Method and system for reciprocal data backup

• US 20040260973A1
• Filed: 05/04/2004
• Published: 12/23/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/06/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cascade Basic Research Corporation
• Original Assignee: Cascade Basic Research Corporation
• Inventors: Michelman, Eric
• Granted Patent: US 7,328,366 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 714/13
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/1451 by selection of backup contents
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/1456 Hardware arrangements for backup
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/1458 Management of the backup or restore process
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/1461 Backup scheduling policy
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/1464 for networked environments
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/1469 Backup restoration techniques

Abstract

Methods and systems for a reciprocal backup of data, including files, directories, and application data are provided. Example embodiments provide a Reciprocal Backup System (“RBS”), which enables users of two or more computer systems connected over a network to engage each other for automated reciprocal backup needs using peer-to-peer computing techniques. The peer computer systems negotiate a reciprocal backup relationship where each provides the other with backup storage in a secure fashion. The intermittent nature of some partners is handled automatically by the RBS, which supports fully automated and scheduled backups as well as immediate backup and restoration of data objects. In one embodiment, the RBS comprises reciprocal backup system partner support and one or more storage repositories. The RBS partner support includes a reciprocal backup manager and scheduler and a reciprocal backup agent. These components cooperate to provide the backup and restoration operations of the RBS.

Claims

1. A peer-to-peer reciprocal backup system in a network of computer systems, comprising:

an originating computer system that is structured to;

establish a reciprocal backup relationship with one of the computer systems, the relationship specifying an amount of backup storage for backups of data from the originating computer system on the one of the computer systems and an amount of reciprocal backup storage available on the originating computer system for storing backups of data from the one of the computer systems;

transmit data to the one of the computer systems to be backed up according to the established reciprocal backup relationship; and

receive data from the one of the computer systems to be backed up according to the established reciprocal backup relationship.

a depository computer system that is structured to;

participate as the one of the computer systems in establishing the reciprocal backup relationship with the originating computer system;

receive data from the originating computer system to be backed up according to the established reciprocal backup relationship; and

transmit data to the originating computer system to be backed up according to the established reciprocal backup relationship.

2. The backup system of claim 1 wherein the originating computer system is further structured to:

request previously backed up data from the one of the computer systems; and

receive previously backed up data from the one of the computer systems responsive to the request; and

wherein the depository computer system is further structured to send the requested data to the originating computer system upon receiving a restore request.

3. A method for performing peer-to-peer reciprocal backup in a network of computer systems, comprising:

establishing a reciprocal backup relationship between an originating partner computer system (“

originating partner”

) and a depository partner computer system (“

depository partner”

), the relationship specifying an amount of backup storage for backups of data from the originating partner on the depository partner and an amount of reciprocal backup storage on the originating partner for storing backups of data from the depository partner;

transmitting data from the originating partner to the depository partner to be backed up according to the established reciprocal backup relationship;

storing the data transmitted from the originating partner on backup storage of the depository partner;

transmitting data from the depository partner to the originating partner to be backed up according to the established reciprocal backup relationship; and

storing the data transmitted from the depository partner on backup storage of the originating partner.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:

requesting a copy of previously backed up data from the depository partner;

transmitting the requested data from the depository partner to the originating partner in response to the request; and

storing the data transmitted from the depository partner in a storage location of the originating partner to restore the requested data.

5. A peer-to-peer reciprocal backup system in a network of computer systems, comprising:

an originating computer system that is structured to;

establish a reciprocal backup relationship with one of the computer systems, the relationship specifying an amount of backup storage for backups of data from the originating computer system on the one of the computer systems and an amount of reciprocal backup storage available on the originating computer system for storing backups of data from the one of the computer systems; and

transmit data to be backed up according to the established reciprocal backup relationship; and

a depository computer system that is structured to;

participate as the one of the computer systems in establishing the reciprocal backup relationship with the originating computer system; and

receive data from the originating computer system to be backed up according to the established reciprocal backup relationship.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the depository computer system is further structured to:

receive a request from the originating computer system for data to be restored on the originating computer system; and

locate and return previously backed up data that corresponds to the received request from the originating computer system for data to be restored.

7. The system claim 5 wherein the originating computer system is further structured to:

receive data from the depository computer system to be backed up according to the established reciprocal backup relationship.

8. The system of claim 5 wherein the originating computer system is further structured to:

receive a request from the depository computer system for data to be restored on the depository computer system; and

locate and return previously backed up data that corresponds to the received request from the depository computer system for data to be restored.

9. The system of claim 5 wherein the originating computer system is further structured to establish the reciprocal backup relationship by:

issuing an invitation to the one of the computer systems to establish the reciprocal backup relationship; and

negotiating a requested amount of storage and an amount of reciprocal storage available.

10. The system of claim 5 wherein the originating computer system is further structured to transmit the data to be backed up to a cache.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the cache is located on a caching server.

12. The system of claim 10 wherein the cache is storage located on the originating computer system.

13. The system of claim 10 wherein the depository computer system receives the data to be backed up from the cache.

14. A software interface expressed as instructions stored in a computer-readable memory medium of an originating computer system for causing a computer processor to manage peer-to-peer reciprocal backup relationships in a network of computer systems, comprising:

an originating partner portion that, when executed by a computer processor,

establishes a reciprocal backup relationship that specifies an amount of backup storage for storing data from the originating computer system on a one of the computer systems and an amount of reciprocal backup storage available on the originating computer system for storing data from the one of the computer systems; and

transmits data to be backed up on the one of the computer systems according to the established reciprocal backup relationship; and

a depository partner portion that, when executed by a computer processor,

receives data to be backed up according to the established reciprocal backup relationship; and

causes the received data to be stored.

15. The software interface of claim 14, further comprising:

a second depository partner portion that is stored on a computer-readable memory medium of the one of the computer systems with which the reciprocal backup relationship is established and that, when executed, participates in the establishing of the reciprocal backup relationship, receives data from the originating partner portion, and causes the data to be stored on the one of the computer systems.

16. The software interface of claim 14, further comprising:

a second originating partner portion that is stored on the computer-readable memory medium of the one of the computer systems with which the reciprocal backup relationship is established and that, when executed, forwards data to the depository partner portion to be backed up on the originating computer system according to the established reciprocal backup relationship.

17. The software interface of claim 14 wherein the originating partner portion transmits data by transmitting data to a cache prior to transmitting the data to the one of the computer systems.

18. The software interface of claim 14 wherein the originating partner portion transmits at least a portion of the data to be backed up as encrypted data.

19. The software interface of claim 14 wherein the originating partner portion is further structured to determine a backup schedule and transmit the data to be backed up in accordance with the determined backup schedule.

20. The software interface of claim 14 wherein the originating partner portion is further structured to request restoration of data previously backed up according to the established reciprocal backup relationship.

21. The software interface of claim 14 wherein the depository partner portion is further structured to receive a request for data to be restored.

22. The software interface of claim 14 wherein the transmitted data to be backed up is a file, a directory, or an application-specific data structure.

23. A computer-implemented method for performing backup from an originating computer system to storage located on at least one of a plurality of depository computer systems connected over a network, comprising:

establishing at least one reciprocal backup relationship with one of the depository computer systems;

specifying data to be backed up;

determining a depository partner computer system from the established reciprocal backup relationships; and

indicating to the determined depository partner the specified data for backup to storage of the determined depository partner.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein the specifying the data to be backed up comprises using a graphical user interface to determine specific objects to be backed up.

25. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

transmitting the specified data to the determined depository partner.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the transmitting to the determined depository partner, further comprises:

authenticating the determined depository partner computer system.

27. The method of claim 25 wherein the transmitting is delayed until the determined depository partner indicates that the determined depository partner is on-line.

28. The method of claim 25 wherein the transmitting further comprises:

transmitting the specified data as encrypted data to the determined depository partner.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising:

transmitting unencrypted meta information regarding the specified data so that the depository partner can identify the transmitted encrypted data.

30. The method of claim 25, further comprising:

before transmitting the specified data to the determined depository partner, determining whether there is sufficient storage remaining on the determined depository partner to backup the specified data.

31. The method of claim 23 wherein the indicating to the determined depository partner the specified data further comprises:

determining a caching server; and

transmitting the specified data to the caching server for later transmission to the determined depository partner.

32. The method of claim 23 wherein the indicating to the determined depository partner the specified data further comprises:

caching the specified data for backup in storage on the originating computer system for later transmission to the determined depository partner.

33. The method of claim 32, the caching permitting multiple snapshots of the specified data to be indicated for backup.

34. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

specifying a schedule for performing the backup; and

sending the specified data for backup based upon the specified schedule.

35. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

determining data to be restored to storage on the originating computer system;

determining a depository partner computer system for restoration that previously backed up the determined data to be restored; and

requesting from the determined depository partner for restoration the data to be restored;

36. The method of claim 35, further comprising:

receiving from the depository partner for restoration the data to be restored.

37. The method of claim 35, further comprising:

determining a second depository partner computer system for restoration that had previously backed up at least a portion of the data to be restored; and

requesting from the second determined depository partner for restoration the portion of the data to be restored; and

receiving at least portions of the data to be restored from both the second determined depository partner for restoration and the determined depository partner for restoration.

38. The method of claim 35 wherein the data to be restored constitutes a complete restoration of data of the originating computer system.

39. The method of claim 23 wherein the determining of the depository partner is selected based upon the specified data.

40. The method of claim 23 wherein the specified data specifies at least one file.

41. The method of claim 23 wherein the specified data specifies a directory.

42. The method of claim 23 wherein the specified data is a standing backup list.

43. The method of claim 23 wherein the specified data is application-specific.

44. The method of claim 23 wherein the specified data are portions of a database.

45. The method of claim 44 wherein the portions of the database are stored in an application-specific manner in a block of storage that is treated as if it were a file.

46. The method of claim 23, the establishing the at least one reciprocal backup relationship further comprising:

requesting a reciprocal backup relationship with the one of the depository computer systems; and

negotiating for an amount of storage for backups to storage on the one of the depository computer systems.

47. The method of claim 46, the negotiating for the amount of storage further comprising:

specifying a desired amount of storage for backups from the originating computer system; and

specifying an amount of storage for reciprocal backups of data from the one of the depository computer systems.

48. The method of claim 47 wherein the specified desired amount of storage for backups and the specified amount of storage for reciprocal backups represents an even trade.

49. The method of claim 47 wherein the specified desired amount of storage for backups and the specified amount of storage for reciprocal backups represents an uneven trade.

50. The method of claim 47, the specifying the amount of storage for reciprocal backups of data from the one of the depository computer systems further comprising:

receiving an indication from the depository computer system that indicates a modification of the amount of storage for reciprocal backups.

51. The method of claim 46, the negotiating for the amount of storage further comprising:

receiving a response from the one of the depository computer systems that indicates an acceptance of the requested reciprocal backup relationship.

52. The method of claim 46, the negotiating for the amount of storage further comprising:

receiving a response from the one of the depository computer systems that indicates a requested modification of the requested reciprocal backup relationship.

53. The method of claim 46 wherein the negotiating for an amount of storage for backups to storage on the one of the depository computer systems comprises accepting the negotiated requested reciprocal backup relationship.

54. The method of claim 46 wherein the negotiating for the amount of storage further comprises:

specifying a desired amount of storage for backups from the originating computer system; and

receiving a response that indicates that the desired amount of storage for backups is available along with an indication of a reciprocal desired amount of storage.

55. The method of claim 54 wherein the reciprocal desired amount is not the same as the desired amount specified for backups from the originating computer system.

56. The method of claim 54 wherein the reciprocal desired amount is the same as the desired amount specified for backups from the originating computer system.

57. The method of claim 46 wherein the negotiating for the amount of storage further comprises:

specifying a desired amount of storage for backups from the originating computer system;

receiving a response that indicates an alternative amount of storage available for backups from the originating computer system;

indicating to the one of the depository computer systems that the alternative amount of storage is acceptable.

58. The method of claim 57 wherein the receiving the response that indicates the alternative amount of storage, further comprises:

receiving a response that that indicates a reciprocal desired amount of storage for backups from the depository computer system to storage on the originating computer system.

59. The method of claim 58 wherein the indicating to the one of the depository computer systems that the alternative amount of storage is acceptable, further comprises:

indicating to the one of the depository computer systems that the indicated reciprocal desired amount of storage is available.

60. The method of claim 46, wherein the negotiating results in an even allocation for reciprocal backup storage.

61. The method of claim 46, wherein the negotiating results in an uneven allocation for reciprocal backup storage.

62. The method of claim 23 wherein the establishing at least one reciprocal backup relationship with one of the depository computer systems establishes reciprocal backup relationships with a plurality of the depository computer systems;

and further comprising;

determining a second depository partner computer system from the established reciprocal backup relationships; and

indicating to the determined second depository partner a second specified data for backup to storage of the determined second depository partner.

63. The method of claim 62 wherein the specified data and the second specified data is the same, thereby providing a redundant backup strategy.

64. The method of claim 62 wherein the specified data and the second specified data are different data.

65. The method of claim 62 wherein a portion of the specified data and a portion of the second specified data is the same and a portion of the specified data and a portion of the second specified data is different.

66. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

requesting removal of a reciprocal backup relationship with one of the depository computer systems.

67. The method of claim 66, further comprising:

removing access to backup data of the originating computer system that reside on the one of the depository computer systems after a period of time.

68. The method of claim 66, further comprising:

removing access to backup data of the originating computer system that reside on the one of the depository computer systems immediately.

69. The method of claim 66, further comprising:

automatically purging the backup data of the originating computer on the depository computer system.

70. A computer-readable memory medium containing instructions for controlling a computer processor in an originating computer system to electronically perform backup to storage located on at least one of a plurality of depository computer systems connected over a network, by:

establishing at least one reciprocal backup relationship with one of the depository computer systems;

specifying data to be backed up;

determining a depository partner computer system from the established reciprocal backup relationships; and

indicating to the determined depository partner the specified data for backup to storage of the determined depository partner.

71. The memory medium of claim 70 wherein the specifying the data to be backed up comprises using a graphical user interface to determine specific objects to be backed up.

72. The memory medium of claim 70 further comprising instructions that control a computer processor to perform backup by transmitting the specified data to the determined depository partner.

73. The memory medium of claim 72 wherein the transmitting to the determined depository partner further comprises:

authenticating the determined depository partner computer system.

74. The memory medium of claim 72 wherein the transmitting is delayed until the determined depository partner indicates that the determined depository partner is on-line.

75. The memory medium of claim 72 wherein the transmitting further comprises:

transmitting the specified data as encrypted data to the determined depository partner.

76. The memory medium of claim 75, further comprising instructions that control a computer processor to perform backup by:

transmitting unencrypted meta information regarding the specified data so that the depository partner can identify the transmitted encrypted data.

77. The memory medium of claim 72, further comprising instructions that control a computer processor to perform backup by:

before transmitting the specified data to the determined depository partner, determining whether there is sufficient storage remaining on the determined depository partner to backup the specified data.

78. The memory medium of claim 70 wherein the indicating to the determined depository partner the specified data further comprises:

determining a caching server; and

transmitting the specified data to the caching server for later transmission to the determined depository partner.

79. The memory medium of claim 70 wherein the indicating to the determined depository partner the specified data further comprises:

caching the specified data for backup in storage on the originating computer system for later transmission to the determined depository partner.

80. The memory medium of claim 79, the caching permitting multiple snapshots of the specified data to be indicated for backup.

81. The memory medium of claim 70, further comprising instructions that control a computer processor to perform backup by:

specifying a schedule for performing the backup; and

sending the specified data for backup based upon the specified schedule.

82. The memory medium of claim 70, further comprising instructions that control a computer processor to perform backup by:

determining data to be restored to storage on the originating computer system;

determining a depository partner computer system for restoration that previously backed up the determined data to be restored; and

requesting from the determined depository partner for restoration the data to be restored;

83. The memory medium of claim 82, further comprising instructions that control a computer processor to perform backup by:

receiving from the depository partner for restoration the data to be restored.

84. The method of claim 82, further comprising instructions that control a computer processor to perform backup by:

determining a second depository partner computer system for restoration that had previously backed up at least a portion of the data to be restored; and

requesting from the second determined depository partner for restoration the portion of the data to be restored; and

receiving at least portions of the data to be restored from both the second determined depository partner for restoration and the determined depository partner for restoration.

85. The memory medium of claim 82 wherein the data to be restored constitutes a complete restoration of data of the originating computer system.

86. The memory medium of claim 70 wherein the determining of the depository partner is selected based upon the specified data.

87. The memory medium of claim 70 wherein the specified data specifies at least one file.

88. The memory medium of claim 70 wherein the specified data specifies a directory.

89. The memory medium of claim 70 wherein the specified data is a standing backup list.

90. The memory medium of claim 70 wherein the specified data is application-specific.

91. The memory medium of claim 70 wherein the specified data are portions of a database.

92. The memory medium of claim 91 wherein the portions of the database are stored in an application-specific manner in a block of storage that is treated as if it were a file.

93. The memory medium of claim 70, the establishing the at least one reciprocal backup relationship further comprising:

requesting a reciprocal backup relationship with the one of the depository computer systems; and

negotiating for an amount of storage for backups to storage on the one of the depository computer systems.

94. The memory medium of claim 93, the negotiating for the amount of storage further comprising:

specifying a desired amount of storage for backups from the originating computer system; and

specifying an amount of storage for reciprocal backups of data from the one of the depository computer systems.

95. The memory medium of claim 94 wherein the specified desired amount of storage for backups and the specified amount of storage for reciprocal backups represents an even trade.

96. The memory medium of claim 94 wherein the specified desired amount of storage for backups and the specified amount of storage for reciprocal backups represents an uneven trade.

97. The memory medium of claim 94, the specifying the amount of storage for reciprocal backups of data from the one of the depository computer systems further comprising:

receiving an indication from the depository computer system that indicates a modification of the amount of storage for reciprocal backups.

98. The memory medium of claim 93, the negotiating for the amount of storage comprising:

receiving a response from the one of the depository computer systems that indicates an acceptance of the requested reciprocal backup relationship.

99. The memory medium of claim 93, the negotiating for the amount of storage comprising:

receiving a response from the one of the depository computer systems that indicates a requested modification of the requested reciprocal backup relationship.

100. The memory medium of claim 93 wherein the negotiating for an amount of storage for backups to storage on the one of the depository computer systems comprises accepting the negotiated requested reciprocal backup relationship.

101. The memory medium of claim 93 wherein the negotiating for the amount of storage further comprises:

specifying a desired amount of storage for backups from the originating computer system; and

receiving a response that indicates that the desired amount of storage for backups is available along with an indication of a reciprocal desired amount of storage.

102. The memory medium of claim 101 wherein the reciprocal desired amount is not the same as the desired amount specified for backups from the originating computer system.

103. The memory medium of claim 101 wherein the reciprocal desired amount is the same as the desired amount specified for backups from the originating computer system.

104. The memory medium of claim 93 wherein the negotiating for the amount of storage further comprises:

specifying a desired amount of storage for backups from the originating computer system;

receiving a response that indicates an alternative amount of storage available for backups from the originating computer system;

indicating to the one of the depository computer systems that the alternative amount of storage is acceptable.

105. The memory medium of claim 93 wherein the negotiating results in an even allocation for reciprocal backup storage.

106. The memory medium of claim 93 wherein the negotiating results in an uneven allocation for reciprocal backup storage.

107. The memory medium of claim 70 wherein the establishing at least one reciprocal backup relationship with one of the depository computer systems establishes reciprocal backup relationships with a plurality of the depository computer systems;

and containing further instructions for controlling a computer processor to perform backup by;

determining a second depository partner computer system from the established reciprocal backup relationships; and

indicating to the determined second depository partner a second specified data for backup to storage of the determined second depository partner.

108. The memory medium of claim 107 wherein the specified data and the second specified data is the same, thereby providing a redundant backup strategy.

109. The memory medium of claim 107 wherein the specified data and the second specified data are different data.

110. The memory medium of claim 107 wherein a portion of the specified data and a portion of the second specified data is the same and a portion of the specified data and a portion of the second specified data is different.

111. The memory medium of claim 70, further comprising instructions that control a computer processor by:

requesting removal of a reciprocal backup relationship with one of the depository computer systems.

112. The memory medium of claim 111, further comprising instructions that control a computer processor by:

removing access to backup data of the originating computer system that reside on the one of the depository computer systems after a period of time.

113. The memory medium of claim 111, further comprising instructions that control a computer processor by:

removing access to backup data of the originating computer system that reside on the one of the depository computer systems immediately.

114. The memory medium of claim 111, further comprising instructions that control a computer processor by:

automatically purging the backup data of the originating computer on the depository computer system.

115. A reciprocal backup system in an originating computer system connected by a network to a plurality of peer computer systems, comprising:

a reciprocal backup negotiation mechanism that establishes at least one reciprocal backup relationship with at least one of the peer computer systems;

an interface that is structured to allow specification of data to be backed up and to determine a depository partner from the established reciprocal backup relationships for backup of the specified data; and

a reciprocal backup agent that is structured to transmit the specified data to the determined depository partner for backup.

116. The system of claim 115 wherein the interface is a graphical user interface.

117. The system of claim 115 wherein the reciprocal backup agent is further structured to receive requests to store data for backup from a one of the peer computer systems.

118. The system of claim 115 wherein the reciprocal backup agent is structured to authenticate the determined depository partner computer system.

119. The system of claim 115 wherein the reciprocal backup agent is structured to delay transmitting until the determined depository partner indicates that the determined depository partner is on-line.

120. The system of claim 115 wherein the reciprocal backup agent is structured to transmit to the determined depository partner the specified data as encrypted data.

121. The system of claim 120 wherein the reciprocal backup agent is structured to transmit unencrypted meta information regarding the specified data so that the depository partner can identify the transmitted encrypted data.

122. The system of claim 115, the reciprocal backup agent is further structured to determine whether there is sufficient storage remaining on the determined depository partner to backup the specified data before transmitting the specified data to the determined depository partner.

123. The system of claim 115, the reciprocal backup agent is further structured to transmit the specified data to a caching server for later transmission to the determined depository partner.

124. The system of claim 115, the reciprocal backup agent is further structured to transmit the specified data by caching the specified data for backup in storage on the originating computer system for later transmission to the determined depository partner.

125. The system of claim 124 wherein the caching permits multiple snapshots of the specified data to be indicated for backup.

126. The system of claim 115, the reciprocal backup agent further structured to:

specify a schedule for performing the backup; and

transmit the specified data for backup based upon the specified schedule.

127. The system of claim 115, the reciprocal backup agent further structured to:

determine data to be restored to storage on the originating computer system;

determine a depository partner computer system for restoration that previously backed up the determined data to be restored; and

request from the determined depository partner for restoration the data to be restored.

128. The system of claim 127, the reciprocal backup agent further structured to

receive from the depository partner for restoration the data to be restored;

and

store the received data on the originating computer system.

129. The system of claim 127, the interface further structured to determine a second depository partner computer system for restoration that had previously backed up at least a portion of the data to be restored;

and the reciprocal backup agent further structured to;

request from the second determined depository partner for restoration the portion of the data to be restored; and

receive at least portions of the data to be restored from both the second determined depository partner for restoration and the determined depository partner for restoration.

130. The system of claim 127 wherein the data to be restored constitutes a complete restoration of data to the originating computer system.

131. The system of claim 115 wherein the depository partner is determined based upon the specified data.

132. The system of claim 115 wherein the specified data specifies at least one file.

133. The system of claim 115 wherein the specified data specifies a directory.

134. The system of claim 115 wherein the specified data is a standing backup list.

135. The system of claim 115 wherein the specified data is application-specific.

136. The system of claim 115 wherein the specified data are portions of a database.

137. The system of claim 136 wherein the portions of the database are stored in an application-specific manner in a block of storage that is treated as if it were a file.

138. The system of claim 115 wherein the specified data is stored in a block of storage that is treated as if it were a file.

139. The system of claim 115, the negotiation mechanism further structured to establish the at least one reciprocal backup relationship by:

requesting a reciprocal backup relationship with the one of the depository computer systems; and

negotiating for an amount of storage for backups to storage on the one of the depository computer systems.

140. The system of claim 139, the negotiation mechanism further structured to establish the at least one reciprocal backup relationship by:

specifying a desired amount of storage for backups from the originating computer system; and

specifying an amount of storage for reciprocal backups of data from the one of the depository computer systems.

141. The method of claim 140 wherein the specified desired amount of storage for backups and the specified amount of storage for reciprocal backups represents an even trade.

142. The method of claim 140 wherein the specified desired amount of storage for backups and the specified amount of storage for reciprocal backups represents an uneven trade.

143. The system of claim 140, the negotiation mechanism further structured to receive an indication from the depository computer system that indicates a modification of the amount of storage for reciprocal backups.

144. The system of claim 139, the negotiation mechanism further structured to receive a response from the one of the depository computer systems that indicates an acceptance of the requested reciprocal backup relationship.

145. The system of claim 139, negotiation mechanism further structured to receive a response from the one of the depository computer systems that indicates a requested modification of the requested reciprocal backup relationship.

146. The system of claim 139 wherein the negotiation mechanism is structured to negotiate for an amount of storage for backups to storage on the one of the depository computer systems by accepting the negotiated requested reciprocal backup relationship as specified.

147. The system of claim 139 wherein the negotiation mechanism is further structured to negotiate for the amount of storage by:

specifying a desired amount of storage for backups from the originating computer system; and

receiving a response that indicates that the desired amount of storage for backups is available along with an indication of a reciprocal desired amount of storage.

148. The system of claim 139 wherein the negotiation mechanism is further structured to negotiate for the amount of storage by:

specifying a desired amount of storage for backups from the originating computer system;

receiving a response that indicates an alternative amount of storage available for backups from the originating computer system;

indicating to the one of the depository computer systems that the alternative amount of storage is acceptable.

149. The system of claim 139 wherein the negotiation results in an even allocation for reciprocal backup storage.

150. The system of claim 139 wherein the negotiation results in an uneven allocation for reciprocal backup storage.

151. The system of claim 115 wherein

the negotiation mechanism is further structured to establish reciprocal backup relationships with a plurality of the depository computer systems;

the interface is further structured to determine a second depository partner computer system from the established reciprocal backup relationships; and

the reciprocal backup agent is further structured to transmit to the determined second depository partner a second specified data for backup to storage of the determined second depository partner.

152. The system of claim 151 wherein the specified data and the second specified data is the same, thereby providing a redundant backup strategy.

153. The system of claim 151 wherein the specified data and the second specified data are different data.

154. The system of claim 151 wherein a portion of the specified data and a portion of the second specified data is the same and a portion of the specified data and a portion of the second specified data is different.

155. The system of claim 115, the interface further structured to allow removal of a reciprocal backup relationship with one of the depository computer systems.

156. A computer-implemented method for establishing a reciprocal backup relationship between computer systems connected over a network, comprising:

receiving an invitation request to a reciprocal backup relationship with an originating computer system, the request having an associated requested amount of backup storage;

determining whether to support the requested amount of backup storage; and

responding to the received invitation with the determination.

157. The method of claim 156, the responding to the received invitation with the determination, further comprising:

responding to the received invitation indicating an amount of reciprocal backup storage desired from the originating computer system.

158. The method of claim 157, further comprising:

indicating in the response a cost associated with requested amount of backup storage.

159. The method of claim 156 wherein the responding to the received invitation with the determination indicates a determination to support the requested amount of backup storage.

160. The method of claim 159, further comprising:

receiving data to be backed up from the originating computer system;

allocating backup storage; and

storing the received data in the allocated backup storage.

161. The method of claim 160, further comprising:

when a request for restoration of data is received from the originating computer system,

determining a location of the requested data in the backup storage;

retrieving the requested data from the determined location; and

forwarding the retrieved data to the originating computer system.

162. The method of claim 160 wherein at least a portion of the received data is encrypted.

163. The method of claim 160 wherein the received data is a file, a directory, or an application-specific data structure.

164. The method of claim 160, further comprising:

automatically purging data from the allocated backup storage as needed.

165. The method of claim 156, further comprising:

receiving a request from the originating computer system to perform a backup of specified data or a restore of requested data.

166. The method of claim 156 wherein the network is a wide-area network, a local area network, or the Internet.

167. The method of claim 156, further comprising:

receiving a request for removal of the reciprocal backup relationship; and

removing access by the originating computer system to a corresponding backup storage.

168. The method of claim 167, further comprising:

automatically purging data from the corresponding backup storage.

169. The method of claim 156 wherein the determining whether to support the requested amount of backup storage and responding with the determination, further comprises:

negotiating with the originating computer system for a different amount of backup storage than the requested amount associated with the invitation request.

170. The method of claim 169, the negotiating further comprising:

responding to the received invitation indicating the different amount of backup storage available; and

indicating an amount of reciprocal backup storage desired from the originating computer system.

171. The method of claim 169, the negotiating further comprising:

responding to the received invitation indicating the different amount of backup storage available;

indicating an amount of reciprocal backup storage desired from the originating computer system; and

receiving a response from the originating computer system that indicates whether the amount of reciprocal backup storage is accepted by the originating computer system.

172. The method of claim 169, the negotiating further comprising:

responding to the received invitation indicating the different amount of backup storage available;

indicating an amount of reciprocal backup storage desired from the originating computer system; and

receiving a response from the originating computer system that indicates that the different amount of available backup storage and the amount of reciprocal backup storage desired from the originating computer system are accepted by the originating computer system, thereby establishing the reciprocal backup relationship with the originating computer system.

173. A computer-readable memory medium containing instructions for controlling a computer processor to electronically establish a reciprocal backup relationship between computer systems connected over a network, by:

receiving an invitation request to a reciprocal backup relationship with an originating computer system, the request having an associated requested amount of backup storage;

determining whether to support the requested amount of backup storage; and

responding to the received invitation with the determination.

174. The memory medium of claim 173, the responding to the received invitation with the determination, further comprising:

responding to the received invitation indicating an amount of reciprocal backup storage desired from the originating computer system.

175. The memory medium of claim 173, further containing instructions that control the computer processor to establish the reciprocal backup relationship by:

receiving a request from the originating computer system to perform a backup of specified data or a restore of requested data.

176. The memory medium of claim 173 wherein the network is a wide-area network, a local area network, or the Internet.

177. The memory medium of claim 173, further containing instructions that control the computer processor to establish the reciprocal backup relationship by:

when it is determined to support the requested amount of backup storage, responding to the received invitation to indicate that the reciprocal backup relationship is supported.

178. The memory medium of claim 177, further containing instructions that control the computer processor by:

receiving data to be backed up from the originating computer system;

allocating backup storage that corresponds to the originating computer system; and

storing the received data in the allocated backup storage.

179. The memory medium of claim 178, further containing instructions that control the computer processor by:

when a request for restoration data is received from the originating computer system,

determining a location of the requested data in the backup storage;

retrieving the requested data from the determined location; and

forwarding the retrieved data to the originating computer system.

180. The memory medium of claim 178 wherein at least a portion of the received data is encrypted.

181. The memory medium of claim 178 wherein the received data is a file, a directory, or an application-specific data structure.

182. The memory medium of claim 178, further comprising instructions for controlling the computer processor to automatically purge data from the allocated backup storage as needed.

183. The memory medium of claim 177, further containing instructions that control the computer processor by:

receiving a request for removal of the reciprocal backup relationship; and

removing access by the originating computer system to the corresponding backup storage.

184. The memory medium of claim 183, further containing instructions that control the computer processor to automatically purge data from the corresponding backup storage.

185. The memory medium of claim 173 wherein the determining whether to support the requested amount of backup storage and responding with the determination, further comprises:

negotiating with the originating computer system for a different amount of backup storage than the requested amount associated with the invitation request.

186. The memory medium of claim 185 wherein the negotiating with the originating computer system for a different amount of backup storage further comprises:

responding to the received invitation indicating the different amount of backup storage available; and

indicating an amount of reciprocal backup storage desired from the originating computer system.

187. The memory medium of claim 185 wherein the negotiating with the originating computer system for a different amount of backup storage further comprises:

responding to the received invitation indicating the different amount of backup storage available;

indicating an amount of reciprocal backup storage desired from the originating computer system; and

receiving a response from the originating computer system that indicates whether the amount of reciprocal backup storage is accepted by the originating computer system.

188. The memory medium of claim 185 wherein the negotiating with the originating computer system for a different amount of backup storage further comprises:

responding to the received invitation indicating the different amount of backup storage available;

indicating an amount of reciprocal backup storage desired from the originating computer system; and

receiving a response from the originating computer system that indicates that the different amount of available backup storage and the amount of reciprocal backup storage desired from the originating computer system are accepted by the originating computer system, thereby establishing the reciprocal backup relationship with the originating computer system.

189. A reciprocal backup system in a depository computer system connected by a network in a peer-to-peer relationship to at least one originating computer system comprising:

a reciprocal backup negotiation mechanism that is structured to

receive from the originating computer system an invitation request to a reciprocal backup relationship with the originating computer system, the request having an associated requested amount of backup storage;

determine whether to support the requested amount of backup storage; and

respond to the received invitation with the determination; and

a reciprocal backup agent that is structured to electronically receive data from the originating partner for backup.

190. The system of claim 189 wherein the response to the received invitation indicates an amount of reciprocal backup storage desired from the originating computer system.

191. The system of claim 189 wherein the response to the received invitation indicates a determination to support the requested amount of backup storage.

192. The system of claim 189 wherein the network is a wide-area network, a local area network, or the Internet.

193. The system of claim 189 wherein the reciprocal backup agent is structured to allocate backup storage.

194. The system of claim 193 wherein the backup agent is structured to store the received data in the allocated backup storage.

195. The system of claim 193 wherein the backup agent is structured to automatically purge data from the allocated backup storage as needed.

196. The system of claim 193 wherein the reciprocal backup agent is structured to:

receive a request for removal of the reciprocal backup relationship; and

remove access by the originating computer system to the allocated backup storage.

197. The system of claim 196, wherein the backup agent is structured to automatically purge data from the allocated backup storage.

198. The system of claim 189 wherein the backup agent is further structured to receive a request to restore previously backed up data.

199. The system of claim 198 wherein the backup agent structured to:

determine a location of the previously backed up data;

retrieve the previously backed up data from the determined location; and

forward the retrieved data to the originating computer system.

200. The system of claim 189 wherein at least a portion of the received data is encrypted.

201. The system of claim 189 wherein the received data is a file, a directory, or an application-specific data structure.

202. The system of claim 189 wherein the negotiation mechanism is structured to negotiate with the originating computer system for a different amount of backup storage than the requested amount associated with the invitation request.

203. The system of claim 202 wherein the negotiation mechanism is structured to:

respond to the received invitation indicating the different amount of backup storage available; and

indicate an amount of reciprocal backup storage desired from the originating computer system.

204. The system of claim 202 wherein the negotiation mechanism is structured to:

respond to the received invitation indicating the different amount of backup storage available;

indicate an amount of reciprocal backup storage desired from the originating computer system; and

receive a response from the originating computer system that indicates whether the amount of reciprocal backup storage is accepted by the originating computer system.

205. The system of claim 204 wherein the received response indicates that the different amount of available backup storage and the amount of reciprocal backup storage desired from the originating computer system are accepted by the originating computer system, thereby establishing the reciprocal backup relationship with the originating computer system.

206. A method for automatic restoration of backup data to an originating computer system, the backup data stored according to a plurality of reciprocal backup relationships, comprising:

determining a portion of data to be restored from a first depository partner computer system, the portion of the data backed up according to an established reciprocal backup relationship with the first depository partner;

determining a second portion of data to be restored from a second depository partner computer system, the second portion of data backed up according to an established reciprocal backup relationship with the second depository partner;

requesting the determined portion of data from the first depository partner;

requesting the determined second portion of data from the second depository partner; and

receiving and restoring the determined portion and the determined second portion to effectuate restoration of the backup data.

207. The method of claim 206 wherein multiple depository partners have previously backed up the portion of the data and the determining of the portion of data to be restored from the first depository partner selects between the multiple depository partners to determine the first depository partner from which the portion of data is to be restored.

208. The method of claim 206 wherein the receiving and restoring of the determined portion and the determined second portion are processed according to a backup schedule.

209. The method of claim 206 wherein the receiving of the determined portion or the determined second portion are received from a caching server.

210. The method of claim 206 wherein the first depository partner and the second depository partner are the same computer system.

211. The method of claim 206 wherein the first depository partner and the second depository partner are different computer systems.

212. The method of claim 206 wherein the restoring further comprises restoring to a target location that is not the original location.

213. The method of claim 206 wherein the portion of the data to be restored and the second portion of the data to be restored comprise a complete restoration of data of the originating computer system.

214. The method of claim 213 wherein the restoring of the determined portion and the determined second portion to effectuate restoration of the backup data are not performed if the receiving of the determined portion and determined second portion are not completed correctly.

215. The method of claim 206 wherein the restoring of the determined portion and the determined second portion to effectuate restoration of the backup data are not performed if the receiving of the determined portion and determined second portion are not completed correctly.

216. A computer-readable memory medium containing instructions for controlling a computer processor to automatically restore backup data to an originating computer system, the backup data stored according to a plurality of reciprocal backup relationships, by:

determining a portion of data to be restored from a first depository partner computer system, the portion of the data backed up according to an established reciprocal backup relationship with the first depository partner;

determining a second portion of data to be restored from a second depository partner computer system, the second portion of data backed up according to an established reciprocal backup relationship with the second depository partner;

requesting the determined portion of data from the first depository partner;

requesting the determined second portion of data from the second depository partner; and

receiving and restoring the determined portion and the determined second portion to effectuate restoration of the backup data.

217. The memory medium of claim 216 wherein multiple depository partners have previously backed up the portion of the data and the determining of the portion of data to be restored from the first depository partner selects between the multiple depository partners to determine the first depository partner from which the portion of data is to be restored.

218. The memory medium of claim 216 wherein the receiving and restoring of the determined portion and the determined second portion are processed according to a backup schedule.

219. The memory medium of claim 216 wherein the receiving of the determined portion or the determined second portion are received from a caching server.

220. The memory medium of claim 216 wherein the first depository partner and the second depository partner are the same computer system.

221. The memory medium of claim 216 wherein the first depository partner and the second depository partner are different computer systems.

222. The memory medium of claim 216 wherein the restoring further comprises restoring to a target location that is not the original location.

223. The memory medium of claim 216 wherein the portion of the data to be restored and the second portion of the data to be restored comprise a complete restoration of data of the originating computer system.

224. The memory medium of claim 223 wherein the restoring of the determined portion and the determined second portion to effectuate restoration of the backup data are not performed if the receiving of the determined portion and determined second portion are not completed correctly.

225. The memory medium of claim 216 wherein the restoring of the determined portion and the determined second portion to effectuate restoration of the backup data are not performed if the receiving of the determined portion and determined second portion are not completed correctly.

226. A reciprocal backup system for automatic restoration of backup data to an originating computer system, the backup data stored according to a plurality of reciprocal backup relationships, comprising:

a storage interface that communicates with at least one storage repository associated with the originating computer system;

a restoration interface that is structured to

determine a portion of data to be restored from a first depository partner computer system, the portion of the data backed up according to an established reciprocal backup relationship with the first depository partner; and

determine a second portion of data to be restored from a second depository partner computer system, the second portion of data backed up according to an established reciprocal backup relationship with the second depository partner; and

a reciprocal backup agent that is structured to

request the determined portion of data from the first depository partner;

request the determined second portion of data from the second depository partner;

receive the determined portion and the determined second portion; and

forward the received portions to the storage interface to effectuate restoration of the backup data to the storage repository.

227. The system of claim 226 wherein multiple depository partners have previously backed up the portion of the data and the restoration interface determines the portion of data to be restored from the first depository partner by selecting between the multiple depository partners.

228. The system of claim 226 wherein the backup agent receives the determined portion and the determined second portion according to a backup schedule.

229. The system of claim 226 wherein the backup agent receives the determined portion or the determined second portion from a caching server.

230. The system of claim 226 wherein the first depository partner and the second depository partner are the same computer system.

231. The system of claim 226 wherein the first depository partner and the second depository partner are different computer systems.

232. The system of claim 226 wherein the storage interface effectuates to a target location that is not the original location.

233. The system of claim 226 wherein the portion of the data to be restored and the second portion of the data to be restored comprise a complete restoration of data of the originating computer system.

234. The system of claim 226 wherein the backup agent does not perform forwarding the received portions to effectuate restoration of the determined portion and the determined second portion if the received determined portion and determined second portion are not received correctly.