A method for backing up data is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a method includes identifying a volume of data to back up, and determining a number of backup tasks that can operate in parallel to back up data in the volume. The number of backup tasks may be based on an amount of memory available, a fragmentation level of a target storage area, a number of tape mounts that are available, or the like. The method then divides the volume into a number of sections corresponding to the number of backup tasks. Each section is associated with a particular backup task. The method then initiates the backup tasks to back up their corresponding sections in parallel. In certain embodiments, each backup task generates a data set storing backup data from its corresponding section. A corresponding system and computer program product are also disclosed.