A method implements a single system configuration for backing-up and restoring a clustered storage system. The clustered storage system contains a plurality of storage servers. A virtual volume is configured based on one or more of the plurality of storage servers. The virtual volume shields its physical implementation from a client system. A virtual backup device is configured based on a physical backup device connected with one of the plurality of storage servers. The virtual backup device shields its connectivity from the client system. The method backs-up volume data stored in the virtual volume to the virtual backup device, irrespective of which of the plurality of storage servers is utilized by the virtual volume, or which of the plurality of storage servers is connected with the physical backup device.