An application consistent data protection method provides application-assist and replication-technology neutral mirroring that ensures that a remote data copy is application-consistent. The method comprises a coordination protocol to coordinate application hosts across heterogeneous hosts and heterogeneous storage devices. The method utilizes a disk layout and data record format that enables use of an underlying replication ability of a storage device, minimizing development cost and utilizing customer investment. The method comprises on-demand consistency point initiation to minimize performance impact and maximize system resource usage. The method can be applied to both synchronous and asynchronous mirroring and can be incorporated into any virtualization device.