Attribute-Based Logical Asset Discovery for Selective Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data backup methods struggle to allow users to define and backup logical groups of files and folders not specifically related to an application, making it difficult to manage backups of large file systems effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enable users to define logical assets based on rules, filters, or attributes, using file system meta-data to identify and backup files and folders associated with these assets, minimizing additional workload on production hosts and backup agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional backup methods are used to backup entire file systems, then all files and folders are backed up, but the complexity and workload increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file system into logical assets based on user-defined criteria (file types, attributes, folders) rather than treating the entire file system as a single unit. This allows selective backup of only relevant data, reducing complexity while maintaining backup efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces meta-data as an intermediary layer between the file system and backup process. Meta-data serves as a mediator that describes files and folders, enabling the backup system to intelligently identify and select files matching user criteria without manually scanning the entire file system.
2Ease of operation
If users define logical assets using meta-data analysis, then selective backup of relevant files is enabled, but additional processing time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs meta-data analysis and indexing as a preliminary action during system initialization or scheduled maintenance. By pre-processing and organizing file information in advance, the actual backup operation can quickly query and select files without time-consuming analysis during the backup itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical file scanning with automated meta-data based identification. Instead of physically searching through files, the system uses metadata queries to instantly identify matching files, significantly reducing the time required for selective backup.
3Measurement precision
If the system analyzes meta-data to identify files, then accurate file selection is achieved, but system resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by analyzing and indexing only the meta-data attributes that are relevant to user backup criteria (such as file type, size, creation date) rather than processing all possible file properties. This targeted approach maintains identification accuracy while reducing system resource consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems for backing up user defined logical assets. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a user may define a logical asset type prior to a backup being performed. The user may define the logical asset type based on any rules, filters, or attributes of files and/or folders stored in a file system. Once the user has defined the asset type, the system may utilize file-system meta-data to quickly ascertain which files and folders meet the definition of the logical asset type, allowing for the backup of the user defined asset to be performed with minimal additional workload by the production hosts, clients, backup agents, and other associated components of the system.