Backup Manager Encapsulating Configuration Data for Complete Restoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data backup systems often fail to include critical configuration information, such as network file share settings and system state information, which are not stored in formats recognized by replication mechanisms, leading to incomplete data restoration in case of system failures.
Innovation Solution
A backup manager system that collects and encapsulates configuration information from various sources into a format recognizable by existing backup mechanisms, creating an additional storage object that can be replicated and used for restoration, ensuring that configuration settings are preserved and can be emulated on a secondary host.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If file-level replication is used to backup storage objects, then backup coverage is improved, but configuration information is lost because it is not stored in file format
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (backup manager or replication engine) that collects configuration information from various system sources and converts it into file format. This intermediary bridges the gap between non-file configuration data and the file-based replication mechanism, allowing configuration information to be included in the backup without requiring a complete overhaul of the replication system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the format parameter of configuration information from its native non-file format to file format. By converting configuration data into a file structure that the replication engine can recognize and replicate, the system maintains compatibility with existing backup mechanisms while expanding coverage to include previously unprotected configuration information.
2Reliability
If separate backup mechanisms are implemented for different configuration information sources, then completeness of backup is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal backup approach where a single file-based replication mechanism handles both traditional file backups and configuration information backups. By making the replication engine multi-functional through format conversion, the system eliminates the need for separate backup mechanisms for different data types, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining backup completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the backup of configuration information with the existing file replication process. Instead of implementing separate backup mechanisms for configuration data, the system combines configuration information collection and conversion with the file replication workflow, allowing both file data and configuration information to be backed up through a unified process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configuration information is converted to file format for backup, then compatibility with existing backup mechanisms is improved, but data structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified file-based copy or representation of configuration information that is compatible with existing backup mechanisms. Rather than attempting to preserve the complex native structures of various configuration sources, the system generates standardized file format copies that capture the essential configuration data, thereby achieving compatibility while managing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for encapsulating configuration information in storage objects formatted for backup and restore comprises a processor coupled to a memory, where the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to implement a backup manager configured to generate backup versions of a plurality of storage objects (such as files or directories) of a source data set of a primary host. The backup manager may be configured to create an additional storage object that includes information collected from a designated information source in a first format, store the additional storage object within the source data set in a second format, and generate a backup version of the additional storage object.