WO2007007081A2

WO2007007081A2 - A data storage system

Info

Publication number: WO2007007081A2
Application number: PCT/GB2006/002553
Authority: WO
Inventors: Julian Miles Hockley; Clare Flexman; Martin James Neil Flexman
Original assignee: Julian Miles Hockley; Clare Flexman; Martin James Neil Flexman
Priority date: 2005-07-12
Filing date: 2006-07-11
Publication date: 2007-01-18
Also published as: GB0514246D0; WO2007007081A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a data storage system. The data storage system has a housing (18) supporting three data storage devices (3A, 3B and 3C). The data storage devices are connected such that if one data storage device fails the data stored therein is derivable from the or each one of the other storage devices. The presence of a computer device, such as a laptop or mobile telephone (100 or 120) is detected by the storage system. When this occurs, upon user specified commands, automatic backup of device data stored in the computer device memory is initiated. Once established, backup is performed automatically and independently of any user input or control. In the event of loss of or damage to the computer device data may be restored by transferring device data stored in the data storage devices back to the original computer device or a new replacement device.

Description

A Data Storage System

Background

The present invention relates to a data storage system, and more particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a data storage system capable of data backup and a related method therefor.

Nowadays computers are common in households, offices and businesses. Computers store data which can be classified generally into two types: firstly, data which comprises software and secondly personal data, information, images, etc which data are usually in the form of files. Both types of data - software and data files - are often and most conveniently stored on a hard disk in the computer.

It is understood that the term computer includes any data-storage medium or mechanism under control of a separate operating device such as a microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU).

Therefore, whilst it might be common practice to store copies of personal data and software, it is not currently common practice to store replicas of the operating system and/or the personalised settings.

In the event that the hard disk fails, is compromised or the computer is stolen or damaged, the stored data are usually lost. It is therefore good practice to backup data from a computer to a remote storage facility or separate storage medium. Typically such a remote storage medium is a bespoke backup facility with a series of hard disk drives. In domestic or small offices often compact discs (CD) or digital versatile disks (DVD) are used to store data. These systems are relatively time consuming and require a degree of diligence in order that regular backups are made. Where a computer is new, or equipped with a new hard disk, the time to install (load) new data may take many hours.

There has therefore been a problem with returning the system to a working state, reloading the operating system, personal settings and data files onto the hard disk of a new computer, e.g. from a DVD, CD, magnetic tape, from an existing hard disk or any other form of offline storage system used to store data; as well as re-loading operating software and personalised settings, because it was time consuming. Another problem has been the problem of not loading all files. Where a computer is replaced after a failure, the time taken to install the replacement image may be many hours.

Increasingly, with the proliferation of digital communication devices, in addition to personal computers, many people also have other digital devices, which are capable of processing and storing large amounts of personal and other data. These digital devices may therefore be classified as computers. The devices include: mobile telephones, laptops, electronic notebooks and palm held computers, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs).

Because all these digital devices include data storage media, if there is loss of the device, or damage to the device, a similar problem exists with regard to the data stored on it, namely data pertaining to the operating system and stored personal settings are lost permanently. For example, a mobile telephone may have hundreds of stored telephone numbers, (home, office and mobile) for personal and business contacts, as well as related email addresses. Mobile telephones are now capable of storing personal settings defined by the user. These include voice commands as well as other attributes that have been programmed by the owner/user. The time to replicate this sort of data, in the event of loss of, or damage to the device, at best may take many hours; at worst such data may have been permanently lost.

Prior Art

Two ways of providing fault tolerance are known as mirroring or replication. Mirroring involves writing data to two identical disks and is often referred to as RAID1. Replication involves writing data to two or more disks housed within the same device or located in separate devices.

Mirroring is a technique that involves initialising a so called active volume of data storage space (e.g. on a hard disk) and then writing this volume of data onto a second hard disk. The second hard disk is usually proximal to the first or it may be remotely located, even in another country. The reasons for providing a separate, independent, hard storage disk is that, if the first hard disk becomes damaged or corrupted, there is an exact replica of the data on the second or backup hard disk.

Other levels of RAID provide resilience to data. One such version is referred to as RAID 5. RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID). The technique known as RAID is described in the RAID Hand Book, by Paul Massiglia, published by the RAID Advisory Board 1997. The technique of RAID backup employs three or more hard disks operating under control of a central processor running software. The RAID structure defines data in terms of blocks; then writes these data blocks, in a cyclic manner, onto the hard disks, in so called striped arrays. These striped arrays are mapped in a cyclical, sequential manner onto the hard disks so that, in the event of a hard disk failure, adjacent disks in the array may be used to recompile lost data.

Another technique of providing resilience to data is referred to as data mirroring. Split- mirror backup is a technique in which an active volume of data is copied onto a so called snapshot volume. An advantage of this is that when the contents of active data volumes are changed, old data is automatically mirrored, bit for bit, in the snapshot volume.

US Patent US 6 260 125 (NCR) describes a so called asynchronous technique of mirroring, in which mirror data is temporarily stored in a queue awaiting backup. However, a disadvantage of this was that, in the event of a system failure occurring before backup of the mirror data has been effected, the mirror data are lost.

The problem with mirror data systems, where data are created before they have been backed up by mirroring and there is a risk of such data being permanently lost as a result of a system failure, is overcome by a technique disclosed in US Patent US 2004/0236984 (Yamaski). The technique discloses a system for data backup that overcomes the problem associated with so called asynchronous data mirroring, by buffering data that is being held in the queue awaiting backup.

US Patent US 2002/0083281 (Carteau) discloses a pair of mirrored disk drives which operate under control of disk controllers. The first and second disk drives are arranged to operate under control of first and second disk drive controllers. The first disk drive, when instructed to write data, transmits a write request automatically to a second disk controller, whereupon the second disk drive writes the data as mirrored data. An advantage with the system described is that a log file is created from data. The second disk drive controller outputs the log file as an acknowledgment signal to the first disk drive controller. In the event of a system failure, or the loss of mirroring, efficient resynchronisation of the mirroring of the two disk drives is rapidly re-established by reference to the log file.

It is apparent from the above mentioned techniques, and backup systems, that data backup has reached a sophisticated level; that backup systems are robust; and are capable of rapid retrieval of data in the event of a system failure or corruption.

However, such systems are often application specific: that is they are designed for use by specific systems that are usually quite sophisticated. Also the aforementioned backup systems are often difficult to configure, requiring a high level of user knowledge. They are therefore, by their nature, relatively inflexible in that they are stand alone systems, requiring little supervision once configured. They are also expensive and tend to be used in large scale commercial systems, such as corporations, large companies and banks.

One object of the present invention is to provide a data storage system capable of backing up data stored on a variety of computer devices and systems, which is straightforward to install, configure and operate; and which overcomes the aforementioned problems. Another aim of the present invention is to provide a data storage system for backing up data stored on a plurality of independent computer devices, said devices being of a mobile nature.

A further aim of the present invention is to provide a data storage system for backing up data stored on a plurality of independent computer devices, said system allowing restoration of the data onto the device from which they were extracted or a data storage device in a different computer device if access to the operating system of such device is permissible.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a data storage system comprising: i) a housing supporting at least two data storage devices, said data storage devices being connected such that if one data storage device fails the data stored therein is derivable from the, or each, remaining storage device; ii) communication means for receiving device data from a remote computer; iii) control means for controlling the replication of said received device data in said data storage devices; whereby, in use, the communication means receives data from the remote computer and, under supervision of the control means, said device data is written to the storage devices thereby providing back up storage for said device data. Therefore in the event that either the remote computer is lost or damaged' or the device data are lost or corrupted, said data storage devices provide an image of the computer device and a resilient storage of the device data, from which data retrieval is possible.

The storage system is preferably housed in a stand alone structure. Ideally cooling of the structure is performed by natural convection from a plurality of side fins housed in a substantially silent housing. This achieves cooling without any fans, is more energy efficient and renders the storage system inaudible and is therefore more ergonomically / ecologically viable.

Storage disks may be mounted on an inner surface of a lid of the housing and connected to control and processing by way of cables that can be easily unplugged, thereby facilitating rapid data retrieval.

Preferably, in the event that data in one remote computer device are lost, restoration means is provided for transferring device data stored in the, or each, data storage device to a repaired or replacement computer device.

In a preferred embodiment three data storage devices are provided and connected such that data is striped across three disks such that in the event of a single disk failure the missing data may be derived from the remaining two disks.

Preferably management of data in said storage system is performed by an operating system different from the operating system of the management of data in the data storage devices. An advantage with this is that in the event that files that are stored are infected or damaged by a virus transmitted by a commonly used operating system, such as Microsoft™ Windows, the data storage system and its operating system remain unaffected.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, device sensing means is capable of detecting the proximity of a remote device; interrogating the identity of the device; and if the identity of the device is recognised as an authorised device, automatic backup is initiated. An advantage of this is that automatic backup of data, held on a remote, mobile or roaming device (hereinafter computer device) is performed without operator intervention.

If the identity of the device is unauthorised for use with the data storage system, a user is alerted to the presence of a new device and, for example by way of a predefined menu, the user can initiate pairing between the device and storage system so that automatic data backup may subsequently take place.

An optional override may be provided which permits the user to cancel the backup. Thus once a particular device has been paired with the data storage system (by configuring it to communicate with the communication means for receiving device data), data stored on the computer are automatically communicated to the data storage system.

Encryption may be applied to the data in order that they are transmitted in a secure form to the communication means for receiving device data. Similarly in the event of a download from the data storage system (ie in order to restore data) retrieved data may also be encrypted.

Preferably a replication means includes a transfer means for transferring data from the storage system to said remote computer devices. Suitable book marks, flags or checksums may be used to ensure precise replication.

The transfer means may be via a physical connection, such as a data bus, for example a universal serial bus (USB) connector or via a wireless connection, such as infra-red or Bluetooth™ connection.

Preferably the replication means includes means to compare the data in the device and data in the data storage devices and is configured to transfer only difference of data in the device to the data storage devices, thereby reducing the amount of data that has to be transmitted. Suitable book marks or flags may be used in order to indicate the extent of previously backed up data in a computer device.

In the event that a computer device is lost or stolen (with the consequential permanent loss of data) a user may desire to upload backed up data onto a replacement device if such an upload is permitted by the manufacturer allowing appropriate access. Preferably therefore a restoration means includes an automatic backup protocol for overseeing the transfer means that transmits data from the data storage device(s) to the new computer device. The transfer means may be a wireless connection such as: infra red, Bluetooth™, Wi- Fi or other wireless networks. The transfer means may alternatively comprise a physical connector of the wire type for connecting ports such as serial, CAT5 or USB cable.

Thus on loss or permanent corruption of data on a first computer device, said restoration means restores a replacement device to the form of a facsimile of the first device so that its data is exactly identical to the data at the last time that the data was synchronised, replicated, backed up or imaged.

In an alternative embodiment the data storage devices on which backup data are stored may be located remotely one from another. An advantage with this embodiment is that additional security is provided in the event that one of the storage devices is damaged or compromised.

Ideally the replication means replicates device data stored in the device memory in the data storage devices on a demand or on a scheduled basis. Thus a user may define a specific interval for regular backup or a default backup may be applied.

Preferably replication means replicates device data stored in the device memory in the data storage devices in a silent unobtrusive manner through a wireless connection when the device is brought within an operating range of the wireless connection. The device may for example be a fixed or portable computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), Internet protocol (IP) telephone, mobile telephone, pager, remote access device, in-vehicle device or home security management and / or automation system.

Further modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, backup may be performed by so called snapshot imaging. There may be an optional synchronisation facility whereby, for example a laptop which is used in order to work remotely, is automatically updated with data held on a server, and vice versa. File Synchronisation may be used to load data to/from remote file system(s) to such devices as PDAs, mobile telephones, in car entertainment systems, devices using various connectivity methods, such as smart card readers and other forms of electronic tagging and security devices.

Although reference has been made to upload of data from a device to a backup storage facility, it will be understood that the storage system may be used as a library or archive from which stored data may be taken on demand and downloaded to a computer device. In this sense the data storage system may be configured to download specific data to a specific device when it is within range. Such stored data includes, for example, music that has been stored and can be sent to an MP3 player.

Similarly remote storage can be undertaken by the system in order to transmit data to external files for saving and/or to retrieve data from additional storage systems or a data archive. Such a configuration saves space and cost of hardware. Furthermore the storage system can be configured to operate as a so called thick terminal wherein applications are executed locally. Thick terminals permit access to processor intensive applications close to hardware for improved performance. That is, a terminal in which a user may configure the level of data access in order to, for example, permit the system to run streaming audio and/or video.

Other services include: FTP, SMB, NFS, HTTP, Media Proxy Caching, URL Filtering E- Mail Services (POP3, SMTP) Video Telephone Calls and real time Video Conferencing.

In an alternative embodiment the storage system can be configured to operate as a so called thin terminal wherein it merely performs an authentication function and supports applications that are executed, principally at the server, thereby reducing the data carrying requirements of terminals. Thin terminals provide such functionality by enabling access to core and standard applications, thereby providing rapid delivery of a working desktop with almost no exposure to non-Linux borne viruses and a clean restart capability

Hybrid terminals benefit from features of both thick and thin formats.

The invention may be suitably modified with one or more of the following features: device image storage, remote file synchronisation, and/or data warehouse storage and/or automatic/scheduled back-up.

Other features, which may be incorporated include: proximity and hard wired back-up, printer sharing, central anti-virus protection, secure file sharing (SAMBA), smartcard- access to secure areas, timed certified-access to secure areas and password protected front gate access.

In addition the data storage system may include: managed internet access, features such as wireless keyboard and mouse, digital image storage and management, IR remote control audio/visual presentation storage, DVD play and DVD download, DVD record and store, audio play (CD, MP3), audio record and store (CD, MP3), TV record and store, and IPTV. In such a configuration the data storage system may act as a 'hub' for a variety of media or other server devices and may further include: a TV scheduler, an Internet radio player, a media distributor (such as a local / virtual Microsoft Windows Media Center) or a virtual Microsoft Windows Small Business Server, as well as storage for voice over internet protocol (VOIP).

When suitably configured the storage system may be adapted for voice recognition, video conferencing, web access over TV (picture in picture), E-mail access over TV (picture in picture), multi channel video (CCTV, etc) and other functionality as may be determined in the future.

It will be appreciated that the storage system may be located at home or in an office and may further include, without limitation: automation of central storage facilities, such as a mail server, firewall, wireless access point functionality, a proxy server and web servers. These preferred features provide additional flexibility of the storage system.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of examples only, and with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: Brief description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows an overall diagrammatic view of one embodiment of the storage system;

Figure 2 shows a flow diagram which performs key stages in an automatic backup of data; and

Figure 3 shows a diagrammatical overview of a system with different devices, peripherals, inputs and outputs.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

Referring to the Figures generally and in particular Figure 1, there is shown a data storage system that has central processing unit (CPU) 1 being housed within a housing in the form of a free-standing box 2. Box 2 houses three hard disks 3A, 3B and 3C and has cooling fins (not shown) on its external surface. Disk 3A provides a first data storage device, disk 3B provides a second data storage device, and disk 3C provides a third storage device. Device data (including the operating system of the device) and the CPU operating system software can distributed across the disks 3A, 3B and 3C, or can be held in custom memory, or stored on both disks and custom memory.

The CPU 1 is adapted to communicate with one or more remote devices including a computer device or devices. Such remote device(s) may typically be a personal computer (PC) such as a notebook or laptop 100 or a mobile communication device, such as a cellular telephone 120. Alternatively the remote computer devices may be another type of device that includes a computer and data store. Such a computer device may alternatively be one or more of a, PDA, a pager, a remote access device, an in-vehicle device, or a home security management system or other device.

The CPU 1 communicates with one or more of these computer devices through a variety of physical or wireless connections 30, the interfaces for which may form part of the CPU 1. The wireless connections may include infrared, Bluetooth™, and other wireless networks. The physical connection may include wire connecting ports such as serial, USB and other ports. The connections may be controlled by secure means such as password protection, for example by input of a personal identity number (PIN) identity cards, a key or dongle, digital cards, or other secure means.

The storage system includes replication means to replicate device data (stored in the memory of a remote computer device 100, 120) onto the first data storage device in disk 3A and/or second data storage device in disk 3B and/or third data storage device in disk 3C. Information about data stored in device 100, 120 is transferred to the CPU 1 via a data bus or wireless connection 30.

Preferably the replication means includes means to compare data in the device 100, 120 and data already backed up in the first 3A and second 3B and third 3C storage devices and to transfer the difference of data from the device 10, 20 to the first 3A and/or second 3B and/or third 3C storage devices. A bookmark reader 70 is used to determine what if any new data requires backing up. CPU 1 includes restoration means 40 to transfer device data stored in the first and/or second and/or third data storage devices 3A, 3B, 3C to a replacement device (not shown), in the event of loss of the original device 100, 120 or to the original device 100, 120 in the event of a loss of data. The restoration means typically includes a data buffer and a transmitting means for uploading replacement data to the device.

Data stored in first and second and third data storage devices 3A, 3B, 3C is transferred by transfer means to a data storage means on device 100, 120 for example by way of a wireless connection 30.

In use first, second and third data storage disks 3A, 3B, 3C provide back up storage for device 100, 120 data in the event the device data is lost. Data is retrievable from at least two of the storage disks, with redundancy built into system by way of the third storage disk.

A practical example of the use of the system is described as follows with reference to Figure 2. A mobile computer such as a laptop 100 is detected by receiver 30 (Step i). The device 100 has data, stored on its hard disk, in the form of operating system software configured with personal settings as well as files and applications.

On a demand or on a scheduled basis CPU 1 confirms the status of the device 100, for example with reference to a secure password (Step ii). Provided that pairing between the storage system and the device 100 exists, a check as to the amount of new data is performed by comparing already stored data with a bookmark (Step iii). If new data that require backing up are present, the data are replicated under control of CP U 1 bookmark reader 70 and RAID manager 80 (Step iv).

Data is copied from the computer device 100 onto disks 3A and/or 3B and/or 3C. In the event that the hard disk or data storage medium of the device 100 should fail or device 100 is stolen, that data can be replaced by way of a transfer of data from disks 3A and/or 3B and/or 3C. Such transfer of data is used to restore the device 100 simply and quickly so that its data is identical to the data contained in it when it was last synchronised, replicated, backed up or imaged. It is not only the data that is restored, but also the same operating system software configured with personal settings as well as files and applications. Thus the storage system restores a new second device to a facsimile of the first device. In practice it may be desirable to create a facsimile with only selected files, applications and/or settings. The CPU may be configured to accomplish this.

Storage disks 3A and 3B and 3C are provided for extra security in case one should fail. If desired, a further data storage device may be provided in a robust fire-proof and water proof housing in a location (e.g. in a building or vehicle) remote from the first, second and third data storage devices 3A, 3B and 3C and the CPU 1. Again data may be replicated and stored from the first, and/or a second and/or third data storage devices to the further storage device.

Management of data in the storage system may be performed by an operating system different from the operating system for the management of data in the first and second and third data storage devices of the CPU. This tends to prevent viruses, contained in a WORD file from executing when backed up in the data storage system. For example the operating system of the CPU in the data storage system, may be a Linux™, Free BSD™ or Open BSD™ based operating system.

The storage system can be used with other apparatus 60 (with or without a computer) as an additional secure storage device for data, e.g. data relating to audio, video, photos, music, MIDI interfaces.

It is envisaged that the housing 2 incorporating two or more storage devices may be sold separately for use with a device incorporating a computer to create the data storage system of the invention.

Details of how a device communicates with the storage system through wireless or physical connections is outlined as follows. When a device 100, 120 is connected to the storage system by means of a hard-wired connection, the following actions occur: 1. Hardwire / USB

Files are up-loaded to the storage system via the following process:

• A session may be established using the standard USB protocol e.g. CPU auto-detects the device and mounts (makes available to the CPU) any file systems as appropriate

• A system code may be triggered upon the arrival of a file system

• The system may review configuration information of defined actions (which may be profiled so as to be specific to an individual user of the system) so that the system may decide what action to take • For a new device e.g. a new camera, the system may perform a set of default actions and may incorporate the new device into the configuration information

• The standard action taken may be to copy the files into a library within a resilient storage system (RAID).

• Files are identified that are new to the system and need to be copied so that duplicate copies of existing files are avoided (although choices, such as to make a "versioned copy" may be offered by over-riding the standard option using the configuration information)

• Each new file may be placed into an appropriate directory structure such as a date/time - stamped directory although choices may be configured to define alternative directory structures.

2. Network connections:

Networking using LAN, WAN, Wireless

Files are up-loaded to the CPU via the following process:

Standard network protocols may be used to establish if the device (e.g. a lap-top computer) is available or the storage system responds when the device makes itself known through a standard network connection to the CPU 10.

• The system code monitors and triggers upon the establishment of a connection with the device.

• The system reviews configuration information of defined actions (which may be profiled so as to be specific to an individual user of the system) so that the system determines what action to take. • For a new device e.g. a new or unrecognised laptop, the storage system may perform a set of default actions and may incorporate the new device into the configuration information. A set of user instructions may be provided (e.g. in the form of pull down menus) so as to assist a user to make key choices and set user defined parameters.

• The standard action taken may be to copy or synchronise files or data from the device into a library or product (e.g. a calendar system) that may be provided within the system. This is considered to be of particular benefit, for example to a user who works at more than one location (e.g. home and office) and is keen to backup and synchronise data on which work has been done, particularly if this is on more than one computer.

Proximity-based connection:

When a device is moved within range of the storage system, the following interaction occurs:

Bluetooth connection Files are up-loaded to the storage system via the following process:

• Standard Bluetooth™ protocol established i.e. CPU auto-detects the device and interrogates the device for any services that it provides

• The system code monitors and triggers upon the arrival of relevant services e.g. availability of a diary within a mobile telephone

• The system reviews configuration information of defined actions (which may be profiled so as to be specific to an individual user of the system) so that the system may decide what action to take

• For a new device (e.g. a new telephone) the system may perform a set of default actions and may incorporate the new device into the configuration information

• Standard action taken may be to copy or synchronise the files or data from the device into a library or product (e.g. a diary system within the system)

Files are identified that are new to the system and need to be copied so that duplicate copies of existing files are avoided (although choices, such as to make a "versioned copy" may be offered by over-riding the standard option using the configuration information

Infrared connection

Files are up-loaded to the CPU via the following process: • Standard Infrared protocol is established i.e. CPU auto-detects the device and interrogates the device for any services or data that it may provide

• The system code monitors and triggers upon the arrival of relevant services or data (e.g. availability of an address book within a PDA)

• For a new device (e.g. a new PDA) the system may perform a set of default actions and may incorporate the new device into the configuration information

• The standard action taken may be to copy or synchronise the files or data from the device into a library or product (e.g. a address book system within the system)

Imaging:

If a device is such that it is possible to take and subsequently restore to that device or to a replacement device an image of the operating system of the device including, settings and data, the following process is used: Software may be loaded into the device via a mechanism such as a CD or from the CPU to create an image of the device that is then stored on the CPU in a date/time-stamped or such other archive as may be specified. This process may utilise wireless or physical connections.

To re-instate the image of the device's operating system, settings and data when a device has been replaced or repaired, the above processes are used in reverse by selecting the image from a list of previously taken images.

The invention may take a form different to that specifically described above. For example instead of there being three data storage devices in the CPU, data could be stored in two data storage devices in the CPU that are mirror images of each other. Furthermore, the replication means may transfer all the data from a device to the storage devices rather than the difference of data compared between the two.

Claims

1. A data storage system comprising: a) a housing supporting at least two data storage devices, said data storage devices being connected such that if one data storage device fails the data stored therein is derivable from the, or each, remaining storage device; b) communication means for receiving device data from a remote computer; c) control means for controlling the replication of said received device data in said data storage devices; whereby, in use, the communication means receives data from the remote computer and, under supervision of the control means, said device data is written to the storage devices thereby providing back up storage for said device data.

2. A data storage system according to claim 1 wherein the system is housed in a stand alone structure.

3. A data storage system according to claim 2 wherein the stand alone structure has cooling fins mounted thereon.

4. A data storage system according to any preceding claim wherein three data storage devices are provided and configured whereby device data may be retrieved from any two of the three disks.

5. A data storage system according to any preceding claim wherein management of data in said storage system is performed by an operating system different from the operating system of the management of data in the computer.

6. A data storage system according to any preceding claim includes device sensing means which is capable of detecting the proximity of a computer device; interrogating the identity of the device; and if the identity of the device is recognised as an authorised device, initiating automatic backup of data held on the device.

7. A data storage system according to claim 6 wherein a user is alerted to the presence of a new device and, by way of a predefined menu, the user initiates pairing between the device and storage system so that automatic data backup may subsequently take place.

8. A data storage system according to any preceding claim wherein an override is provided which permits the user to cancel the backup.

9. A data storage system according to any preceding claim wherein encryption is applied to data in order that they are transmitted in a secure form to the communication means for receiving device data.

10. A data storage system according to any preceding claim adapted to download from the data storage system retrieved data in an encrypted form.

11. A data storage system according to any preceding claim wherein the transfer means may be via a physical connection, such as a universal serial bus (USB).

12. A data storage system according to claim wherein means is provided to compare the data in the computer device and data in the data storage device and is configured to transfer only difference of data in the device to the data storage devices.

13. A data storage system according to claim 12 wherein a book mark (flag) is used in order to indicate the extent of previously backed up data from the computer device.

14. A data storage system according to any preceding claim wherein a restoration means includes an automatic backup protocol for overseeing the transfer means that transmits data from the data storage device(s) to the new computer device.

15. A data storage system according to claim wherein data storage devices, on which backup data is stored, are located remotely one from another.

16. A data storage system according to any preceding claim wherein data synchronisation is performed automatically by a file synchronisation system.

17. A data storage system according to claim 6 or 9, wherein the transfer means wireless connection may include infrared, Bluetooth™, and other wireless networks.

18. A data storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the replication means replicates device data stored in the device memory in the data storage devices on a demand or on a scheduled basis.

19. A data storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing is scaleable whereby two or more housings can be combined.

20. A data storage system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawing.

21. A method of backing up data using the system according to any of claims 1 to 20.

2. A data carrier supporting software which when configured is adapted to operate the method according to claim 21.