Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus for providing dynamic and automated assignment of data logical unit numbers (LUNs) use an interface on a management server to control data backup process in a storage area network (SAN). The management server may keep a master list of which LUNs each server or host is allowed to access. Data backup may be accomplished using backup software. The method creates a snapshot LUN, i.e., an exact copy of an existing LUN at a given point in time, and creates a unique identifier, referred to as a snapshot identifier, corresponding to the snapshot LUN. The interface uses the snapshot identifier to control access to the snapshot LUN. The backup software may request that the management server assign the snapshot LUN to a backup server so that the backup server can access the snapshot LUN for data backup purposes.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus for providing dynamic and automated assignment of data logical unit numbers (LUNs) use an interface on a management server to control data backup process in a storage area network (SAN). The management server may keep a master list of which LUNs each server or host is allowed to access. Data backup may be accomplished using backup software. The method creates a snapshot LUN, i.e., an exact copy of an existing LUN at a given point in time, and creates a unique identifier, referred to as a snapshot identifier, corresponding to the snapshot LUN. The interface uses the snapshot identifier to control access to the snapshot LUN. The backup software may request that the management server assign the snapshot LUN to a backup server so that the backup server can access the snapshot LUN for data backup purposes.