Cloud Dataset Format Conversion for Unified Backup Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage solutions, such as the DFSMSdss application, restrict the dumping of datasets requiring additional logical processing to cloud storage, making it complex to manage backups by separating supported and unsupported datasets, which cannot be stored together.
Innovation Solution
A computer program product and system that identifies restricted datasets, converts them to a supported format, and stores both restricted and non-restricted datasets in a single container in cloud storage, using keywords like CLOUD, CONTAINER, and OBJECTPREFIX for dumping and restoring, allowing direct restoration of non-restricted datasets and re-conversion of converted datasets to their original format.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If datasets requiring additional logical processing are restricted from cloud storage, then cloud storage reliability is improved, but backup management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments datasets into restricted and non-restricted categories, processing them through different pathways. Restricted datasets undergo conversion to supported formats before cloud storage, while non-restricted datasets are stored directly, allowing differentiated handling that maintains reliability while simplifying management
Solution Approach 2:
A format conversion intermediary is introduced between the DFSMSdss application and cloud storage. This intermediary automatically converts restricted datasets to supported formats, shielding the cloud storage system from incompatible data formats while enabling unified backup management
2Adaptability or versatility
If restricted datasets are converted to supported formats, then cloud storage compatibility is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs format conversion as a preliminary action during the backup process, before data is transferred to cloud storage. This upfront conversion ensures compatibility is established early, preventing reprocessing delays during restoration operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates converted copies of restricted datasets in supported formats for cloud storage, while maintaining references to the original datasets. This copying approach enables cloud storage compatibility without requiring permanent modification of source data, allowing efficient restoration through selective re-conversion
3Reliability
If supported and unsupported datasets are stored separately, then cloud storage reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges supported and unsupported datasets into a single cloud storage container after converting unsupported datasets to supported formats. This unified storage approach maintains reliability through format standardization while dramatically improving ease of operation by eliminating the need to manage separate backup procedures for different dataset types
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are techniques for storing and retrieving restricted datasets to and from a cloud network with non-restricted datasets. A request to dump datasets from one or more storage devices to the cloud storage is received, wherein the datasets include restricted datasets and non-restricted datasets, and wherein the restricted datasets are in a format that is not supported by the cloud storage. The restricted datasets are identified. The restricted datasets are converted to a format that is supported by the cloud storage to generate converted datasets. The converted datasets and the non-restricted datasets are dumped to one container in the cloud storage.