Backup Data Search via Transparent Bridging and Indexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional data backup and Storage Resource Management (SRM) processes are costly, time-consuming, and intrusive, failing to efficiently index data for searchable keywords, leading to limited value and increased administrative overhead, which hampers their adoption and effectiveness in computing environments.
Innovation Solution
A method that integrates data backup with management data extraction and indexing, allowing for the creation of detailed, searchable information as part of the backup process, using a processor that receives data streams, extracts management data, and stores it in a database, enabling querying and retrieval of metadata and keywords, thereby eliminating the need for a separate administrative process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional SRM processes are used to index and manage backup data, then data can be tracked and monitored, but the process becomes costly, time-consuming, and requires separate administrative infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the backup process and the indexing process into a single integrated system. The backup software automatically extracts management data and creates indexes during the backup operation itself, eliminating the need for separate SRM infrastructure and administrative processes while maintaining full data tracking capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The backup software is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it not only backs up data but also automatically extracts management data, creates searchable indexes, and enables full-text search capabilities. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated SRM systems
2Loss of information
If separate SRM processes are implemented to scan and index data repositories, then storage management information can be collected, but the scanning process becomes time-consuming and competes with other administrative processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs indexing and management data extraction during the backup process itself, before the data needs to be searched or managed. This preliminary action ensures that indexes are already created and available when needed, eliminating the need for separate scanning operations that would compete for time resources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the backup operation with the indexing operation, so that both processes occur simultaneously during the same time window. This eliminates the need for separate administrative scanning processes that would otherwise compete with backups and other overnight processes
3Reliability
If traditional backup processes are used without integrated indexing, then data can be backed up reliably, but the backup data cannot be efficiently searched or retrieved by content
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates searchable indexes and extracts management data during the backup process itself, before the data needs to be retrieved. This preliminary indexing action enables efficient full-text search and content-based retrieval while maintaining the reliability of the backup process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces management data and indexes as an intermediary layer between the backup data and the search function. This intermediary enables efficient content-based retrieval without compromising the integrity or reliability of the original backup process
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are disclosed that permit the transparent bridging of a broad range of backup storage devices, such that backup software will identify an intermediate device as a one of those storage devices and will transparently send their backup data-stream thereto as part of the existing standard backup process. Upon receipt of a backup data-stream from the backup software, the methods and apparatus provide for analysis of the data elements in the data-stream, collection of management information about those data elements, and storage of the management information in an easily accessible format for subsequent review and query by users and administrators of the original data. The same backup data-stream is stored on any standard backup storage device, including the imitated backup storage device.