A method, apparatus, and computer implemented instructions for backing up data in a data processing system. In response to a request to backup data associated with an application, a data store is queried containing meta data regarding files associated with the application in which the data store includes meta data describing the files accessed by the application. A result is received in response to querying the data store, and contains information about files that need to be backed up. The information is then used to drive the backup program. The files are then subsequently backed up to a storage system.