Anchor Object Group Replication Policy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data replication systems face difficulties in aggregating a group of data objects on a common resource due to separate replication policies, making it challenging to locate and manage them collectively, and require individual evaluation of each policy for access and retrieval.

Innovation Solution

Designating an anchor object with a replication policy to define a common policy for associated data objects, allowing them to be replicated on the same destination resource, thereby simplifying data management and access across a storage network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate replication policies are applied to each data object, then each object can be replicated according to its specific requirements, but the data objects are scattered across separate destination resources and difficult to aggregate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereplication policy flexibilityVSAvoiddata aggregation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a group replication policy as an intermediary layer that manages multiple data objects collectively. This group policy acts as a mediator between individual object replication policies and destination resources, enabling centralized control while maintaining individual policy flexibility through the anchor object mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple individual replication policies into a single group replication policy that governs multiple data objects. By combining the management of separate policies into one unified group policy, the system reduces complexity while maintaining the ability to handle individual object requirements through the anchor object reference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If individual replication policies are evaluated for each data object, then precise control over each object is achieved, but the processing time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereplication control precisionVSAvoidpolicy evaluation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining group replication policies that associate multiple data objects with common destination resources. When replication is needed, the system evaluates the group policy once and applies the result to all member objects, avoiding repeated individual policy evaluations and reducing processing time while maintaining precise control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If data objects are replicated on separate destination resources, then each object's specific replication needs are met, but locating and accessing the group of objects becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereplication destination flexibilityVSAvoiddata object accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by creating a group replication policy that can manage multiple data objects across different destination resources while providing a unified access interface. The anchor object serves as a universal reference point that enables centralized management and easy location of related data objects regardless of their physical replication locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10108500B2Replicating a group of data objects within a storage network

Publication Date: 2018.10.23 RED HAT INC

AI summary

Embodiments relate to systems and methods for replicating a group of data objects within a storage network. In particular, a module can designate an object in the storage network as an anchor object. The module can further evaluate a replication policy of the anchor object to determine a destination resource on which to replicate a related group of data objects. Further, the module can located the related group of data objects, and define a replication policy on each of the data objects that specifies that each of the data objects follow the anchor object. The module can replicate each of the data objects as well as the anchor object on the destination resource.