METHOD FOR VISUALIZING DATA BACKUP ACTIVITY FROM A PLURALITY OF BACKUP DEVICES

A method and system for examining historical records of backup activity consolidated from a plurality of backup engines, utilizing a data processing system, is disclosed. In the first aspect, a method comprises the steps of reorganizing historical records of backup activity originating from a plurality of backup engines into unique visual representations to facilitate the speedy and reliable identification of backup activity failures. The method also includes sending prepared requests from BRG to RDB, and then receiving data from RDB. In another aspect, it is disclosed a method of representing a uniquely high number of levels of data extraction relating to backup successes and failures. In another aspect, it is disclosed a method of representing variations other than simply Failure or Success of backup activities, namely Partial failures. In another aspect, it is disclosed a method of combining summary level data (summarized by backup server) with subsequently lower levels of detail (summarized by backup client, and summarized by backup target) in a single report that provides the ability to expand and contract at will, by one or more clicks of the computer screen pointing engine(mouse pointer), which levels the are to be left visible. In another aspect, the system is disclosed for associating owners of computers being backed up, respective backup charges, and then rearranging data extracted from the RDB consisting of historical records of backup activity originating from the activity of a plurality of different backup engines, and constructing Billing Reports to reflect backup charges relating to said backup activities.