Asset Group Backup for High-Availability Database Log Reclamation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managing and backing up large numbers of databases individually leads to inefficient use of system resources and can result in wasted resources and space utilization issues, particularly in high-availability configurations where traditional methods fail to address the dynamic nature of database roles.

Innovation Solution

Grouping databases into asset groups based on type and applying backup protection strategies at the group level, with the data manager determining successful backups and deleting redundant logs for non-backed-up databases within the group to reclaim space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If backup protection strategies are applied at the individual asset level, then each database can be backed up independently, but system resource utilization decreases and redundant log storage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup protectionVSAvoidsystem resource utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple individual database backup operations into a single asset group backup operation. By grouping databases that share common log files into an asset group, the system performs one backup operation that protects all databases in the group, eliminating redundant backup processes and optimizing resource utilization while maintaining comprehensive backup protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If backups are performed on all databases in a high-availability configuration, then data protection is maximized, but resource wastage increases due to redundant log storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata protectionVSAvoidredundant log storage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and identifies the common log files that are shared across multiple databases in a high-availability configuration. By recognizing that these log files are identical across databases, the system takes out the redundancy by backing up the log files only once at the asset group level rather than duplicating backup storage for each database, thereby eliminating wasteful redundant storage while maintaining complete data protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If individual database backup management is used, then specific database requirements can be met, but overall system performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedatabase-specific backup requirementsVSAvoidsystem performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates an asset group backup mechanism that serves multiple databases simultaneously with a single backup operation. This universal approach allows the system to meet the backup requirements of multiple databases through one coordinated process, improving system performance by reducing the total number of backup operations while still providing tailored protection for each database within the group through the standardized asset group interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12632346B2Management of asset groups in a high-availability configuration

Publication Date: 2026.05.19 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

In general, in one aspect, the technology relates to a method for backing up assets, the method comprising obtaining a group identifier (ID) associated with an asset, associating the asset with an asset group using the group ID, wherein all assets in the asset group are associated with the group ID, and protecting the asset in the asset group using a backup strategy associated with the asset group.