the shared storage. A request from a user to the server is forwarded to the ORA for detection of a condition, on the request. The request is processed locally by the ORA in presence of the condition, but returned to the server in absence thereof. Local processing calls for the ORA to access the shared storage via the DACL and to retrieve the response therefrom. A response to the user is returned via the ORA, both when processed locally or by the server.

Abstract: A Fast Backup Storage and fast Recovery of Data (FBSRD) method for a facility, preferably with a SAN, coupled to a network with servers and workstations, operating in both a storage mode and a recovery mode. Coupled to the network are a primary storage, a repository, and a Backup Appliance computer BA. The BA runs a Backup Computer Program in association with at least one computer. When in storage mode, data is retrieved out of primary storage for back up, by taking snapshots and saving the retrieved data into repository in block format. In recovery mode, backed-up data is retrieved from repository and recovered into primary storage in either one of both block format and file format. The BA runs interactively with an Agent Computer Program residing in each server and workstation, and with a Backup User Interface management computer program operated by a user.