Backup application coordination with storage array power saving features

A method comprising:

• receiving power management information associated with a storage array, wherein
• the power management information is received from a power management module,
• the power management module comprises an interface configured to receive a query from a backup module via a network, wherein
• the query requests the power management information, and
• the power management module is configured to transmit the power management information to the backup module over the network via the interface, in response to receiving the query;
• selecting a logical storage unit (LSU), based upon the power management information and a retention time, wherein
• the retention time is generated by the backup module, and
• the storage array comprises the LSU;
• and
• performing a backup storage management operation on the LSU, in response to selecting the LSU, wherein
• the receiving, the selecting, and the performing are performed by the backup module, the backup module is configured to perform backups and restores, wherein
• each of the backups comprises copying a backup image to the LSU, and each of the restores comprises copying data from the LSU to a user system, and
• the performing a backup storage management operation comprises accessing a backup image, wherein
• the backup image comprises the retention time.

A non-transient computer readable storage medium comprising program instructions executable to:

• coordinate between a power management module and a backup module, wherein
• coordination between the power management module and the backup module comprises providing one of the power management module or the backup module with access to both power management information and retention time,
• the power management information is maintained by the power management module and is associated with a logical storage unit (LSU),
• the power management module comprises an interface configured to receive a query from the backup module via a network, wherein the query requests a current power state of the LSU,
• the power management module is configured to transmit the current power state of the LSU to the backup module over the network via the interface, in response to receiving the query,
• a disk storage array implements the LSU,
• the backup module is configured to perform backups and restores, wherein
• each of the backups comprises copying a backup image to the LSU, and each of the restores comprises copying data from the LSU to a user system,
• the retention time is generated by the backup module, and
• the backup image comprises the retention time;
• select the LSU, based upon both the power management information and the retention time, wherein selection of the LSU is performed by the one of the power management module or the backup module;
• and
• access the backup image on the LSU, in response to the selection of the LSU.