Common Backup Storage Data Stream File Replication

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing volume of data in computer systems and organizations necessitates efficient backup solutions to ensure data recovery in case of loss or disaster, with existing methods struggling to manage the growing data volume and ensure enhanced safety through multiple copies.

Innovation Solution

A data backup method utilizing a common backup data storage to generate a data stream file as a logical copy of the backup data set, allowing for the creation of a replica and additional copies on removable storage media, such as magnetic tapes, thereby reducing storage capacity needs and enhancing safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple copies of backup data are created using separate backup systems, then data safety is improved, but device complexity and storage costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata safetyVSAvoidbackup system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple backup functions into a single backup system that can create both primary backup data sets and replica data sets. The backup appliance integrates the capabilities of what would traditionally require separate primary and replica backup systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining data safety through multiple copies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The backup system is designed to perform multiple functions: creating backup data sets, generating data stream files, and producing replica data sets all through a single system. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate backup systems while ensuring data safety through replicated copies stored on different media types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If full backup data is stored on removable media, then data safety is improved, but storage capacity requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata safetyVSAvoidstorage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a data stream file that is a logical copy of the backup data set, containing metadata and information sufficient to reconstruct the original data. This logical copy requires significantly less storage capacity than storing complete duplicate backup data sets, while still enabling full data recovery and maintaining data safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the backup data into a different format (data stream file) that preserves the essential information needed for recovery but occupies less storage space. By changing the representation parameters of the backup data, the system achieves reduced storage requirements while maintaining the ability to restore complete data sets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If backup data is stored in native file format, then data restoration accuracy is improved, but storage efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata restoration accuracyVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a data stream file that serves as a compact representation containing metadata and essential information about the backup data set. This logical copy enables accurate reconstruction of the original data in native file format while requiring minimal storage space, thus resolving the contradiction between restoration accuracy and storage efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS9607000B1Backup to tape-out using common backup data storage
Publication Date: 2017.03.28 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC
  • US9607000B1 patent drawing
  • US9607000B1 patent drawing
  • US9607000B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of backing up data including backing up, using a processor, a backup data set to a first backup data storage; storing the backup data set in a native file format in a first storage area of the first backup data storage; generating a data stream file of the backup data set in a data stream file format, the data stream file being a logical copy of the backup data set and containing metadata of the backup data set; storing the data stream file in a second storage area of the first backup data storage; and replicating, using the data stream file, the backup data set onto a second backup data storage.