Host-Based Backup Data Access via Proxy Volume

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for accessing backup data require restoring the entire dataset to a storage array, which is time-consuming and exceeds the Recovery Time Objective (RTO), especially for large datasets, and often necessitate transient storage of unnecessary data, as only a small portion may be required for recovery.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that allows direct access to a selected portion of data from a backup storage appliance by generating a data backup copy and processing IO requests through a proxy volume, enabling hosts to access specific data without restoring the entire dataset, using a storage system as a proxy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the entire dataset is restored to the storage array for backup access, then the host can access backup data, but the recovery time exceeds the Recovery Time Objective (RTO) and storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup data accessibilityVSAvoidrecovery time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary portion of backup data that is required for recovery, rather than restoring the entire dataset. This selective extraction approach allows the host to access only the specific data needed, significantly reducing recovery time while meeting the Recovery Time Objective (RTO).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The backup data is segmented into portions, and only the relevant segment is restored to the storage array for host access. This segmentation strategy enables partial restoration, reducing both the time required and the storage capacity needed while maintaining data accessibility for recovery operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the entire dataset is restored to the storage array for backup access, then the host can access backup data, but storage requirements increase for transient access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup data accessibilityVSAvoidstorage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary portion of backup data required for recovery operations, avoiding the need to store and manage the entire dataset in the storage array. This reduces the quantity of data that needs to be allocated for transient access while maintaining full accessibility for the needed portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

By segmenting the backup data and restoring only the required segment to the storage array, the patent minimizes the storage capacity consumed for transient access. The storage array holds only the specific data portion needed for host access, rather than the complete backup dataset.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11734128B2System and method for providing direct host-based access to backup data

Publication Date: 2023.08.22 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC

AI summary

A method, computer program product, and computing system for receiving a selection of a portion of data from a backup storage appliance communicatively coupled to a storage system. A copy of the selected portion of the data may be generated on the backup storage appliance, thus defining a data backup copy. One or more hosts may be provided with direct access to the data backup copy using the storage system.