Patent ID: 8862547
Filing Date: 2014-10-14
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method of centralizing storage of backup records, the method comprising: at a first web-browser, receiving a first user request to send a first backup catalog stored on a first backup server to a central server, the first backup catalog storing a plurality of backup records, each backup record including metadata about a different backup job performed by the first backup server to backup user data onto removable media, wherein the metadata within each backup record of the first backup catalog about the respective backup job performed by the first backup server includes: a list of files backed up in that backup job, an identification of a client machine from which the files backed up in that backup job originated, a serial number identifying a particular removable media unit of the removable media where the files were stored in that backup job, a date that that backup job was performed, and an expiration date associated with the files stored in that backup job; at the first web-browser, in response to receiving the first user request, sending a first web-based command to the central server over a network; at the central server, receiving the first web-based command, and, in response, sending, to the first web-browser, a first web-browser-compatible applet configured to upload the first backup catalog from the first backup server to the central server over the network; at a second web-browser, receiving a second user request to send a second backup catalog stored on a second backup server to the central server, the second backup server being distinct from the first backup server, the second backup catalog storing a plurality of backup records, each backup record including metadata about a different backup job performed by the second backup server to backup user data onto removable media; at the second web-browser, in response to receiving the second user request, sending a second web-based command to the central server over the network; at the central server, receiving the second web-based command, and, in response, sending, to the second web-browser, a second web-browser-compatible applet configured to upload the second backup catalog from the second backup server to the central server over the network; at the central server, receiving, over the network, the first backup catalog from the first web-browser and the second backup catalog from the second web-browser; at the central server, extracting all backup records from the received first backup catalog and the received second backup catalog; and placing each extracted backup record into a central backup catalog on the central server.