Patent ID: 8346726
Filing Date: 2013-01-01
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for virtualizing a physical machine from a backup image of said physical machine, comprising: creating a backup image of said physical machine in a format for a virtual machine image for a virtualization server, further comprising saving together therewith, supplemental to said image, machine configuration information of said physical machine, said machine configuration information comprising persistent and volatile state; and loading said backup image as a virtual machine image under said virtualization server, wherein the method of loading said backup image comprises: a) selecting a node (or a set of nodes) representing said physical machine from said backup image, wherein said backup image comprises an application-consistent image as of a specific point-in-time of primary storage where the production data of said physical machine resides, and is taken from the latest point in time or any other point in time; b) transforming said backup image into a LUN by creating a pseudo-file which presents an envelope on top of said backup image; c) reading metadata comprising said machine configuration information saved in conjunction with said backup image and using said metadata to issue directives for creating a virtual machine; and d) booting said virtual machine from said LUN.