Business Continuity Data Replication and Virtual Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current business continuity solutions face challenges such as data loss during disasters, delays in recovery, and high complexity and cost due to the need for significant human input and specialized skills, as well as the loss of software and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a source server for cloning and replicating data volumes, a target server for mounting read-only snapshots, a conversion server for converting proprietary disk files to recoverable formats, and a storage system, with replication software and virtualization processes to create fully recovered systems and networks, often located in a Tier IV, SAS70 certified remote data center.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is backed up to an external hard drive or tape drive at the user's place of business, then data can be recovered after hardware failure, but data is still lost in the event of fire or natural disaster
Solution Approach 1:
The backup system segments data protection by creating separate backup locations - local external drives for immediate hardware failure recovery and remote off-site storage for disaster protection. This segmentation ensures that a single disaster event cannot compromise all data copies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary backup mechanism that transfers data from the local environment (vulnerable to fire and natural disasters) to a remote off-site location. This intermediary process isolates the primary data from environmental hazards while maintaining recoverability.
2Reliability
If data is backed up to an online-based server, then complete data loss is mitigated, but delays occur in the time it takes a business to function again
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring backup infrastructure, pre-establishing recovery procedures, and maintaining ready-to-use backup copies at remote locations. This preliminary preparation eliminates delays during actual disaster recovery events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates complete copies of data and system configurations at remote locations, enabling immediate restoration without needing to transfer or reconstruct data during recovery. These pre-existing copies eliminate recovery time delays.
3Reliability
If manual backup scheduling and confirmation is required, then backup processes can be monitored, but complexity, cost, and specialized skill requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The backup system implements self-service capabilities through automated scheduling, execution, and verification of backup processes. The system autonomously monitors its own operation, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining reliability through built-in confirmation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that automatically monitor and confirm backup completion. The system provides self-verification through status reporting and confirmation protocols, eliminating manual monitoring while ensuring backup reliability through automated feedback loops.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing business continuity services after a disaster or other loss of data are provided. The system and methods include accessing, replicating, and storing customer data. In the event of a disaster or other loss of data, the stored data is used to create fully recovered systems. The systems and methods provide for a remote data center that offers protection against physical disasters. The systems and methods include providing a virtual recovered operating system environment identical to the source operating system environment in less than 8 hours after notification of a disaster.