Abstract: A computer-implemented method for creating optimized synthetic backup images may include (1) transferring a backup image that represents a virtual machine at a specific point in time to a server that stores the backup image, (2) identifying a subsequent backup image that represents at least a portion of the virtual machine at a subsequent point in time, (3) creating a data stream that includes (i) at least one changed data block captured in the subsequent backup image and (ii) at least one reference that identifies where at least one unchanged data block is located within the backup image stored on the server, and then (4) transferring the data stream to the server to enable the server to create an optimized synthetic backup image of the virtual machine. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for partitioning a data stream into a plurality of segments of varying sizes. A data stream manager partitions a received data stream into segments which are then conveyed to a deduplication engine for processing. The data stream received by the data stream manager includes metadata corresponding to the data stream. Based upon the metadata, which may include an indication as to a type of data included in the data stream, the data stream is partitioned into segments for further processing. A size of a segment used for partitioning given data is based at least in part on a type of data being partitioned. The variable segment sizes may be chosen to balance between maximizing the deduplication ratio and minimizing both the segment count and the size of the fingerprint index.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a map of files related to a virtual disk of a virtual machine comprising inspecting file system entries within at least one volume of the virtual disk; converting information related to file system entries into a map, where the map comprises file locations within a physical disk for the files related to the virtual disk.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating and utilizing a map of files related to a virtual disk of a virtual machine. In one embodiment, the method comprises inspecting file system entries within at least one volume of the virtual disk; converting information related to file system entries into a map, where the map comprises file locations within a physical disk for the files related to the virtual disk. In another embodiment, the method comprises examining a map of an image of at least a portion of a virtual disk, accessing the image, extracting and utilizing at least one file. In yet another embodiment, the method comprises creating a map related to an image representing stored files in a virtual disk, storing the map and the image, selecting a file, examining the map, accessing the image, extracting the file from the image and restoring the file to a storage system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mapping virtual drives is described. In one embodiment, the method for mapping virtual drives comprises processing first locations of a plurality of file system objects within a virtual volume and converting the first locations of the plurality of file system objects within the virtual volume into second locations of the plurality of file system objects relative to a virtual drive of at least one virtual drive, wherein the at least one virtual drive form a portion of the virtual volume.

Abstract: A system and method for backing up a virtual machine executing on a virtualization server computer are described. A snapshot of a virtual disk image file of the virtual machine may be created on a network-attached storage (NAS) device coupled to the virtualization server computer. The snapshot may be used to backup the virtual disk image file from the NAS device to a backup storage device without transferring the virtual disk image file through the virtualization server computer. Mapping information useable to access the plurality of files stored in the virtual disk image file on an individual basis may be created and stored together with the backup copy of the virtual disk image file on the backup storage device.

Abstract: A system and method for backing up a virtual machine executing on a virtualization server computer are described. A snapshot of a virtual disk image file of the virtual machine may be created on a network-attached storage (NAS) device coupled to the virtualization server computer. The snapshot may be used to backup the virtual disk image file from the NAS device to a backup storage device without transferring the virtual disk image file through the virtualization server computer. Mapping information useable to access the plurality of files stored in the virtual disk image file on an individual basis may be created and stored together with the backup copy of the virtual disk image file on the backup storage device.