Direct Data Archiving from Backup Storage via Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data archiving methods from backup storage require restoring data items using an application resource, making the process inefficient and costly due to the need for manual configuration and resource-intensive steps.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that automatically archive data items from backup storage without restoring them, utilizing a mapping module to identify data item locations and a migration module to ingest them directly into an archive database, eliminating the need for application resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data items are restored using an application resource before archiving, then data migration can be performed, but the process consumes significant time, money and other resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating a mapping of data item locations within backup images before the archiving process begins. This mapping is generated in advance using backup software that tracks file locations, allowing the archiving system to directly locate and ingest data items without first restoring them through application resources. The mapping creation occurs beforehand, enabling efficient direct access during archiving.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the restoration step from the traditional archiving process. Instead of restoring data items to an application server before archiving, the system directly extracts data items from backup images using the pre-created mapping information. This extraction approach eliminates the intermediate restoration step, allowing data to be moved directly from backup storage to the archive database.
2Extent of automation
If data items are restored using an application resource, then data can be archived, but manual configuration and resource provisioning are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the archiving system to automatically locate and ingest data items from backup images without requiring manual configuration of application resources. The system uses pre-created mapping information to self-direct the data extraction and ingestion process, eliminating the need for administrators to provision application servers or configure restoration parameters. The archiving process becomes self-sufficient, using only the mapping data and archive database.
3Reliability
If magnetic tape storage is used for backups, then data protection is achieved, but data indexing and searching becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mapping information as an intermediary between the magnetic tape backup storage and the archiving system. This mapping acts as a mediator that translates physical backup locations into accessible data item locations, enabling the archiving system to efficiently locate, extract, and index data items without needing to physically search through tape media. The mapping intermediary preserves the reliability of tape storage while enabling easy data discovery and retrieval.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for automatically archiving data items from backup storage without having to first restore the data items is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises processing at least one data item in backup storage using a mapping, wherein the mapping indicates at least one location of the at least one data item and ingesting the at least one data item into an archive database.