Abstract: A method and system can be used to read and obtain data from a variety of media, regardless of the application used to generate the backup media. The component parts of a file may be read from a medium, including content and metadata pertaining to a file. These pieces of content and metadata may then be stored and associated. To avoid duplication of data, pieces of content and metadata may be compared to previously stored content and metadata. Furthermore, using these same methods and systems the content and metadata of a file may be associated with a location where the file resided. A database which stores these components and allows linking between the various stored components may be particularly useful in implementing embodiments of these methods and systems.

Abstract: A method and system can be used to read and obtain data from messaging files regardless of the messaging environment used to generate the messaging files. The method and system can read part of a messaging file to identify the type of entry (e.g., email message, calendar item, address book entry, etc.) and access information on where information within the entry is located within the messaging file based on an identifying signature. The method and system can be used to obtain data from messaging files without having to recreate the messaging environment, including individual email accounts. The data can be stored in a target storage medium in a format that is more usable and more easily searched.

Abstract: Methods and systems for storing information extracted from a file are presented. These methods and systems can be used to store content and metadata extracted from a file, and to associate the content and metadata so a holistic image of the file may be maintained. Additionally, these methods and systems may allow the location of a file to be stored and associated with the content or metadata of the file. Methods, systems and databases of this type may be especially useful in avoiding duplication of data by allowing the content and metadata of files to be compared to previously stored content and metadata.

Abstract: A method and system can be used to read and obtain data from backup media regardless of the application used to generate the backup media. The method and system can read part of a tape to identify the application used to generate a backup tape and access information on where information is located on the tape based on an identifying signature. The method and system can be used to process large amounts of data from backup tapes without having to recreate the native backup environment. Filters may be applied to determine which data is relevant and storing that information on a target sub-system that may have a different operating system compared to the computer from which the backup tape was generated. The method and system are particularly useful for identifying and segregating evidence or for performing knowledge management functions at a company, potentially having over a thousand employees.