Patent ID: 7099901

Claim:
A method for backing up data of a disk array system having a network file server function and a storage area network function, comprising a first functional module configured for the network file server function for permitting access to a plurality of disks and managing the disks on an individual file basis, the first functional module being coupled to a plurality of computers via a local area network, a second functional module configured for the storage area network function for permitting access to the disks on an individual block basis or volume basis, the second functional module being coupled to a storage area network, and communication means for exchanging control information between the first and second functional modules, said method comprising the steps of: causing said first functional module to copy designated files stored on a first disk volume to a second disk volume for backup purposes upon receipt of a backup request; notifying said second functional module of a termination of said copy process of said designated files from the first disk volume to the second disk volume and making a request for copying said second disk volume of said designated files to a storage device external to the disk array system via the storage area network; and causing said second functional module to copy said second disk volume of said designated files to the storage device external to the disk array system upon receipt of a notification of the termination of the copy process and the copy request to the storage device external to the disk array system.