Dynamic Data Object Upgrades Without Downtime

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional data systems require downtime for schema updates or data format changes, which is problematic for continuous availability expected by users, especially in distributed and cloud-based repositories.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dynamic data upgrade system that allows for on-the-fly updates and upgrades of data structures and policies without taking the system offline, enabling developers to choose update policies for individual objects, sets, or entire repositories, and executing data model changes while the system remains operational.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional schema update methods are used, then data structure changes can be implemented, but system downtime occurs and availability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata structure update capabilityVSAvoidsystem availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data repository into multiple versions (current version and upgraded version) that can coexist. The upgrade process divides the repository into segments that are updated incrementally rather than all at once, allowing the system to maintain availability while implementing schema changes. Different portions of the data can be accessed from different versions depending on the upgrade status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by creating and validating the upgraded data version before it becomes the active version. The upgraded version is prepared in advance, tested for compatibility, and only switched to when ready, minimizing disruption. This allows schema changes to be implemented with minimal downtime by having the new version ready beforehand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If the system is taken offline for upgrades, then data structure changes can be safely implemented, but user access and productivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata upgrade accuracyVSAvoiduser access continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - a version management layer that mediates between the current and upgraded data versions. This intermediary allows the system to safely implement upgrades by managing the transition between versions, ensuring data integrity while maintaining user access. Users can continue to access data through the intermediary layer even during upgrade transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the data repository dynamic by allowing it to exist in multiple states (current version, upgraded version, transition states) simultaneously. The system can dynamically switch between versions and allow read/write operations on appropriate versions based on upgrade progress, maintaining productivity while ensuring upgrade accuracy through controlled state transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If cloud-based repositories schedule downtime for updates, then schema changes can be implemented, but customer satisfaction and service level agreements are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveschema evolution capabilityVSAvoidcontinuous availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuity of useful action by allowing the data repository to remain accessible and operational throughout the upgrade process. Read operations can continue on the current version while write operations gradually transition to the upgraded version. This maintains continuous availability and ease of operation while still implementing necessary schema evolutions in cloud-based environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS10747735B2System and method of dynamic data object upgrades
Publication Date: 2020.08.18 DELL EMC
  • US10747735B2 patent drawing
  • US10747735B2 patent drawing
  • US10747735B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for managing a cloud computing environment. In some embodiments, this includes modifying an object or a component of an object at runtime and storing the modified object or modified component of an object in a storage device. In some embodiments, components of an object such as data structures are modified. In some embodiments, objects may have more than one version.