Copying a running system's data, including files that are currently open and in use, by taking a point-in-time snapshot rather than waiting for those files to close.

Used by backup vendors to make a snapshot feature that has shipped with the operating system for years sound like a proprietary breakthrough in capturing a living machine.

• Vitality Language: Describing a routine filesystem snapshot as capturing something alive.
• Built-In Rebrand: Charging a premium for a capability the operating system already provides.
• House-Cleaning Reality Check: Like photographing the kitchen while dinner is still cooking and calling the picture a "live state capture."

Night at the Museum (2000s) where the night guard tries to photograph and inventory the exhibits while they are still moving around the hall.

“Live state capture protects open files and in-flight transactions without interrupting users.”

“The backup copied the database while staff were still working in it, including the files that were open at the time.”