Backup Coordination Appliance for Multi-Type Replication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of coordinating replication technologies across various storage arrays in large enterprise systems, which often requires specialized hardware, poses a challenge in efficiently managing and recovering data in the event of errors or catastrophic events.
Innovation Solution
A system that discovers and processes backup data based on the types of replication implemented by storage arrays, categorizing consistency groups and creating bookmarked snapshots to facilitate centralized backup coordination across multiple types of storage arrays without the need for specialized hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple types of replication technology are used across various storage arrays, then data protection capability is improved, but coordination complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a backup coordination appliance as an intermediary component that sits between the storage arrays and backup targets. This appliance discovers replication types, categorizes consistency groups, and manages bookmark creation across different replication technologies (synthetic copy, native copy, snap-based). By centralizing coordination functions in this intermediary device, the system handles heterogeneity and complexity internally while presenting a simplified interface to users and administrators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters based on discovered replication types. When synthetic copy replication is detected, the system applies specific bookmarking strategies; when native copy replication is detected, different bookmarking approaches are used. The backup coordination appliance adapts its behavior by changing parameters such as bookmark creation timing, consistency group categorization, and replication technology selection based on the underlying storage array capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized hardware is deployed to coordinate replication technologies, then backup coordination capability is improved, but hardware cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The backup coordination appliance is designed as a universal platform that can coordinate multiple types of replication technologies (synthetic copy, native copy, snap-based) across different storage arrays. Rather than requiring specialized hardware for each replication type, this single multi-functional appliance handles diverse replication scenarios through automated discovery and categorization of consistency groups, reducing overall hardware requirements while maintaining broad coordination capability.
3Measurement precision
If manual coordination of replication is performed, then control precision is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically discovering replication types and categorizing consistency groups before backup operations begin. The backup coordination appliance proactively identifies which consistency groups use synthetic copy replication, native copy replication, or snap-based replication, and pre-configures appropriate bookmarking strategies. This preliminary automation eliminates manual coordination steps while maintaining precise control over data recovery consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the backup coordination appliance continuously monitors replication status, discovers replication types, and adjusts bookmark creation strategies accordingly. Based on feedback from the storage arrays about replication completion and consistency group status, the system dynamically modifies its coordination approach to ensure data recovery consistency without requiring manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a system for coordinating backup configurations for a data protection environment that implements multiple types of replication. The system may provide an efficient coordination tool that discovers the types of replication implemented by storage arrays within a data protection environment and then processes backup data according to the types of replication. For example, as part of a data protection policy, a backup facility may continuously create point-in-time copies (e.g. snapshots) of storage resources by leveraging consistency groups. Accordingly, the system may categorize such consistency groups based on the type of replication implemented by associated storage arrays. Based on the categorization, the system coordinate a backup process for all storage arrays associated with the backup facility without requiring specialized hardware.