A flexible data mirroring system and method are adapted for use in a data processing system having first and second data storage devices. Upon receiving notification of a file update to be written to the first data storage device a mirror mode and mirror event associated with the updated file are determined from mirror information that has been provisioned on a per-file, per-directory or per-volume, etc. basis. The file update is mirrored to the second data storage device according to the provisioned mirror mode and mirror event. If the mirror mode is continuous, the mirror operation proceeds immediately. If the mirror mode is discrete, the file update is noted and the mirror operation proceeds following occurrence of the file's mirror event.