Automated Backup Reversion via Physical Storage Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current backup and reversion systems for host systems are complex, prone to malady propagation, and computationally expensive, making them difficult for average users to implement and use effectively, especially in scenarios involving storage system failures, malicious code infections, and unintended data modifications.
Innovation Solution
An automated backup and reversion system (ABR system) that includes a host system, two storage systems, switching systems, a duplicator, and a controller, which transparently manages data transfer and isolation to allow for periodic backups and rapid recovery without affecting system performance or spreading maladies, enabling users to revert to previous states without software updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secondary storage device is used to backup data, then data protection is improved, but the system complexity and difficulty of implementation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The backup system operates autonomously without requiring user intervention. The controller automatically initiates backup operations, manages data transfer between storage devices, and handles reversion processes, eliminating the need for users to manually configure or execute backup commands.
Solution Approach 2:
A controller acts as an intermediary between the host system and storage devices, managing all backup and reversion operations. This intermediary abstracts the complexity from the user by providing a unified interface while handling the intricate coordination of data transfer, storage management, and system state restoration.
2Reliability
If manual backup procedures are implemented, then data recovery capability is improved, but user burden and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service backup operations where the controller automatically monitors system state, identifies when backups are needed, executes data transfer to secondary storage, and manages reversion processes without requiring user awareness or intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary backup actions automatically before users need them. Backups are initiated based on predefined criteria such as system events or time intervals, ensuring data is protected in advance rather than waiting for users to manually trigger backup operations after problems occur.
3Ease of operation
If storage systems are logically connected and accessible by the host operating system, then data accessibility is improved, but malady propagation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into multiple independent storage devices with distinct logical interfaces. Each storage device operates as a separate entity that can be independently managed, allowing the host system to access multiple data sources while limiting the spread of corruption or malicious code between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves as an intermediary layer between the host system and storage devices, managing access requests and implementing isolation protocols. This intermediary can detect and prevent malady propagation by controlling data flow between storage devices and the host system without compromising data accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated backup and reversion system comprising at least two storage systems with one source storage system being physically connected to at least one host system during normal processing at any given time. During the backup process, involved storage devices are physically disconnected from the host system. The at least one destination storage system receiving the information backup may thereafter be connected to the host system to allow for subsequent host processing. The initial source storage system may then remain disconnected from the host system and assume the role of a destination storage system. Each storage system is located at the same logical location while being processed so that the host system is unaware that any storage system change has occurred. A plurality of storage systems may be configured with only one being processed at any given time, and the remainder may comprise successive backups after any negative event.