Storing metadata at a cloud-based center, and recovering backup data stored remotely from the cloud-based center

A method comprising:

• backing up production data from a plurality of computers at a first production data site,
• wherein the backing up generates backup data and storage metadata,
• wherein the storage metadata comprises information for restoring the backup data, including one or more of:
• a pointer and a look-up table, and
• wherein the backing up is controlled by a local storage manager at the first production data site;
• storing the backup data at a data storage facility associated with the first production data site;
• transmitting the storage metadata, and not the backup data, to a cloud-based metadata center that is external to the first production data site and to the data storage facility,
• wherein the cloud-based metadata center receives the storage metadata at a cloud storage manager that stores the storage metadata in a cloud-based metadata storage system in communication therewith;
• receiving an operator command, at an administration server at the first production data site, to test disaster recovery of the backup data;
• sending a request to test disaster recovery of the backup data to the cloud-based metadata center;
• passing control to the cloud-based metadata center to test disaster recovery of the backup data, at the cloud-based metadata center, using the storage metadata;
• and
• wherein a graphical user interface (GUI) at the administration server displays one or more status updates of a disaster recovery test as received from the cloud-based metadata center.