Abstract: A system includes a first storage unit connected to a secondary storage unit such that data written to the first storage unit is replicated on the secondary storage unit. The first storage unit in at least one embodiment includes the capability to intercept input/output instructions for routing to a buffer and/or directly to the secondary storage unit. A method for operation of a first storage unit includes intercepting a data operation from a requesting client, determining whether the data operation modifies data. When no modification of data is required, the method retrieves the requested data from the first storage unit and transmits the requested data to the requesting client. When a modification of data is required, the method performs the data operation in the first storage unit, stores the data operation in a buffer, transmits the data operation from the buffer to the second storage unit, receives a confirmation from the second storage unit is done, and deletes the data operation in the buffer.

Abstract: A system includes a primary storage unit connected to a secondary storage unit such that data written to the primary storage unit is replicated on the secondary storage unit. The primary storage unit in at least one exemplary embodiment includes the capability to intercept input/output instructions for routing to a buffer and/or directly to the secondary storage unit. The system in at least one exemplary embodiment includes a backup storage unit for backing up data from at least the secondary storage unit offline and the capability to update the secondary storage unit once it returns to an online status.

Abstract: A method in at least one embodiment allows for a two stage backup where the first stage backup is to a backup data unit, which will occur in under one hour, and the second stage backup is to other computer readable medium, which can occur over a period of at least twenty-three hours. A method in at least one embodiment provides for a method to backup data through a series of backup units. A method in at least one exemplary embodiment allows for a user to retrieve data or files from at least one previous backup.

Abstract: A system in at least one exemplary embodiment includes a source data unit and at least one backup data unit for backing up data from at least the source data unit offline. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the system includes the capability to update the source data unit once it returns to an online status. A method in at least one exemplary embodiment allows for a two stage backup where the first stage backup is to a backup data unit, which will occur in under one hour, and the second stage backup is to other computer readable medium, which can occur over a period of at least twenty-three hours. A method in at least one exemplary embodiment allows for a user to retrieve data or files from a previous backup.