Backup Data Preservation via Placeholder Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional data protection systems are unable to protect data generated during disaster recovery, as applications run on immutable backup data, and existing systems do not enable data protection during this time.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for selectively preserving data generated during application access of backup data using VHDX format, which allows native reading and writing of data without kernel drivers or virtual file systems, enabling item-level restoration and data protection without copying entire backup data to the host.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If applications run on immutable backup data, then data integrity is maintained, but data protection during disaster recovery cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments backup data into placeholder files that represent actual data locations. This allows the immutable backup to maintain integrity while enabling selective access and protection of specific data segments during recovery operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Placeholder files act as intermediaries between the immutable backup data and the applications. These placeholders enable data protection mechanisms to track and protect data generated during recovery without compromising the integrity of the original backup.
2Ease of operation
If entire backup data is copied to host for access, then data can be read and modified, but storage resources are consumed and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the necessary backup metadata and placeholder file information to the host, not the entire backup data. This enables data accessibility and modification tracking while minimizing storage resource consumption and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of copying the entire backup data (excessive action), the system copies only the essential placeholder file metadata (partial action), providing sufficient information for data access and protection while avoiding unnecessary resource consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If placeholder files are used to represent backup data, then data protection during recovery is enabled, but tracking modifications becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-creating placeholder files with metadata before actual data recovery operations. This preliminary structure enables efficient modification tracking during recovery without adding complexity to the tracking mechanism itself.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques described herein relate to a method for performing data protection of file system data on a host. The method includes obtaining a data access request for a file corresponding to a placeholder file from an application during a backup access session; obtaining, in response to the data access request, file system data associated with the file from a backup storage using backup metadata associated with the placeholder file; providing the file system data associated with the file to the application; making, after the providing, a determination that the file is modified by the application; and in response to the determination: flagging the placeholder file.