Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide an alternative mechanism for copying files. A request to copy a first file from a first source location to a first target location is received. A first checksum value of the first file is determined and used in a query to find a second source location for a second file. The second file has a second checksum value that is equivalent to the first checksum value. Additionally, the second file is located at the second source location. A determination is made regarding whether to copy the first file from the first source location or the second file from the second source location. Thereafter, the first source file or the second source file is copied to the first target location based on the determining.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide an alternative mechanism for copying files. A request to copy a first file from a first source location to a first target location is received. A first checksum value of the first file is determined and used in a query to find a second source location for a second file. The second file has a second checksum value that is equivalent to the first checksum value. Additionally, the second file is located at the second source location. A determination is made regarding whether to copy the first file from the first source location or the second file from the second source location. Thereafter, the first source file or the second source file is copied to the first target location based on the determining.