Backup system and method based on data characteristics

Abstract

The present invention permits backup processing suited to data characteristics relating to backup target data by means of a method that is simple for the user. Data characteristic classification definition information, in which data characteristic IDs correspond with one or more data characteristic types respectively, and mapping information, in which backup destination server information corresponds with one or more data characteristic IDs respectively, are prepared. The backup source server 3 sets data characteristic IDs in each of the backup target files on the basis of metadata of designated backup target files and of the data characteristic classification definition information, and then determines backup destination servers 6A to 6C for each of the backup target files on the basis of the set data characteristic IDs and mapping information and transmits the backup target files to the determined servers 6A to 6C.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 794,241, filed Mar. 5, 2004, which relates to and claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-320771 filed on Sep. 12, 2003, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to a technology for backing up data, and, more specifically, to a technology for backing up data to at least one device among a plurality of backup destination devices via a communication network, for example. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Conventionally known backup systems are systems in which a plurality of backup destination servers exist in a communication network such as the Internet, and at least one backup destination server is selected from this plurality of backup destination servers, and data is backed up by transferring data to the b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0024] By including a backup availability time in the backup list, the reading of backup target data at a time other than the backup availability time can be prevented beforehand, and hence stability can be raised.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the backup list transmitter controls the time for transmitting the backup list to the backup destination computer device.

[0028] For example, as a result of a shift between the backup availability time that is granted one backup destination computer device and a backup availability time that is granted another backup destination computer device, the time of the backup processing by each backup destination computer device can be adjusted and the processing load on the backup source computer device and the communication network traffic can be controlled.

Problems solved by technology

However, with the above-mentioned conventional backup systems, the data characteristics relating to the backup target data are not considered when a backup is made.

However, the setting of backup processing in such small units is a tedious operation and troublesome for the user.

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