This storage controller providing a volume for storing data transmitted
from a host system includes a management unit for managing the data
written in the volume with a first block area, or a second block area in
the first block area which is smaller than the first block area; a
snapshot acquisition unit for acquiring a snapshot of the volume at a
prescribed timing; and a transfer unit for transferring the data of the
volume acquired with the snapshot of the snapshot acquisition unit to an
external device with the first block area or the second block area.