Backup Process Storage Plan Configuration for Data Images

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional backup-to-tape processes lack flexibility, adaptability, and accountability for modern storage devices and infrastructure, necessitating a method to specify and execute advanced backup and archive image dispositions responsive to media characteristics and retention requirements.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for supporting compound disposition of backup images by configuring a backup process according to a storage plan defined by a destination list, backup properties, and backup policy and rules, allowing for flexible retention strategies and failure handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional backup-to-tape processes are used, then simplicity of implementation is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability for modern storage devices are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility for modern storage devicesVSAvoidbackup process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backup process is designed to handle multiple storage device types (tape, disk, cloud, optical) through a unified interface and common configuration framework. The system provides universal backup capabilities that can adapt to different media characteristics without requiring separate processes for each device type, thereby achieving flexibility without proportionally increasing complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The backup process incorporates dynamic configuration capabilities where parameters such as retention periods, storage destinations, and disposition rules can be modified at runtime based on media characteristics and changing requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to respond to different storage scenarios without requiring complex static configurations for each possible scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If elaborate backup and archive image dispositions are implemented, then data retention compliance is improved, but process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata retention complianceVSAvoidbackup process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system manages complex retention requirements by parameterizing disposition rules with configurable variables such as retention periods, storage media types, and disposition actions. These parameters can be adjusted to comply with different regulatory requirements without redesigning the entire backup process, thereby maintaining reliability while controlling complexity through parameter-based flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The backup process incorporates automated disposition management that self-adjusts based on predefined policies and media characteristics. The system automatically determines appropriate retention periods, storage destinations, and disposition actions based on configurable rules, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying compliance management while maintaining reliable data retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If multiple storage destinations are used for disaster recovery, then data redundancy is improved, but storage cost and management complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata redundancyVSAvoidstorage cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements differentiated storage strategies where different portions of backup data are stored at different destinations based on specific requirements. Critical data requiring immediate recovery is stored locally on fast media, while less critical data is archived to remote or cloud storage. This local quality approach ensures data redundancy for disaster recovery while optimizing storage costs by matching storage characteristics to data priorities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8495315B1Method and apparatus for supporting compound disposition for data images
Publication Date: 2013.07.23 COHESITY INC
  • US8495315B1 patent drawing
  • US8495315B1 patent drawing
  • US8495315B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and apparatus supporting compound deposition for data images. The method and apparatus comprises configuring a backup process according to a storage plan, wherein the storage plan is defined by destination list, backup properties, and backup policy and rules.