Backup technique for recording devices employing different storage forms

A backup system, comprising:

• a first storage unit configured to store first data using a block storage form;
• a second storage unit configured to store second data using a file storage form;
• a backup storage unit configured to store backup data for the first data and the second data;
• a storage form converter configured to convert into data into the file storage form, the first data stored in the block storage form by the first storage unit, wherein the storage form converter is coupled to the first storage unit and the second storage unit, and wherein the storage form converter divides into multiple data segments, first data that have been newly added to or updated to the first storage unit, and converts each data segment into the file storage form, and stores the converted data segments in the second storage unit, and wherein the storage form converter is further configured to convert data stored in the file storage form, into the block storage form;
• and
• a backup manager coupled to the second storage unit and the backup storage unit, wherein the backup manager is configured to copy into the backup storage unit the first data and the second data stored in the file storage form, without being aware of whether the data was stored in the first storage unit or in the second storage unit.

A method for storing backup data, comprising:

• storing first data using a first storage form;
• storing second data using a second storage form;
• converting into data for the second storage form, the first data stored in the first storage
• storing backup data for the first data and the second data;
• for each time interval t2, dividing into multiple data segments, first data that have been newly added to or updated to, and converting each data segment into the second storage form, and storing the converted data segments;
• copying the first data and the second data without being aware of whether the data was stored in a first storage unit or in a second storage unit;
• and
• copying the stored converted data segments.