System and method for backing up data

An apparatus for backing up data, the apparatus comprising:

• means for generating a first digital fingerprint representing a first data block stored at a first location in a first memory device;
• means for comparing the first digital fingerprint to one or more values stored in a database;
• means for storing a copy of the first data block in a second memory device separate from the first memory device, for storing the first digital fingerprint in the database, and for storing the first location in the database in association with the first digital fingerprint, if the first digital fingerprint does not match any of the values stored in the database;
• means for generating a second digital fingerprint representing a second data block stored at a second location in a third memory device;
• means for comparing the second digital fingerprint to the one or more values stored in the database;
• and
• means for storing the second location in the database in association with the one value, if the second digital fingerprint matches one of the one or more values stored in the database.

A system for backing up data, the system comprising:

• a first memory device configured to store data;
• a second memory device configured to store data;
• a third memory device configured to store data;
• a database configured to store one or more digital fingerprints;
• and
• a processor configured to:
• generate a first digital fingerprint representing a first data block stored at a first location in the first memory device;
• compare the first digital fingerprint to one or more values stored in the database;
• if the first digital fingerprint does not match any of the values stored in the database:
• store a copy of the first data block in the second memory device separate from the first memory device;
• store the first digital fingerprint in the database;
• and
• store the first location in the database in association with the first digital fingerprint;
• generate a second digital fingerprint representing a second data block stored at a second location in the third memory device;
• compare the second digital fingerprint to the one or more values stored in the database;
• and
• store the second location in the database in association with the one value, if the second digital fingerprint matches one of the one or more values stored in the database.