Providing backups using a portable storage device

Computer software, provided in a computer-readable medium, that backs up data from a client, the software comprising:

• executable code that copies full backup data from the client to a portable storage device using a direct coupling between the client and the portable storage device;
• and
• executable code that performs at least one incremental backup from the client to a backup site through a network that is separate from the direct coupling, wherein the at least one incremental backup is based on the prior full backup.

A system that backs up data at a client, comprising:

• at least one client, coupled to a network to communicate with a backup site via a network;
• and
• a portable storage device that receives full backup data from the client via a direct coupling that is separate from the network, wherein at least one incremental backup is performed to provide data to the backup site through the network after providing the full backup data to portable storage device and wherein the at least one incremental backup is based on the prior full backup.