Configuration of servers for backup

Abstract

Configuration of servers for backup are disclosed herein. According to an aspect, a method includes storing first configuration information used to configure a first server. The method also includes storing second configuration information associated with the first server. The second configuration information may be designated as available for use by a second server when backup is needed for the first server. The method also includes determining whether backup is needed for the first server. Further, the method includes providing the first and second configuration information for use in configuring the second server to back up the first server in response to determining that backup is needed for the first server.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method comprising:
 storing first configuration information used to configure a first server;   storing second configuration information associated with the first server and being designated as available for use by a second server when backup is needed for the first server;   determining whether backup is needed for the first server; and   in response to determining that backup is needed for the first server, providing the first and second configuration information for use in configuring the second server to back up the first server.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second configuration information indicate one of server hardware and software specifications. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 configuring the first server based on the first configuration information; and   preventing configuration of the first server based on the second configuration information.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 determining whether the second configuration information is improper to use for configuring the first server; and   in response to determining that the second configuration information is improper to use, preventing configuration of the first server based on the second configuration information.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising configuring the second server with the second configuration information. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 determining requirements for backing up the first server based on the first and second configuration information;   determining attributes of a plurality of backup servers for the first server;   determining whether the attributes of each backup server meet the requirements for backing up the first server; and   identifying at least one of the backup servers as being available for backing up the first server in response to determining that attributes of the at least one of the backup servers meets the requirements for backing up the first server.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising determining that one of hardware and software is not being used on the first server, and
 wherein storing second configuration information comprises storing an indication of that the one of hardware and software is not being used on the first server.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising selecting the second server as backup to the first server based on the indication that the one of hardware and software is not being used on the first server.