Backup Tape Restoration via Partial File Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for restoring information from large quantities of backup tapes are difficult and cost-prohibitive, especially for companies with multiple systems having different backup tape environments, and are challenged by outdated or malfunctioning native environments.
Innovation Solution
A system that reads and combines partial files from multiple backup storage media in any order, without re-reading the media, to form complete files, allowing for efficient information restoration in either a native or non-native environment, utilizing temporary images and join & extract instructions to achieve parallel processing and reduced operational complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional methods are used to restore information from backup tapes, then the restoration process can be completed, but the process is difficult and cost-prohibitive especially for companies with multiple systems having different backup tape environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the backup tape data by reading partial files from multiple tapes and reconstructing complete files in a target environment. Instead of requiring the original native environment to be replicated, the system copies and reconstructs data across different environments, eliminating the need to maintain outdated or malfunctioning native systems while preserving data integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the restoration process into segments by splitting complete files into partial files stored on different tapes. The system reads partial files from multiple tapes independently and combines them to reconstruct complete files. This segmentation allows parallel processing and eliminates the need to process tapes in their original sequence, simplifying the restoration process across diverse backup environments.
2Reliability
If native environments are replicated to restore information from backup tapes, then restoration can be performed, but it requires significant time and effort to maintain and replicate these environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the backup data structure without requiring replication of the entire native environment. By reading metadata and partial files from tapes and reconstructing files in a target environment, the system achieves restoration reliability without the time-consuming process of replicating complete native systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary reconstruction process that sits between the backup tapes and the target environment. Instead of directly replicating native environments, the system uses an intermediary layer that reads tape metadata, identifies partial files, and reconstructs complete files in the target environment, eliminating the need for native environment replication.
3Loss of information
If backup tapes are read in their original sequence to restore information, then data integrity is maintained, but the restoration process cannot utilize parallel processing and is therefore slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments complete files into partial files distributed across multiple tapes and develops a method to identify and combine these partial files without processing tapes in original sequence. By segmenting the restoration task into independent partial file readings that can be processed in parallel and then combined using join & extract instructions, the system maintains data integrity while enabling parallel processing to improve restoration speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by reading metadata from all backup tapes first to identify which partial files are stored on which tapes and how they should be combined. This preliminary indexing and mapping allows the system to subsequently read and combine partial files in any order without compromising data integrity, enabling parallel processing while maintaining correctness.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple backup tapes with varying media types are processed, then comprehensive data restoration is achieved, but the operational complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal restoration system that can handle multiple media types (magnetic tape, optical disc, solid-state storage) through a single standardized interface. The system reads metadata and partial files from different media types using uniform processes and combines them using standardized join & extract instructions, providing media type compatibility without increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a standardized copying and reconstruction process that works across different media types. By reading partial files and metadata from various media through a unified interface and reconstructing files using consistent methods, the system achieves versatility across media types while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
First and second partial files are read from first and second storage media, respectively, irrespective of a sequence in which the first and second storage media were originally written relative to one another. The first partial file forms a first portion of a complete file. The second partial file forms a second portion of the complete file. The first and second partial files are combined to extract and form the complete file, without dependence on re-reading the first and second storage media.