Backup Application Storage Resource Database Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current backup and restoration systems face administrative burdens due to complex disk-based storage configurations, lacking fine-grained control over networked storage resources, which leads to suboptimal performance and resource misallocation.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with a backup application that creates a database of storage resources with user-defined attributes, allowing for the selection and configuration of suitable resources for backup operations, including LUNs, mount points, hosts, and network access, to optimize resource allocation and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If backup applications use simple POSIX directory specifications for storage locations, then ease of operation is improved, but storage resource utilization and performance are worsened due to lack of fine-grained control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments storage resource specification into multiple hierarchical levels: POSIX directory specifications (high-level) and detailed storage attributes including LUN identifiers, mount points, host access credentials, and network path details (low-level). This segmentation allows administrators to specify storage locations simply when needed while enabling fine-grained control for optimization when required, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and backup performance.
2Productivity
If backup applications are configured with detailed storage resource attributes, then backup operation performance is improved, but device complexity and administrative burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer consisting of storage resource database and attribute specification mechanisms that mediate between simple POSIX directory specifications and detailed storage resource configurations. This intermediary automatically manages complex attributes like LUN mappings, mount points, and network paths, allowing administrators to work with simple specifications while the system handles the complexity of detailed resource allocation, thus improving performance without increasing administrative burden.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple disparate tools are used to manage storage configurations, then specific resource configuration flexibility is improved, but overall system control and coordination are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple disparate storage configuration tools and functions into a unified backup application with integrated storage resource management. The system combines POSIX directory specification capabilities with detailed storage attribute management, LUN configuration, mount point management, and network path configuration into a single cohesive platform. This unified approach maintains the flexibility of individual configuration aspects while providing centralized control and automatic coordination, eliminating the integration problems of using separate tools.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a computer system and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer system includes a backup application coupled to interconnected storage resources. The backup application creates a database of storage resources, wherein each database entry corresponds to one or more storage resources and is associated with one or more user-defined attributes describing the suitability of the associated resources for a backup operation. The backup application creates and stores a configuration of storage resources for a backup operation. Each storage resource is selected based on a value of an associated attribute. The storage resources may include logical unit numbers (LUNs), mount points providing access to LUNs, and hosts having physical access or network access through other hosts to mount points. An attribute specifies that the associated storage resources are either required or preferred for a backup operation. The database and configuration are created at backup application run time.