Backup system with continuous data protection

A computerized system comprising:

• a. a host,
• b. a backup server, c. a storage system having a journaling capability;
• and
• d. a media library system, wherein:
• i. the storage system is operable to create periodic snapshots of data for subsequent restoration in conjunction with a journal;
• ii. the backup server or the host is operable to issue an instruction of a third type;
• iii. in response to the instruction of the third type, the storage system is operable to generate a marker of a third type causing multiple snapshots to be generated;
• and
• iv. the storage system is operable to restore point in time image of data using the generated multiple snapshots and journal data.

A method executed in a system comprising a backup server, an array controller and an agent on a host, the method comprising:

• a. The backup server preparing for a backup process in cooperation with the agent;
• b. The agent collecting information regarding target data for backup;
• c. The backup server issuing a command to define a time point of snapshot with indication of target of the snapshot;
• d. The array controller receiving the command;
• e. The array controller specifying a target of the snapshot by referring the command;
• f. The array controller making a marker to take the snapshot based on the command;
• g. The array controller detecting the marker in updating base volume with journal;
• h. The array controller checking the information in the marker;
• i. If the type of the maker corresponds to snapshot, performing the backup process using the snapshot;
• j. If the type of the marker corresponds to quiescence, performing the backup process using the quiescent image;
• and
• k. If the marker is of other type, performing a process intended by the marker.