Patent ID: 8429359
Filing Date: 2013-04-23
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for backing up a storage system storing a database, comprising: utilizing a volume snapshot service (VSS) to create a snapshot image file of said storage system, wherein said snapshot image file includes a copy of said database created without invoking database activity, and said snapshot image file contains a SQL bitmap; reading data blocks of said copy of said database in said snapshot image file; ascertaining a number of modified data blocks, wherein said modified data blocks are said data blocks that have changed since a last backup operation, said ascertaining comprises contrasting said SQL bitmap to an original bitmap to determine said number of said modified data blocks, and said original bitmap represents data blocks from said last backup operation; estimating a backup size from said number of said modified data blocks; determining if said backup size exceeds a predetermined threshold at or below which no backup operation is to be conducted; and conducting a backup operation in the event said predetermined threshold has been exceeded.