Abstract: A method and apparatus for incrementally backing up database files is described. In one embodiment, the present invention replicates an original database file for the purpose of creating a backup database file. The backup database file is subsequently stored in a data store and the original database file is monitored for at least one change (i.e., new e-mail message). In response to a detected change, the change to the original database file is copied to the backup database file so that the two database files are replicas of each other.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and method for performing a backup operation to backup a volume formatted according to a particular file system to an online server computer system are disclosed. Backing up the volume may include backing up both the data files and the file system metadata of the volume. Various techniques may be utilized to avoid duplication of data on the server computer system and reduce the amount of data transmitted over the network. The backup information created on the server computer system may be useable to perform a complete restore of the volume on the client computer system, e.g., in the event of a storage device failure on the client computer system.