FBB Metadata Virtual File System Instant Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in providing instant access to data stored in backup storage systems while ensuring that only authorized users can access their specific data, and that data sharing among applications is done securely without overwriting each other's data.
Innovation Solution
The system utilizes a file-based backup (FBB) metadata file to enable instant access by generating a virtual file system that specifies the storage location and accessibility of files, while also implementing temporary storage devices and shared virtual disks for secure data sharing and access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is stored in backup storage systems, then data security and reliability are improved, but instant access to data is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by creating virtual file systems and temporary storage devices in advance, mapping backup data locations before actual access is needed. When instant access is requested, the pre-established virtual file system allows immediate data retrieval without time-consuming restoration processes, thus resolving the contradiction between data security in backup storage and instant access requirements
2Reliability
If user-based access control is implemented, then data security is improved, but access complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a metadata file as an intermediary that contains user-specific information about backup data. This metadata file acts as a mediator between the backup storage system and users, enabling automated access control decisions based on pre-stored user credentials and data location information, thus maintaining data security while reducing access control complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service mechanisms where the metadata file automatically contains and processes user-specific access information. When access is requested, the system automatically retrieves user credentials and data locations from the metadata file without requiring manual authorization procedures, enabling secure user-based access control while simplifying the access process
3Quantity of substance
If file-based backup is used, then storage efficiency is improved, but instant access capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates virtual copies of file system structures through virtual file systems that map to backup data without physically duplicating the entire backup. These virtual file system copies provide instant access capability by presenting a file system interface that maps to backup locations, allowing users to access backup data immediately while the physical backup remains compact and storage-efficient
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the backup access mechanism into two parts: the actual backup storage maintaining high compression and efficiency, and virtual file systems that provide instant access interfaces. This segmentation allows the backup data to remain highly compressed for storage efficiency while the virtual file system layer provides immediate access capability without requiring full decompression or restoration
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing access to a file based backup (FBB) includes obtaining, by a FBB metadata file operating in a production host, an instant access request for data associated with an FBB, wherein the instant access request is associated with a user, wherein the FBB is associated with a plurality of users comprising the user and a second user, in response to the instant access request: access a FBB metadata file associated with the FBB to determine file data accessible to the user and determining second file data not accessible to the user, wherein the file data is associated with the user, performing an attribute analysis on the FBB metadata file to identify a storage location attributes of the file data and not the second file data, generating a FBB virtual file system, and enabling access to the FBB virtual file system by the user via an application.