Patent ID: 8082229

Claim:
A computer-implemented method of backing up a database, the database being distributed in a plurality of storage devices, comprising: receiving a target designation designating a target database, the target database including a first set of tables, wherein one or more tables in the first set of tables is distributed in a first plurality of table spaces, which first plurality of table spaces are distributed and stored in the plurality of storage devices, and a first management information storage area storing management information specifying how the first set of tables and the first plurality of table spaces are distributed across the plurality of storage devices; selecting two or more storage devices, of the plurality of storage devices, storing at least a portion of the target database; establishing a quiesce point by completing an ongoing transaction for the target database and inhibiting a further transaction; in response to establishing the quiesce point, generating a backup by collectively copying data on each storage device of the two or more selected storage devices; and recording the backup associated with a quiesce point indication indicating backed up data of the said each storage device of the two or more selected storage devices in accordance with the quiesce point; determining, for said each storage device, whether at least a portion of a different database distributed in the plurality of storage devices is stored in said each storage device, the different database including a second set of tables that is different from the first set of tables, wherein one or more tables in the second set of tables is distributed in a second plurality of table spaces, which second plurality of table spaces are distributed and stored in the plurality of storage devices, and a second management information storage area storing management information specifying how the second set of tables and the second plurality of table spaces are distributed across the plurality of storage devices; selecting the different database as another target database; and selecting one or more additional storage devices storing the another target database, wherein said establishing establishes the quiesce point for the target database and the another target database, wherein said generating generates the backup by collectively copying the data on said each storage device and each of the one or more additional storage devices, and wherein said recording records the backup associated with the quiesce point indication indicating backed up data of said each storage device and said each of the one or more additional storage devices.