Dynamic Virtual Backup Proxy Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for backing up virtual machines are inefficient, as they require manual configuration and management of backup proxy nodes, leading to suboptimal performance and resource wastage, especially in dynamic virtual environments where service level agreements for frequent backups cannot be met.
Innovation Solution
Implement a dynamic system that spawns and decommissions virtual backup proxy nodes based on performance monitoring and rule-based decision-making, using a configurator to remap virtual machines to optimal proxy nodes, and access preconfigured templates to enhance throughput and fault tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If virtual machines are statically mapped to a particular backup proxy node, then the backup proxy node can facilitate the backup process, but the backup window becomes excessively long and service level agreements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mapping between virtual machines and backup proxy nodes, where the mapping is not static but can be adjusted based on current workload conditions. The system continuously monitors backup progress and can remap virtual machines to different proxy nodes during the backup process, enabling parallel backup operations and significantly reducing the total backup window while meeting service level agreements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the backup workload by dividing it across multiple backup proxy nodes dynamically. Instead of assigning all virtual machines to a single proxy node, the system creates multiple proxy nodes and distributes the backup workload among them, allowing concurrent backup operations that reduce the overall backup time and meet service level requirements.
2Productivity
If manual configuration and deployment of new backup proxy nodes is performed, then backup capacity can be increased, but the process is complex and resource wastage occurs in dynamic environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the system automatically monitors backup workload requirements and dynamically provisions or deprovisions backup proxy nodes as needed. The automation platform continuously evaluates backup progress and workload conditions, automatically creating new proxy nodes when capacity is insufficient and removing them when no longer needed, eliminating manual configuration complexity and preventing resource wastage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates continuous feedback loops that monitor backup progress, workload conditions, and service level agreement compliance. This feedback drives automatic decision-making for provisioning or deprovisioning backup proxy nodes, ensuring optimal backup capacity is maintained without manual intervention and preventing both capacity shortages and resource wastage.
3Reliability
If existing backup proxy nodes are monitored to ensure they are kept current, then backup operations can continue, but computational resources are wasted when more proxy nodes are allocated than needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the number of active backup proxy nodes adjusts automatically based on current workload demands. The system continuously monitors backup progress and workload conditions, activating additional proxy nodes only when needed and deactivating them when no longer required, thereby maintaining backup operation continuity while minimizing computational resource wastage.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are described for dynamically spawning and/or decommissioning backup proxy nodes in a virtual infrastructure. A backup server can include a polling agent that polls the virtual infrastructure to determine a list of virtual machines whose data is to be backed up, and a list if virtual proxy nodes that facilitate backups of virtual machine data. A proxy map can be generated that describes the mapping of virtual machines to backup proxy nodes in the virtual infrastructure. Rules can be applied to the proxy map to determine whether a new proxy node should be spawned or an existing proxy node should be decommissioned. A new virtual proxy can be generated by accessing a database of preconfigured template virtual proxies to quickly generate the new virtual proxy. One or more virtual machines can be remapped to the newly created virtual proxy to ensure optimal throughput of backup data.