Backup optimization device, backup optimization method, and computer program for backup optimization device

Abstract

This backup optimization device comprises an optimization unit that, in order to back up a work-related file relating to work of a specific user from a cloud storage to a local storage, identifies a work-related user relating to the work of the specific user, and determines a file range to be backed up for the specific user, while including a file to be used by the work-related user as a candidate of the work-related file to be backed up.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a backup optimization device, a backup optimization method, and a recording medium storing a computer program for the backup optimization device. [Background technology]

[0002] Cloud storage services, which provide computer resources as a service via computer networks such as the internet, have emerged to reduce the management costs of file servers and to address the increase in remote work. In recent years, the number of users utilizing these cloud storage services as an alternative to file servers has been increasing. However, when using information stored remotely, such as in the cloud, there is a problem where business operations can be disrupted due to inability to access the information in the event of a communication failure. As a way to avoid this problem, users can temporarily back up and store the data they need on on-premises local storage installed and operated within the facility premises. This makes it possible to use that data as an alternative in the event of a communication failure.

[0003] By the way, the following problems can occur when backing up files stored in cloud storage, etc. (a) When the backup scope is wide Unnecessary data for business operations is also backed up, putting a strain on local storage capacity. (b) When the scope of the backup is narrow The data necessary for business operations has not been backed up and cannot be accessed. (c) If backups are performed frequently The load on data transfer to local storage during backup increases. (d) If backups are not performed frequently When the latest data is needed, it's not possible to access the backup data on local storage.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for avoiding the transfer of duplicate data between storage systems when backing up files, specifically between the source storage system and the destination storage system. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-11448 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] When comparing the available capacity of local storage with that of cloud storage, local storage tends to have significantly less capacity. Therefore, when backing up files necessary for work from cloud storage to local storage, the problems described in (a) and (b) above can be solved by the user selecting which files to include and which to exclude. In situations where backup files are used in the event of a communication channel failure, the files backed up to local storage must be up-to-date. As shown in (c) and (d) above, a higher frequency of file backups is better, but if it is too high, the transfer load on the network becomes large. This can be solved by the user setting the backup frequency according to the frequency of file updates in their work. However, there is a problem in that it is too burdensome for the user to perform all of these settings. Patent document 1 can solve some of the problems mentioned above, but it does not solve all of them.

[0007] Incidentally, files that need to be backed up for business continuity can be broadly categorized into files recently accessed by the user and files that the user will need for business purposes in the future. However, no method has been proposed to automatically select files accessed by a specific user and files that the user may need for business purposes in the future, and to automatically decide which files to back up from cloud storage to on-premises storage.

[0008] Therefore, one example of the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a backup optimization device, a backup optimization method, and a recording medium storing a computer program for the backup optimization device, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, the backup optimization device includes an optimization unit that identifies business-related users related to the business of a specific user, and determines the range of files to be backed up for the specific user, including files used by the business-related users as candidates for the business-related files to be backed up, in order to back up business-related files related to the business of a specific user from cloud-based storage to on-premises storage.

[0010] Furthermore, according to a second aspect of this disclosure, a backup optimization method performed by a computer identifies business-related users related to the business of a specific user, and determines the range of files to be backed up for the specific user, including files used by the business-related users as candidates for the business-related files to be backed up, in order to back up business-related files related to the business of a specific user from cloud storage to on-premises storage.

[0011] Furthermore, according to a third aspect of this disclosure, the computer program for the backup optimization device causes the computer to perform the following actions in order to back up business-related files relating to the business of a specific user from cloud storage to on-premises storage: identify business-related users relating to the business of the specific user, and determine the range of files to be backed up for the specific user, including files used by the business-related users as candidates for the business-related files to be backed up. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to this disclosure, when backing up files from cloud-based storage to on-premises storage, it is possible to automatically determine which files the user may need for business purposes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of a system including a backup optimization device in some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This flowchart shows the operation of the backup optimization device in some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows the operation of the business-related extraction unit of the backup optimization device in some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the operation of the backup range identification unit of the backup optimization device in some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the operation of the backup frequency determination unit of the backup optimization device in some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a file and folder management table for a backup optimization device in some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7]A diagram showing an example of an access log management table of a backup optimization device in some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of a business-related file management table of a backup optimization device in some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] A diagram showing an example of the calculated degree of business relevance in some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] A diagram showing an example of a backup range management table of a backup optimization device in some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of a backup frequency management table of a backup optimization device in some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] A diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration when realizing a backup optimization device in some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] A diagram showing a configuration diagram of a backup optimization device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, a backup optimization device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. १ is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system including a backup optimization device according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. १, a system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure includes a cloud storage १, a backup system २, and a local storage ३.

[0015] The cloud storage १, also called cloud-type storage, stores backup target files and folder groups ११, which are files and folders to be backed up, and access log information १२, which is the history of past accesses to files and folders for each user.

[0016] Backup system 2 includes an information collection device 21, a backup optimization device 22, and a backup control device 23. The information collection device 21 comprises a file and folder information collection unit 211 and an access log information collection unit 212. The file and folder information collection unit 211 collects information about files and folders from cloud storage 1. The access log information collection unit 212 collects logs of access to files and folders.

[0017] The backup optimization device 22 includes an optimization unit 22a. The optimization unit 22a identifies business-related users who are likely to perform tasks related to the business of a specific user whose data is to be backed up, and includes a function to determine the range of files to be backed up for the specific user, while also considering files used by the identified business-related users as candidates for files to be backed up. Files related to the business of a specific user will also be referred to as "business-related files" below. The optimization unit 22a also determines the update frequency of the files to be backed up. The optimization unit 22a includes a business-related extraction unit 221, a backup range determination unit 222, a backup frequency determination unit 223, and a database 225. The business-related extraction unit 221 determines the degree of business relevance between users based on the degree of agreement between access logs classified for each user, and extracts files used by other users with a high degree of business relevance as business-related files for the specific user whose data is to be backed up. The backup range determination unit 222 determines the range of files to be backed up by deciding whether to back up the entire range of files in a folder based on the number of extracted business-related files. The backup frequency determination unit 223 determines the backup frequency for each file and folder based on the update frequency of the files and folders to be backed up.

[0018] Database 225 stores various tables containing information required by the backup optimization device 22. Database 225 stores a file and folder management table 2251 that manages information on files and folders to be managed, an access log management table 2252 that manages access log information, a business-related file management table 2253 that manages business-related files to be backed up, a backup range management table 2254 that manages the scope of backups, and a backup frequency management table 2255 that manages the frequency of backups.

[0019] The backup control device 23 is a device that performs backups and includes a backup control unit 231. The backup control unit 231 uses the table generated by the backup optimization device 22 to perform backups from cloud storage 1 to local storage 3.

[0020] Local storage 3 is an on-premises storage device used as the storage location for backups from the backup control unit 231. An example of local storage 3 is a storage device installed on the premises of the facility being managed, such as the storage of a personal computer used by the target user.

[0021] Next, the pre-processing required for the operation of the backup optimization device 22 will be described. As pre-processing, the file and folder information collection unit 211 of the information collection device 21 collects file and folder information from the cloud storage 1 and saves it to the file and folder management table 2251 of the database 225. In addition, the access log information collection unit 212 of the information collection device 21 collects access log information for files and folders from the cloud storage 1 in advance and saves it to the access log management table 2252.

[0022] Next, the operation overview of the backup optimization device 22 will be described. The backup optimization device 22 determines the scope and frequency of backups based on information previously collected by the information collection device 21. To this end, the business-related extraction unit 221 of the backup optimization device 22 calculates the degree of business relevance between users from the information in the access log management table 2252 and identifies business-related files from other users with a high degree of relevance. Next, the backup scope identification unit 222 identifies the range of files and folders to be backed up from the access log management table 2252 and the business-related file management table 2253. Then, the backup frequency identification unit 223 identifies the frequency at which to back up files and folders within the backup range from the access log management table 2252 and the backup scope management table 2254. Using the results, the backup control unit 231 of the backup control device 23 performs backups of files and folders from cloud storage 1 to local storage 3 at the identified frequency.

[0023] Next, the operation of the backup optimization device 22 will be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 1 to 11. The operation will describe the process of determining the backup scope and frequency for a specific user (a particular user) who is the target of the backup process. The determined scope and frequency depend on the access log of the user performing the backup, so it is necessary to determine the scope and frequency for each user. For this reason, the following operation will be repeated for each user, but since it will be the same process repeated, the explanation of this will be omitted.

[0024] As described above, before the backup optimization device 22 starts operation, the information collection device 21 activates the file and folder information collection unit 211 and stores the necessary file and folder information from the backup target files and folders group 11 of the cloud storage 1 into the file and folder management table 2251. In addition, the access log information collection unit 212 collects access log information for files and folders from the access log information 12 of the cloud storage 1 and stores it in the access log management table 2252.

[0025] Examples of the file and folder management table 2251 and the access log management table 2252 are shown in Figures 6 and 7. As shown in Figure 6, the file and folder management table 2251 includes attribute information such as the storage path, owner, and document ID related to the file names and folders collected from the backup target files and folders group 11. In Figure 6, if the folder flag is "1", it indicates that the name shown in the "file name" item in that storage path is a folder name. If the folder flag is "0", it indicates that the name shown in the "file name" item in that storage path is the actual file name. In addition to the file and folder management table 2251 shown in Figure 6, the access log management table 2252 shown in Figure 7, the backup range management table 2254 shown in Figure 10, and the backup frequency management table 2255 shown in Figure 11 also use the "document ID" item to specify a folder as well as an actual file, and similar to the file and folder management table 2251, whether it is a file or a folder can be determined by the "folder flag" item. Furthermore, across all tables, the "Document ID" is a number that uniquely identifies the file information (the record within each table).

[0026] The access log management table 2252 stores access logs for backup target files and folders 11 collected from the access log information 12, sorted by the most recent access date and time for each user. The access log management table 2252 includes information such as the username, most recent access date and time, document ID, file name, folder flag, storage path, and most recent operation type.

[0027] The operation of the backup optimization device 22 using the above-mentioned pre-processing results will now be explained. First, as a trigger for processing, the backup control unit 231 of the backup control device 23 detects that a user is performing a backup. At this time, a specific user is designated as the user for performing the backup, and processing begins.

[0028] For example, we will describe how the backup optimization device 22 of the backup system 2 automatically determines the range of files to be backed up and the backup frequency based on access logs for a certain period, such as one month. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the backup optimization device 22.

[0029] The backup optimization device 22 of the backup system 2 activates the business-related extraction unit 221 of the optimization unit 22a. Based on the premise that recently accessed files are necessary for current business operations, the business-related extraction unit 221 identifies the document IDs of actual files accessed by a specific user within a specific period, for example, within one week, based on the "Access Date and Time" element of the access log management table 2252. After identifying the target files, the business-related extraction unit 221 focuses on the document ID element of the identified files from the file and folder management table 2251 to uniquely identify records with matching document IDs, and adds the specific username and information acquisition date and time elements to the business-related file management table 2253 before adding the records (step A1).

[0030] Next, the backup optimization device 22 extracts business-related files that may be needed in the future and are not apparent from the most recent access logs. Specifically, the business-related extraction unit 221 of the backup optimization device 22 identifies other users who perform tasks related to the business of the specific user whose backup is to be performed as business-related users (step A2), and identifies business-related files for the specific user from the access logs of the identified business-related users and stores the records in the business-related file management table 2253 (step A3).

[0031] The operation of the business-related extraction unit 221 shown in step A2 of Figure 2 will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 shows in detail the process by which the activated business-related extraction unit 221 calculates the degree of business relevance between a specific user and other users from elements such as username, access date and time, file name, and operation type in the access log management table 2252. Cloud storage has the characteristic of facilitating collaborative work by teams because simultaneous editing is easy. The process here is based on the premise that people who perform the same operation on the same file at similar times are doing the same work and can be estimated to have a high degree of business relevance.

[0032] In Figure 3, the business-related extraction unit 221 obtains access log information for all users from the access log management table 2252 (step B1), and also obtains a list of access user information that appeared in the access log information (step B2). The business-related extraction unit 221 initializes the values ​​to be calculated (step B4), and from the information obtained in step B2, calculates three values: the number of matching file paths accessed between a specific user and other access users (step B5), the error in the access date and time of the matching paths (step B9), and the number of matching operations on the matching paths (step B11) (steps B3-B13). These three values ​​are calculated for each specific user and for each access user other than the specific user obtained in step B3. The subscript "i" in the values ​​Pi, Ti, and Oi represents the respective access user other than the specific user.

[0033] Next, the business-related extraction unit 221 normalizes the three values ​​obtained for each access user other than the specific user, and calculates the sum of the normalized values ​​to determine the degree of business relevance between the specific user and the other access users for each access user (steps B14 to B19).

[0034] In the process of normalizing three values ​​and calculating the sum of the normalized values, the business-related extraction unit 221 first extracts the maximum and minimum values ​​of the number of matches among all access users excluding a specific user (step B14). Next, the business-related extraction unit 221 normalizes each of the three values ​​using the extracted maximum and minimum values ​​(step B16). Normalization is performed using the Min-Max method and calculated by the following formula.

[0035]

number

[0036] In the above formula, x represents the value to be normalized. max x indicates the upper limit of the values ​​of x. min This indicates the lower limit of the values ​​of x. The business-related extraction unit 221 calculates the degree of relevance between a specific user and other accessing users using three normalized values. It is assumed that a smaller difference in the error between the access date and time of matching paths indicates that the periods of need between users are closer. Therefore, the business-related extraction unit 221 calculates a sum using the value obtained by subtracting the normalized value of the access date and time error from the value "1". The business-related extraction unit 221 sums the calculated values ​​for each user to determine the business relevance Si between a specific user and other accessing users (steps B17, B18). The following formula is an example of a formula used to calculate the business relevance Si.

[0037]

number

[0038] In the above formula, S iindicates the degree of relevance between users. P i indicates the number of matching operation target paths. N(P i ) indicates the value obtained by normalizing the number of matching operation target paths. O i indicates the number of matching operations for the path. N(O i ) indicates the normalized numerical value of the number of matching operations for the path. T i indicates the error in the operation date and time. N(T i ) indicates the normalized numerical value of the error in the operation date and time. FIG. 9 shows an example of the normalized values of the three values and an example of the business relevance degree Si obtained from the normalized values. As described above, the business relevance extraction unit 221 calculates the business relevance degree Si between a specific user and each other access user.

[0039] Returning to FIG. 2, the business relevance extraction unit 221 narrows down business-related users who have a high business relevance with the specific user from access users other than the specific user based on the extracted business relevance degree information (step A2). The business relevance extraction unit 221 extracts access users with a business relevance degree Si equal to or greater than a predetermined value, for example, a value of 0 or more, as business-related users on the grounds that they are more or less related to the business of the specific user. Note that the predetermined value serving as the threshold is set so as to be able to extract within the maximum range so that there is no omission of business-related users in the business relevance extraction unit 221.

[0040] The business-related extraction unit 221 extracts business-related users and then extracts business-related files (step A3). It assumes that users performing the same tasks tend to need the same files. Based on this assumption, the business-related extraction unit 221 focuses on the username and access date / time elements of the access log management table 2252 to extract access log information for business-related users. The business-related extraction unit 221 then identifies files that business-related users have accessed in the most recent predetermined period, for example, the last week, and whose information is not already stored in the business-related file management table 2253, as files that a specific user will need for their work in the future. Subsequently, the business-related extraction unit 221 focuses on the document ID element of the identified files from the file and folder management table 2251, and adds the elements of the specific username, document ID, information acquisition date / time, operation type, and difference in operation time to records with matching document IDs, before adding the records to the business-related file management table 2253. Figure 8 shows an example of the business-related file management table 2253. Figure 8 shows an example of records stored in the business-related file management table 2253 as a result of processing steps A1 and A3 in Figure 2 for a specific user X. Furthermore, the business-related file management table 2253 in Figure 8 is an example that also includes the results of processing other users other than specific user X as specific users.

[0041] Returning to Figure 2, the backup optimization device 22 determines the scope of the backup to be performed (step A4). This process will be explained using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram that shows in detail the process by which the backup optimization device 22 activates the backup scope identification unit 222 of the optimization unit 22a and identifies the backup scope based on the information in the business-related file management table 2253 and the access log management table 2252. The backup scope is defined as a folder where files with related contents are grouped together, and it can be assumed that folders containing many business-related files identified in steps A1 and A3 are likely to have other files in that folder that will also be needed for the work of a particular user in the future. Therefore, based on this assumption, the backup scope identification unit 222 decides whether to define the file scope to be backed up on a folder basis, that is, whether to consider all files in a folder as business-related files or not.

[0042] The backup range identification unit 222 obtains information on business-related files from the business-related file management table 2253 for a specific user (step C1). The backup range identification unit 222 identifies the parent folder where the target files are stored from the "folder path" element in the obtained business-related file information (step C2).

[0043] The backup range identification unit 222 identifies the total number of files contained directly under each folder identified in step C2 (step C4), and also identifies the number of business-related files contained directly under that folder (step C5).

[0044] At this point, the backup range identification unit 222 determines whether the number of business-related files directly under the folder exceeds a predetermined number (predetermined ratio) relative to the total number of files directly under that folder, for example, more than half (step C6). If the condition is met (step C6: Yes), the backup range identification unit 222 expands the backup range to that folder, that is, adds folder information to the backup range management table 2254 so that all files directly under that folder are considered business-related files (step C7). On the other hand, if the condition is not met (step C6: No), the backup range identification unit 222 adds folder information to the backup range management table 2254, specifying the business-related files directly under the folder to be processed (step C7).

[0045] In other words, if the conditions are met (Step C6: Yes), the backup range identification unit 222 identifies the folder information included in the backup file range from the file and folder management table 2251 using the document ID, extracts the records, adds the number of business-related files as an element, and adds them to the backup range management table 2254 (Step C7). If the number does not exceed a majority (Step C6: No), without expanding the files to be backed up to include files directly under the folder, the backup range identification unit 222 extracts only the records of the target business-related files from the business-related file management table 2253 using the "folder path" item and adds them to the backup range management table 2254 (Step C8).

[0046] The backup range identification unit 222 repeats the processes from steps C3 to C9 for the number of folders identified in step C2.

[0047] Based on the above, the backup range identification unit 222 stores information about the folder to be backed up when all files directly under the folder are considered business-related files, and information about individual business-related files when not all files directly under the folder are considered business-related files, in the backup range management table 2254. Figure 10 shows an example of the backup range management table 2254. In Figure 10, an example is shown in the backup range management table 2254 that includes users X, ..., and Z as specific users.

[0048] Returning to Figure 2, the backup optimization device 22 identifies the backup frequency for each folder and business-related file to be backed up (step A5). This process will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a detailed diagram showing the process by which the backup optimization device 22 activates the backup frequency identification unit 223 of the optimization unit 22a and identifies the backup frequency based on the information in the backup range management table 2254 and the access log management table 2252. This process aims to keep backups up-to-date by matching the shortest update frequency of the files to be backed up with the backup frequency.

[0049] The backup frequency determination unit 223 obtains information about the files and folders within the backup range registered in the backup range management table 2254, as well as information about the folder when all files directly under that folder are included in the backup range (step D1). The backup frequency determination unit 223 obtains access logs for the files and folders included in the backup range from the access log management table 2252 (step D2).

[0050] The backup frequency determination unit 223 determines that all files directly under a folder should be included in the backup range, and sets the backup frequency for all files directly under that folder to be the same (steps D3 to D6). In this process, the backup frequency determination unit 223 obtains the shortest backup frequency among the files directly under the folder for the folder being processed (step D4), and identifies the shortest obtained frequency as the backup frequency for all files directly under that folder (step D5). The backup frequency determination unit 223 sequentially performs steps D3 to D6 for all folders where all files directly under the folder should be included in the backup range.

[0051] The backup frequency determination unit 223 determines the backup frequency for individual business-related files if not all files directly under the folder are included in the backup scope (steps D7 to D10). In this process, the backup frequency determination unit 223 uses the information of the business-related files to be processed to extract records from the access log management table 2252 that match the document ID of the record, and sorts the extracted records in order of access date and time to determine the shortest update frequency for the file (step D8). The backup frequency determination unit 223 sets the backup frequency of that business-related file to the update frequency determined in step D8 (step D9). The backup frequency determination unit 223 sequentially performs the processes in steps D7 to D10 for all business-related files if not all files directly under the folder are included in the backup scope.

[0052] As described above, the backup frequency determination unit 223 determines the backup frequency for the range of files to be backed up, either on a folder-by-folder basis if all files directly under a folder are to be backed up, or on a business-related file-by-file basis if not all files directly under a folder are to be backed up.

[0053] Returning to Figure 2, the backup frequency determination unit 223 adds the determined backup frequency element to the records in the backup range management table 2254 and then stores it in the backup frequency management table 2255. An example of the backup frequency management table 2255 is shown in Figure 11. Figure 11 shows an example that includes specific users X, ..., and user Z. Also, in the backup frequency management table 2255 in Figure 11, the backup frequency is shown in the example of how often it is performed in "days" as the unit, but it is not limited to "days". For example, it could be in hours. This concludes the operation of the backup optimization device 22.

[0054] Finally, the backup control unit 231 of the backup control device 23 refers to the folder path, file name, and backup frequency elements of the specific user to be backed up in the backup frequency management table 2255, and completes the process by backing up the business-related files of that specific user from cloud storage 1 to local storage 3 according to the backup frequency.

[0055] As described above, the backup optimization device 22 has the following functions. 1) A function that calculates the degree of relevance between users' work processes and extracts work-related files from users with high relevance by comparing the access logs of specific users targeted for backup with the access logs of other users. 2) A function that dynamically changes the backup range by expanding the backup range from files to folders based on the number of business-related files extracted in 1). 3) A function that extracts the update frequency from the access log for files included in the backup range determined in 2), and dynamically changes the backup frequency according to the update frequency. These functions allow the backup optimization device 22 to dynamically change the backup scope and frequency according to the user's work. Furthermore, the backup optimization device 22 includes not only files recently accessed by a specific user that are subject to backup, but also files used by other users related to that user's work, as these are business-related files that are likely to be needed by that user in the future. Therefore, this backup process makes it possible to reduce the impact on user work in the event of a cloud-based storage failure. In addition, these processes ensure that files necessary for work are backed up, reduce the load of data transfer to local storage during backup, and allow access to the backup files on local storage 3 when the latest files are needed.

[0056] In the operation of the business-related extraction unit 221 of the backup optimization device 22, step B11 of the process flowchart for determining the degree of business relevance in Figure 3 calculates the degree of matching operations to paths from the access log. Since updates are judged to be more business-related than references, weights may be added based on the content of the matching operations to extract the degree of relevance more precisely. For example, references may be weighted 0.5 and updates 1.0.

[0057] Furthermore, the business-related extraction unit 221 calculates the business relevance score Si using three values: Pi, the number of matching folder paths of accessed files in the access logs of a specific user and the access logs of other users other than the specific user; Ti, the error in the access date and time of the matching folder paths; and Oi, the number of matching operations on files stored in the matching folder paths. To determine the business relevance score Si with greater accuracy, it is preferable to use these three values, but it is not limited to them. For example, the business relevance score Si may be calculated using at least one of these three values ​​as an indicator to identify business-related users who have a high degree of business relevance with a specific user.

[0058] The business-related extraction unit 221 of the backup optimization device 22, in the process of extracting files to be backed up, includes all files accessed within the most recent predetermined period by business-related users who have a high business relationship with a specific user as backup targets. However, in this case, the scope is too broad, and there is a risk that inappropriate files may also be included in the backup targets. Therefore, it may be possible to extract more business-related files by only including files as backup targets if they have been accessed by a certain number of business-related users for a specific user, for example, more than half.

[0059] Figure 12 shows the hardware configuration of a backup optimization device 22 according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. The backup optimization device 22 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, SSD (Solid State Drive) 104, and other non-volatile memory, as well as a communication module 105.

[0060] The CPU 101 executes programs stored in recording media such as the ROM 102 or SSD 104 to realize each function of the backup optimization device 22.

[0061] The SSD 104 also stores data necessary to realize the functions of the backup optimization device 22. The SSD 104 may be another non-volatile storage device, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or it may be composed of several different types of non-volatile storage devices. The communication module 105 is used for network connectivity. The backup optimization device 22 may also be equipped with input / output devices 106 such as a keyboard, mouse, tablet, or display device, or connection ports to these input / output devices.

[0062] The hardware configuration of the information collection device 21 and the backup control device 23 shall be the same as that shown in Figure 12. Alternatively, the hardware configuration of the backup system 2 may be as shown in Figure 12, and the functions of the information collection device 21, the backup optimization device 22, and the backup control device 23 may be implemented in software.

[0063] Figure 13 shows a diagram of the configuration of a backup optimization device 22 according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. The backup optimization device 22 includes an optimization unit 22a that identifies business-related users related to the business of a specific user and determines the range of files to be backed up for the specific user, including files used by the business-related users as candidates for the business-related files to be backed up, in order to back up business-related files related to the business of a specific user from cloud-type storage to on-premises-type storage.

[0064] Alternatively, the processing in the backup optimization device 22 may be realized by recording a program for realizing the functions of the backup optimization device 22 on a computer-readable recording medium, loading the program recorded on this recording medium into a computer system, and executing it. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. In addition, "computer-readable recording medium" also includes volatile memory (RAM) inside computer systems that act as servers or clients when programs are transmitted via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, which retain programs for a certain period of time.

[0065] Furthermore, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system that stores the program in a memory device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. Also, the above program may be for the purpose of realizing only a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, it may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the above functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0066] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following:

[0067] (Note 1) In order to back up business-related files concerning a specific user's work from cloud-based storage to on-premises storage, an optimization unit identifies business-related users related to the work of the specific user, and determines the range of files to be backed up for the specific user, including files used by the business-related users as candidates for the business-related files to be backed up. A backup optimization device equipped with the following features.

[0068] (Note 2) The optimization unit further determines the backup frequency of the business-related files based on the update frequency of the business-related files included in the file range to be backed up. The backup optimization device described in Appendix 1.

[0069] (Note 3) The optimization unit includes a business-related extraction unit that identifies business-related users using a business relevance degree calculated based on the access logs of the specific user of the files stored in the cloud-type storage and the access logs of other users other than the specific user of the files stored in the cloud-type storage, and includes the files used by the identified business-related users as candidates for business-related files that are included in the file range to be backed up. Backup optimization device as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0070] (Note 4) The backup optimization device described in Appendix 3, wherein the business-related extraction unit calculates the degree of business relevance using at least one of the following as indicators: the number of matching folder paths of accessed files in the access log of the specific user and the access log of the other user, the error in the access date and time of the matching folder paths, and the number of matching operations on files stored in the matching folder paths.

[0071] (Note 5) The business-related extraction unit calculates the degree of business relevance using the normalized value of the indicator. Backup optimization device as described in Appendix 4.

[0072] (Note 6) The business-related extraction unit includes files accessed by the business-related user during the most recent predetermined period as business-related files within the range of files to be backed up. The backup optimization device described in Appendix 3.

[0073] (Note 7) The optimization unit includes a backup range identification unit that expands the backup range of files to be backed up so that all files directly under a folder become files to be backed up if the ratio of the number of business-related files directly under a folder to the total number of files directly under that folder is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. Backup optimization device as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0074] (Note 8) The optimization unit includes a backup frequency determination unit that, with regard to determining the update frequency of the business-related files included in the file range to be backed up, if a folder included in the file range to be backed up has all files directly under that folder that are subject to backup, sets the shortest update frequency of the files directly under that folder to be the update frequency of all files directly under that folder. The backup optimization device described in Appendix 2.

[0075] (Note 9) In order to back up business-related files concerning a specific user's work from cloud-based storage to on-premises storage, the business-related users associated with the work of the said specific user are identified. Files used by the aforementioned business-related users are also included as candidates for the aforementioned business-related files to be backed up, and the range of files to be backed up for the specific user is determined. A backup optimization method performed by a computer.

[0076] (Note 10) A computer program for a backup optimization device, In order to back up business-related files concerning a specific user's work from cloud-based storage to on-premises storage, the business-related users associated with the work of the said specific user are identified. Files used by the aforementioned business-related users are also included as candidates for the aforementioned business-related files to be backed up, and the range of files to be backed up for the specific user is determined. A recording medium that stores a computer program for a backup optimization device, which causes a computer to perform a specific action.

[0077] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-027083, filed on 24 February 2023, and incorporates all of its disclosures herein. [Industrial applicability]

[0078] This disclosure may be applied to a backup optimization device, a backup optimization method, and a recording medium storing a computer program for the backup optimization device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 1. Cloud Storage 2. Backup System 3. Local Storage 11. Files and folders to be backed up 12. Access log information 21 Information gathering device 22 Backup Optimization Device 22a Optimization Unit 23 Backup control device 105 Communication Module 211 File and Folder Information Collection Unit 212 Access Log Information Collection Department 221 Business-related extraction section 222 Backup Scope Identification Section 223 Backup frequency determination unit 225 Databases 231 Backup Control Unit 2251 File and Folder Management Table 2252 Access Log Management Table 2253 Business-related file management table 2254 Backup Scope Management Table 2255 Backup frequency management table

Claims

1. In order to back up business-related files related to a specific user's work from cloud storage to on-premises storage, an optimization unit identifies business-related users related to the work of the specific user, and determines the range of files to be backed up for the specific user, including files used by the business-related users as candidates for the business-related files to be backed up. A backup optimization device equipped with the following features.

2. The optimization unit further determines the backup frequency of the business-related files based on the update frequency of the business-related files included in the file range to be backed up. The backup optimization device according to claim 1.

3. The optimization unit includes a business-related extraction unit that identifies business-related users using a business relevance degree calculated based on the access logs of the specific user of the files stored in the cloud-type storage and the access logs of other users other than the specific user of the files stored in the cloud-type storage, and includes the files used by the identified business-related users as candidates for business-related files that are included in the file range to be backed up. Backup optimization device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The backup optimization device according to claim 3, wherein the business-related extraction unit calculates the degree of business relevance using at least one of the following as indicators: the number of matching folder paths of accessed files in the access log of the specific user and the access log of the other user, the error in the access date and time of the matching folder paths, and the number of matching operations on files stored in the matching folder paths.

5. The business-related extraction unit calculates the degree of business relevance using the normalized value of the indicator. The backup optimization device according to claim 4.

6. The business-related extraction unit includes files accessed by the business-related user during the most recent predetermined period as business-related files within the range of files to be backed up. The backup optimization device according to claim 3.

7. The optimization unit includes a backup range identification unit that expands the backup range of files to be backed up so that all files directly under a folder become files to be backed up if the ratio of the number of business-related files directly under a folder to the total number of files directly under that folder is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. Backup optimization device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. The optimization unit includes a backup frequency determination unit that, with regard to determining the update frequency of the business-related files included in the file range to be backed up, if a folder included in the file range to be backed up has all files directly under that folder that are subject to backup, sets the shortest update frequency of the files directly under that folder to be the update frequency of all files directly under that folder. The backup optimization device according to claim 2.

9. In order to back up business-related files concerning a specific user's work from cloud-based storage to on-premises storage, the business-related users associated with the work of the said specific user are identified. Files used by the aforementioned business-related users are also included as candidates for the aforementioned business-related files to be backed up, and the range of files to be backed up for the specific user is determined. A backup optimization method performed by a computer.

10. A computer program for a backup optimization device, In order to back up business-related files concerning a specific user's work from cloud-based storage to on-premises storage, the business-related users associated with the work of the said specific user are identified. Files used by the aforementioned business-related users are also included as candidates for the aforementioned business-related files to be backed up, and the range of files to be backed up for the specific user is determined. A computer program for a backup optimization device that causes a computer to perform a specific action.

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