Data Synchronization System with Selective File Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Organizations face challenges in efficiently managing and protecting growing volumes of data across multiple client computing devices, with existing solutions often being costly, complex, and lacking interoperability, which hinders effective data synchronization and backup processes.
Innovation Solution
A data synchronization management system that synchronizes files among multiple client computing devices by using user-defined policies to identify and manage files based on metadata and content, incorporating backup processes and location information, and allowing access through a cloud interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional data backup and synchronization solutions are implemented, then data protection is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines backup and synchronization operations into a single unified system. The backup service and synchronization service share common infrastructure including storage resources, metadata databases, and authentication mechanisms. This merging allows the system to provide both data protection and data synchronization capabilities without requiring separate complex systems, thereby improving reliability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup service is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only creates backup copies of data but also enables synchronization between client devices. The same backup infrastructure (storage servers, metadata storage, authentication services) serves both backup and synchronization purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, lowering overall system complexity while maintaining robust data protection.
2Ease of operation
If all files are synchronized across multiple devices, then data availability is improved, but network bandwidth and storage resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization service implements selective synchronization by comparing file metadata (such as modification timestamps and version identifiers) between the source device and destination devices. Only files that have changed since the last synchronization are transferred, rather than synchronizing all files. This partial action approach ensures data availability is maintained while significantly reducing network bandwidth consumption and storage resource usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses metadata feedback mechanisms to track which files have been synchronized and their current states. The backup service maintains metadata that records file versions and synchronization status, which is used to determine what needs to be synchronized next. This feedback-driven approach allows the system to intelligently select only the necessary files for synchronization, optimizing network bandwidth usage while ensuring data availability across devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If user-defined synchronization policies are implemented, then data management flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization policy is divided into separate configurable components: selection criteria (which files to synchronize), destination specification (where to synchronize), and scheduling parameters (when to synchronize). Each component can be independently configured by the user. This segmentation allows flexible policy creation without requiring complex monolithic policy structures, as users can adjust individual components based on their needs without affecting the entire policy system.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization policy is designed to be dynamic and adaptable. Users can modify selection criteria, add or remove destination devices, and adjust scheduling parameters at any time. The system automatically adapts to these changes and updates the synchronization behavior accordingly. This dynamic nature provides high flexibility while keeping the implementation manageable, as the system handles the complexity of policy updates automatically rather than requiring complex manual configuration management.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, a data synchronization management system is disclosed in which files (and/or other data) are synchronized among two or more computing devices. Synchronization policies specify files to be synchronized based on selected criteria including file data, metadata, and location information. In general, files are initially copied from a primary client computing device to secondary storage. Thereafter, files to be synchronized are identified from the secondary storage and copied to other computing devices. Additionally, synchronized files may be viewed and accessed through a cloud and/or remote file access interface.