Patent ID: 8352785
Filing Date: 2013-01-08
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for generating a unified virtual snapshot, the method comprising: generating, at a file virtualization device, a uniquely identifiable virtual snapshot configuration record identifying each of a plurality of independent data storage systems in a heterogeneous storage network system, wherein at least one of the independent data storage systems is configured to store metadata associated with content stored by one or more of the independent data storage systems; storing, with the file virtualization device, the virtual snapshot configuration record at each of the independent data storage systems; invoking, with the file virtualization device, a capture of a plurality of physical snapshots of each of the independent data storage systems, wherein each of the physical snapshots comprises the virtual snapshot configuration record; mapping, at the file virtualization device, the captured plurality of physical snapshots together to generate the unified virtual snapshot; and storing, with the file virtualization device, the generated unified virtual snapshot.