Abstract: A backup management system includes a backup manager and a number of agents. Each of the agents is in communication with the backup manager and with each other through a network. Each of the agents includes at least one virtual machine (VM). Any agent of the number of agents can send a backup request to the backup manager when the agent needs to back up the at least one VM. The backup manager can instruct the agent how to back up the at least one VM to another agent of the number of agents.

Abstract: A backup management system includes a backup management device and a number of electronic devices. Each of the electronic devices is in communication with the backup management device and with each other through a network. Each of the electronic devices includes at least one virtual machine. When one of the electronic devices needs to back up the at least one virtual machine, the electronic device sends a backup request to the backup management device. The backup management device instructs the electronic device to back up the at least one virtual machine to one of the other electronic devices.