A method and system for assisting with backup and restore operations of data stored in a data storage system is provided. The server and client processes of the backup and restore application include software which allow both processes to communicate with one another either over a network or through the data storage system. The server and client processes are capable of recognizing the calls for both types of communication mechanisms needed for either network or data storage system communications. Once the type of call is recognized the processes can direct the call to the appropriate communication mechanism.