A method enables cluster-level
backup and restore functionality of all Virtual Input / Output
Server (VIOS) configuration data within a VIOS cluster and the data of a shared VIOS cluster
database. The method comprises: performing, via a
backup / restore utility of a VIOS partition, a cluster level
backup, which creates a first VIOS cluster configuration backup file having configuration information about hardware, logical and virtual devices of each VIOS partition within a VIOS cluster and all cluster data from the shared VIOS
database of the VIOS cluster; storing the VIOS cluster configuration backup file within a storage location; and responsive to
receipt of a VIOS restore command at a VIOS partition: retrieving the configuration backup file from the storage location; restoring a configuration of the hardware, logical and virtual devices of each VIOS within the VIOS cluster to prior state; and restoring the shared VIOS
database with the backed-up cluster data.