Abstract: Embodiments are directed to locating and restoring backed up items using a custom schema and to efficiently transferring recovery data. In an embodiment, a computer system defines a schema that provides data search and retrieval among backup data sets. The schema stores searchable attributes for each database item and leverages a file system to store file system metadata for the data items of the backup sets. The computer system receives a request to find data items among the backup data sets and accesses the schema to determine, from the stored searchable attributes, which recovery points among the backup data sets include the requested data items. The computer system also restores the requested data items from the determined recovery point within the backup data sets.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to a storage architecture. In aspects, an address provided by a data source is translated into a logical storage address of virtual storage. This logical storage address is translated into an identifier that may be used to store data on or retrieve data from a storage system. The address space of the virtual storage is divided into chunks that may be streamed to the storage system.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for backup using a metadata virtual hard drive (VHD) and a differential VHD. A particular system includes a memory device that stores files and a backup agent configured to detect changes to the files. The system includes a translation module configured to translate the detected changes into VHD formatted changes and a VHD module configured to write the VHD formatted changes to a metadata VHD stored at the memory device. The VHD module is also configured to generate a differential VHD based on the metadata VHD. A network interface at the system is configured to transmit the metadata VHD and the differential VHD to a remote storage device.