METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR BACKING UP AND RESTORING DATA

A system for backing up and restoring data operates by persistently storing or backing up data from a first medium to a second medium for subsequent access by a user. In one configuration, the backup process is performed at no monetary fee or charge to the user for backup, but only charges for restoration of data. The system receives a request to restore the data and obtains or calculates a restore cost to restore the data. The system identifies a set of restoration parameters associated with the data to be restored and computes the restore cost of the data based on the set of restoration parameters. The system receives an indication that payment of a restore cost has been made to restore the data and in response, performs a restoration operation on the data to restore the data for access by a user.