Replication and restoration of single-instance storage pools

A method of replicating single-instance storage pools between backup servers, the method comprising a first backup server:

• conveying a first de-duplicated list identifying one or more data segments from a first storage pool to a second backup server associated with a second storage pool;
• receiving from the second backup server a second de-duplicated list identifying at least a subset of the one or more data segments;
• and
• conveying the at least a subset of the one or more data segments to the second backup server;
• assembling a batch of data segments including only data segments that do not have a backup copy already stored in the first storage pool;
• conveying the assembled batch to the first backup server;
• assigning a batch number to the data segments and references in the assembled batch;
• in response to receiving an assembled batch:
• storing a batch number in a backup history;
• selecting only data segments and references for inclusion in the first list whose batch numbers are stored in the backup history;
• and
• clearing the backup history after conveying said subset to the second backup server.

A computer readable medium storing computer instructions that are executable by a processor to:

• cause a first backup server to:
• convey a first de-duplicated list identifying one or more data segments from a first storage pool to a second backup server associated with a second storage pool;
• receive from the second backup server a second de-duplicated list identifying at least a subset of the one or more data segments;
• and
• convey the at least a subset of the one or more data segments to the second backup server;
• assemble a batch of data segments including only data segments that do not have a backup copy already stored in the first storage pool;
• convey the assembled batch to the first backup server;
• assign a batch number to the data segments and references in the assembled batch;
• in response to receiving an assembled batch:
• store a batch number in a backup history;
• select only data segments and references for inclusion in the first list whose batch numbers are stored in the backup history;
• and
• clear the backup history after conveying said subset to the second backup server.