Patent ID: 7747594

Claim:
A method of dynamically converting between file formats on a computer system with a filter driver, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring a plurality of access requests for a plurality of files stored in a persistent storage system, wherein each of the plurality of files has an original file format; generating statistics regarding dynamic conversion of the original file format into a different file format that the plurality of access requests for the plurality of files are requested; if a predetermined threshold based on the statistics is reached for one of the plurality of files, determining if the original file format for the one of the plurality of files is a most efficient format; if the original file format is the most efficient file format, continuing monitoring the plurality of access requests; if the original file format is not the most efficient file format, converting the original file format into the most efficient file format; and storing the one of the plurality of files to the persistent storage system in the most efficient file format.