Abstract: A backup server controls the backing up of data stored on a mass storage subsystem in response to a backup request from a host identifying data to be backed up during a backup operation, the mass storage subsystem storing data in a plurality of mirrored copies. The backup server comprises a discovery module, a preparation module, an execution module and a clean-up module. The discovery module receives the backup request and identifies, during a discovery phase, at least one storage location on the mass storage subsystem on which data to be backed up during the backup operation is stored. The preparation module, during a preparation phase following the discovery phase, enables the mass storage subsystem to sever one of said mirrored copies and make it available to backup server for the backup operation.

Abstract: A file management system is disclosed for managing files stored on a mass storage subsystem in response to file management commands. The mass storage subsystem stores data on at least one storage device, said storage device including a series of blocks. The file management system comprises an operating system-independent file map, a file management command receiver module, and a file management command execution module. The operating system-independent file map stores information identifying, for each file, block information identifying blocks on which the file is stored. The file management command receiver module receives a file management command. The file management command execution module executes the file management command in relation to the operating system-independent file map.

Abstract: An operating system-independent file map generator generates an operating system-independent map of a file stored on a mass storage subsystem, the mass storage subsystem including at least one storage device, the at least one storage device including a series of blocks, and the file being stored on a least device extent comprising at least one block. The generator comprises a file identifier receiver, a query module and a file map entry generator. The file identifier receiver receives a file identifier for the file. The query module queries a volume manager to obtain disk extent information for the file identified by the file identifier, the disk extent information identifying the at least one extent. The file map entry generator generates a file map entry for the file map for the file, the file map entry including the disk extent information obtained by the query module.