Continuous Data Protection Pseudosnapshots for Efficient Replication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data backup and recovery systems face challenges in efficiently managing and restoring data due to increasing data volumes and complexity, particularly in maintaining data integrity and reducing resource consumption for snapshot storage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a continuous data protection (CDP) system that creates pseudosnapshots and surfaces copies for replication operations, allowing for efficient data recovery and reduced storage requirements by using event markers to mark datasets at specific points in time, enabling numerous snapshots to be stored with minimal resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional snapshot storage is used to maintain data at specific points in time, then data recovery capability is improved, but storage space consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines continuous data protection (CDP) with snapshot technology by integrating event markers into the CDP data stream. This merging allows the system to leverage the continuous protection capability of CDP while adding snapshot-like point-in-time markers, eliminating the need for separate snapshot storage infrastructure and reducing overall storage consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-marking datasets with event markers at specific points in time within the continuous data protection stream. These pre-marked datasets can then be quickly retrieved for recovery operations without requiring additional storage space, as the markers are embedded within the existing CDP data structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If numerous snapshots are created to enable recovery at any point in time, then data recovery flexibility is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous data protection system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides continuous data protection, enables point-in-time recovery through event markers, and supports replication operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate snapshot systems, reducing resource consumption while maintaining recovery flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of data representation by using event markers that reference specific positions in the continuous data stream rather than creating duplicate snapshot copies. This parameter change from duplication to reference-based marking enables flexible recovery without proportionally increasing storage resources.
3Reliability
If traditional backup systems are used, then data protection is provided, but integration with replication operations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges continuous data protection with replication operations by allowing surfaced copies from the CDP system to be used directly as sources for replication. This integration enables seamless data protection and replication workflows, where the same CDP infrastructure serves both protection and replication needs without requiring separate backup systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for performing replication operations on a continuous data protection system. Exemplary methods include identifying a pseudosnapshot relating to a point in time in a series of transactions stored on a continuous data protection system, surfacing a copy of at least a portion of the series of transactions saved before the point in time to which the pseudosnapshot relates, and sending the surfaced copy to (1) a remote computer such that the surfaced copy can be read to perform analysis on the surfaced copy, (2) a remote server to be stored on a remote storage device, or (3) a mirror storage device to store a first mirrored copy.