Systems and methods of information backup

1. A system for granting or denying access to nodes on a network, comprising:

a plurality of backup storage devices, each of the plurality of backup storage devices assigned to store back up data for a selected grouping of a plurality of backup servers;

a first node coupled to the backup storage device by a network, the first node comprising an agent operable to control access to data on the first node, the first node including a list of backup servers that are permitted to backup data on the first node; and

a first backup server connected to the first node across the network, wherein the first backup server is operable to seek access to the first node to perform a backup of data on the first node; and

wherein upon the first backup server attempting to gain access to the first node, the agent is operable to:

identify the first backup server on the list of backup servers; and

package data to be transported to the backup server for storage on the backup storage device.

2. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein, when the first backup server is identified on the list of backup servers, a user of the backup server is prompted for a user identification and a password for accessing the first node.

3. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the list of nodes is modified by locally logging into the first node.

4. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the first node comprises a server.

5. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the network connecting the first node and the first backup server comprises a Local Area Network (LAN), the LAN also connecting the backup storage device to the first node and the first backup server.

6. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the network connecting the first node and the first backup server a Local Area Network (LAN), the system further comprising a Storage Area Network (SAN) connecting the first node and the first backup server to the backup storage device.

7. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the first backup server is operable to store back up data for a plurality of nodes on the backup storage device.

8. A method for granting or denying access to nodes on a network, comprising:

providing a plurality of backup storage devices, each of the plurality of backup storage devices assigned to store back up data for a selected grouping of the plurality of backup servers;

providing an agent on a first node, the agent operable to control access to data on the first node using a list of backup servers that are permitted to backup data on the first node; and

providing a first backup server coupled to the first node across a network;

upon the first backup server attempting to gain access to the first node, using the agent to identify the first backup server on the list of backup servers;

in response to identifying the first backup server on the list of backup servers, transporting the data from the first node to the backup server; and

storing the data on from the first node on a backup storage device coupled to the backup server by the network.

9. The method as recited in claim 8 , further comprising prompting a user of the first backup server for a user identification and a password for accessing the first node, when it is determined that the first backup server is allowed access to the first node.

10. The method as recited in claim 8 , further comprising modifying the list of nodes by locally logging into the first node.

11. The method as recited in claim 8 , further comprising providing a Local Area Network (LAN) coupling the first node, the first backup server, and the backup storage device.

12. The method as recited in claim 8 , further comprising

providing a Local Area Network (LAN) coupling the first node and the first backup server; and

providing a Storage Area Network (SAN) coupling the first backup server to the backup storage device.

13. The method as recited in claim 8 , further comprising using the first backup server to store back up data for a plurality of nodes on the backup storage device.

14. Logic stored on a computer readable medium, the logic including instructions operable when executed to:

provide a plurality of backup storage devices, each of the plurality of backup storage devices assigned to store back up data for a selected grouping of backup servers;

provide an agent on a first node, the agent operable to control access to data on the first node using a list of backup servers that are permitted to backup data on the first node; and

upon a first backup server coupled to the first node across a network attempting to gain access to the first node, using the agent to identify the first backup server on the list of backup servers;

in response to identifying the first backup server on the list of backup servers, transporting the data from the first node to the backup server; and

storing the data on from the first node on a backup storage device coupled to the backup server by the network.

15. The logic as recited in claim 14 , including further instructions operable when executed to:

prompt a user of the first backup server for a user identification and a password for accessing the first node, when it is determined that the first backup server is allowed access to the first node.

16. The logic as recited in claim 14 , including further instructions operable when executed to:

modify the list of nodes by locally logging into the first node.

17. The logic as recited in claim 14 , wherein a Local Area Network (LAN) couples the first node, the first backup server, and the backup storage device.

18. The logic as recited in claim 14 , wherein a Local Area Network (LAN) couples the first node and the first backup server and a Storage Area Network (SAN) couples the first backup server to the backup storage device.

19. The logic as recited in claim 14 , including further instructions operable when executed to:

use the first backup server to store back up data for a plurality of nodes on the backup storage device.