Backup Copy Conversion Without Object Unavailability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for converting backup copies created by one backup program to another are inefficient, as they require temporary renaming of objects, making the original object unavailable during the conversion process and do not effectively update metadata for the new backup program.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves restoring backup copies using the first backup program, creating new backup copies with a second backup program, assigning a designated object name, and updating metadata to reflect the original object's information, allowing for seamless migration without object unavailability and accurate metadata representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the current backup program is used to restore backup copies with a temporary name and create new backup copies using a new backup program, then the backup copies can be converted to the new program's format, but the original object becomes unavailable during the conversion process
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion process is segmented into distinct phases: first restoring backup copies with temporary names, then creating new backup copies with the new program, updating metadata, and finally cleaning up temporary files. This segmentation allows the system to maintain object availability while completing the conversion process through systematic division of tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by first restoring backup copies with temporary names before creating the actual new backup copies. This preliminary restoration allows the system to prepare the data in a compatible format without immediately making it the active backup, thereby maintaining object availability during the transition.
2Adaptability or versatility
If backup copies are restored with a temporary name, then the new backup program can process them, but the metadata stored in the internal structure represents the temporary name instead of the original object name
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses temporary names as an intermediary mechanism during the conversion process. The temporary name serves as a bridge that allows the new backup program to process the backup copies while the system maintains a mapping between the temporary name and the original object name. This intermediary approach enables format compatibility without permanent loss of original identification information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by updating the metadata of the new backup copies to reflect the original object names after the conversion is complete. This feedback mechanism ensures that the metadata accurately represents the original objects rather than the temporary names used during the conversion process, thereby recovering and correcting any information loss.
3Productivity
If the original object is renamed temporarily during the conversion process, then the backup copies can be processed with a new name, but the original object is unavailable during this time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic naming where backup copies are temporarily assigned new names during the conversion process, while the original object retains its name and remains available. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt names as needed for processing while maintaining the original object's identity and availability, thereby reducing the loss of time compared to static renaming approaches.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for converting backup copies of objects created using a first backup program to backup copies created using a second backup program. A plurality of backup copies of versions of an object are created using a first backup program, wherein the object has an object name. The first backup program is used to restore at least one of the backup copies to a restored version of the object having a name different from the object name. A second backup program is used to create a backup copy of each restored version of the object. A name of a designated object is assigned to each backup copy created using the second backup program. Metadata of each backup copy created using the second backup program is updated with metadata for the designated object.