File System Historical Data Modification via Replicas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods lack the ability to modify specific files or folders in a file system without losing the entire history, especially when protection is at the block level, due to the read-only nature of journal points in time, making it difficult to delete or change data securely and extend such modifications to replicas and journals.
Innovation Solution
The technique provides access to historical data of a file system through a replica or activity log, allowing irreversible alterations or deletions to apply changes to all previous points in time, using a secure API that interacts with the replica file system and journal component, ensuring modifications are propagated across all relevant snapshots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If block-level protection is used to protect the file system, then the file system reliability is improved, but the ability to modify specific files or folders without losing entire history deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file system into individual files and folders that can be independently managed. Instead of treating the entire file system as a single protected unit, the system allows selective identification and modification of specific files or folders within the replicated data, enabling granular control while maintaining overall system reliability through block-level protection.
2Reliability
If journal points in time are made read-only to maintain data integrity, then the data integrity is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that allows users to request modifications to historical data. When a modification request is received, the system retrieves the specific file or folder from the replicated data, applies the modification, and then propagates the changes back to the journal points in time. This intermediary process maintains data integrity by controlling the modification flow while providing operational flexibility.
3Reliability
If conventional replication methods are used, then the system reliability is improved, but the loss of information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates copies of the file system at different points in time through replication. These replicas serve as historical snapshots that can be selectively modified without affecting the original file system or other replicas. By maintaining multiple copies and allowing selective modification of specific files or folders in each replica, the system preserves the complete history while enabling flexible modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
Access to historical data of a file system in a data storage environment is provided, wherein the historical data corresponds to one or more points in time occurring in the past. The historical data of the file system is modified, wherein the historical data comprises at least one of a component from a replica of the file system and an element of an activity log of the file system.