Abstract: The disclosed computer-implemented method for backing up heterogeneous virtual environments may include (1) identifying a request to back up a virtual machine executing on a host system, (2) creating a storage map of a virtual storage environment of the virtual machine by (a) identifying, from the host system, a virtual disk file that stores data for the virtual machine and (b) identifying, from a guest system operating within the virtual machine, one or more virtual storage devices that store data for the virtual machine, and (3) creating a unified backup of the virtual machine based on the storage map of the virtual storage environment by coordinating a backup operation of the virtual disk file with a backup operation of the virtual storage device. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques for performing an incremental backup are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for performing an incremental backup comprising retrieving a first identifier from a first portion of a prior backup of a database, backing up a first portion of a snapshot of the database, retrieving, using at least one computer processor, a second portion of the snapshot of the database, determining whether a second identifier of the second portion of the snapshot of the database is greater than the first identifier, and in the event the second identifier is greater than the first identifier, backing up the second portion of the snapshot of the database.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for file sharing between continuous and scheduled backups is described. One example relates to backing up source data stored by a computer system. A first portion of the source data is backed up at points in time in response to a backup schedule to produce a plurality of partial backups. A second portion of the source data is backed up continuously in response to changes of the second portion to maintain a replica of the second portion. The replica of the second portion is linked to the plurality of partial backups to produce a respective plurality of full backups of the source data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a database replica comprising receiving database information from a source server to create a database replica on a target server. The target server subsequently receives at least one set of update data (e.g., a transaction log) from the source server. Lastly, the target server modifies the database replica in accordance to changes detailed in the at least one set of said update data.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for file sharing between continuous and scheduled backups is described. One example relates to backing up source data stored by a computer system. A first portion of the source data is backed up at points in time in response to a backup schedule to produce a plurality of partial backups. A second portion of the source data is backed up continuously in response to changes of the second portion to maintain a replica of the second portion. The replica of the second portion is linked to the plurality of partial backups to produce a respective plurality of full backups of the source data.

Abstract: Techniques for continuous data protection are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for reducing data protection system outages comprising polling a data protection client device, receiving a response from the data protection client device, parsing the response to determine whether restarting a data protection process is required, and restarting a data protection process on the data protection client device, if restarting the data protection process is required.