Database Backup Role Separation via Clone Copy Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing two-step backup process for relational databases requires database administrators to have in-depth knowledge of both the relational database management system and third-party backup applications, leading to a convoluted and error-prone recovery process, and backup administrators lack visibility into clone copies stored externally, potentially resulting in inconsistent database recoveries.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves querying the database system's backup catalog and schema to identify and create clone copies of backup files, which are then stored externally, allowing for direct recovery and separation of database and backup administrator roles without requiring either to learn about the other's systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a two-step backup process is used to separate database administrator and backup administrator roles, then role separation is achieved, but the recovery process becomes convoluted and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the backup administrator creates clone copies of backup files and stores them externally, while the database administrator can initiate recovery operations without needing to know about the third-party backup application. The system mediates between the two roles through automated processes that link backup catalogs with external storage, enabling role separation while maintaining simple recovery operations.
2Productivity
If database administrators must know both relational database management systems and third-party backup applications, then backup operations can be performed, but the complexity of knowledge requirements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backup and recovery knowledge into two separate domains: database administrators need only know their database management system and how to initiate recovery, while backup administrators manage the third-party backup application and external storage. This segmentation is achieved through the two-step process where backup files are first created by the database system, then cloned and stored externally by the backup application, allowing each administrator to focus on their specific expertise.
3Ease of manufacture
If backup administrators lack visibility into clone copies stored externally, then storage management is simplified, but inconsistent database recoveries may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the backup application queries the database system's backup catalog to identify backup files and creates corresponding clone copies. The system maintains visibility into external clone copies through automated processes that track which backups have been cloned and stored where, providing feedback to backup administrators about the status of external storage without requiring manual inspection or complex management interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Enabling separation of database administrator and backup administrator roles is described. A backup catalog and a database schema are queried to identify backup information associated with a backup file stored on a disk. A clone copy of the backup file is created. The clone copy is stored on an external destination node including an external disk and/or a tape, based on the backup information. The clone copy may be recovered from the external destination node based on the backup information and restored to a database in response to a determination that the backup file is at least one of corrupted and absent from the disk.