Abstract: In one embodiment, a backup application transmits a remote request to a virtual machine that includes an application to be backed up. The request solicits metadata from the application that describes a structure of the data stored by the application on the virtual storage devices of the virtual machine. Using the metadata, the backup application may identify objects within the virtual machine. Accordingly, a granular restore of data to the virtual machine may be possible without installing backup software within the virtual machine.

Abstract: A system and method for backing up a virtual machine executing on a virtualization server computer are described. A snapshot of a virtual disk image file of the virtual machine may be created on a network-attached storage (NAS) device coupled to the virtualization server computer. The snapshot may be used to backup the virtual disk image file from the NAS device to a backup storage device without transferring the virtual disk image file through the virtualization server computer. Mapping information useable to access the plurality of files stored in the virtual disk image file on an individual basis may be created and stored together with the backup copy of the virtual disk image file on the backup storage device.

Abstract: A system and method for backing up a virtual machine executing on a virtualization server computer are described. A snapshot of a virtual disk image file of the virtual machine may be created on a network-attached storage (NAS) device coupled to the virtualization server computer. The snapshot may be used to backup the virtual disk image file from the NAS device to a backup storage device without transferring the virtual disk image file through the virtualization server computer. Mapping information useable to access the plurality of files stored in the virtual disk image file on an individual basis may be created and stored together with the backup copy of the virtual disk image file on the backup storage device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a backup application transmits a remote request to a virtual machine that includes an application to be backed up. The request solicits metadata from the application that describes a structure of the data stored by the application on the virtual storage devices of the virtual machine. Using the metadata, the backup application may identify objects within the virtual machine (e.g. individual files, individual messages, database records or tables, etc.). Accordingly, a granular restore of data to the virtual machine may be possible without installing backup software within the virtual machine.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product that enable integrated scheduling and management of frozen images for backup and recovery purposes. Frozen images are created, cataloged, and managed in accordance with a backup policy including a schedule for generating frozen images. Minimal data are saved to allow fast synchronization of the persistent frozen images with production data, and frozen images are cataloged in a catalog that may include entries for other types of backups to provide a single source of information for all backups of production data.

Abstract: A deleted snapshot of a data volume may be reconstructed from an existing snapshot and one or more modification logs. For example, modifications to the data volume that occur subsequent to creation of a first snapshot may be logged in a modification log. If the first snapshot is deleted, the first snapshot may be reconstructed by modifying a second snapshot, created after the first snapshot, according to the modification log in order to undo any modifications made to the data volume prior to creation of the second snapshot and after creation of the first snapshot.