Abstract: A data storage is configured to manage access between a backup storage system coupled to a network and hosts connected to the network. The data storage includes a storage device partitioned into a number of volumes for storing data; a first database including first configuration data for identifying which of a number of hosts coupled to the data storage have authorized access to the volumes of the storage device; a backup system having a backup storage device for storing at least a portion of data stored on the storage device; and a second database including second configuration data for identifying which of the hosts have access to the backup storage, device.

Abstract: A redundant communication network includes servers having production servers and a backup server; a storage system including a plurality of production volumes for storing data and a corresponding plurality of backup volumes connected to each of the production volumes. The redundant communication network also includes a first channel and a second channel for allowing communication between the production servers and the production volume of the storage system and a backup storage unit connected to the backup server. A method for performing a backup operation on the network includes the following steps. One of the production servers selects one of the production volumes for backup. The selected one of the production volumes is disconnected from a corresponding one of the plurality of backup volumes. The relative load on each of the first and second channels of the redundant communication network is determined.