Container-Level Array Storage for Enterprise Data Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized data storage in distributed systems is complex and costly for enterprises, requiring extensive maintenance and recovery processes, especially in case of storage failures, which burdens the enterprise owner with the responsibility of maintaining physical storage devices and implementing recovery protocols.
Innovation Solution
A processor-based storage controller with container-level array storage logic that migrates data files to virtual storage containers and then to physical storage devices, using a back-end archive controller for top-level control, allowing for efficient data management and recovery without requiring extensive enterprise involvement, utilizing a tape library for deep storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centralized data storage is implemented in distributed systems, then data management and recovery complexity increases, but data security and reliability are improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex data management and recovery functions from the enterprise owner and places them in a dedicated centralized storage system with specialized controllers. The archive storage controller handles backup, recovery, and data protection functions separately from the primary distributed system operations, reducing management complexity for enterprises while maintaining data security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an archive storage controller as an intermediary between the distributed storage system and physical storage devices. This controller manages the complexity of data protection, backup, and recovery operations, shielding enterprise owners from direct involvement while ensuring data security through controlled access and automated recovery processes.
2Ease of operation
If physical storage devices are maintained by enterprise owners, then direct control over storage is improved, but maintenance burden and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service capabilities where the archive storage controller automatically performs backup, recovery, and data protection functions without requiring enterprise owner intervention. The system manages its own maintenance needs through automated processes, reducing the maintenance burden while preserving enterprise control over data policies and access.
3Reliability
If complex recovery protocols are implemented for storage failures, then data recovery reliability is improved, but recovery time and enterprise involvement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by continuously maintaining backup copies of data in the centralized archive storage system. Recovery protocols are pre-configured and tested in advance, allowing rapid restoration of data without requiring complex enterprise involvement during actual recovery events. The archive storage controller automatically executes recovery procedures based on predefined policies.
4Adaptability or versatility
If removable storage devices are used for backups, then storage flexibility is improved, but data protection from device failure becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple removable storage devices into a unified centralized archive storage system managed by a dedicated controller. This combination provides both the flexibility of removable media and enhanced data protection through redundancy, error correction, and centralized management of multiple devices, overcoming the limitations of individual removable storage units.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and associated methodology contemplating a processor-based storage controller and a nontransient, tangible computer memory configured to store a plurality of data files. Computer instructions are stored in the computer memory defining container-level array storage logic that is configured to be executed by the controller to sequentially containerize the data files to a plurality of virtual storage containers, and to flush the virtual storage containers by migrating each storage container's contents to a respective physical storage device.