Flexible Backup Window for Dynamic Data Protection Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional data storage systems face challenges in efficiently managing increasing data loads within rigid storage windows, leading to fragmentation and inefficient data restoration due to inflexible scheduling and resource conflicts, which can result in incomplete storage operations within allotted times.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic data protection system that analyzes various criteria such as network load, CPU usage, and data priority to determine optimal times for performing storage operations, allowing for flexible scheduling and resource allocation to accommodate data storage needs within the storage window.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If rigid storage windows are used for data backup operations, then storage operations can be scheduled in advance, but the system cannot adapt to increasing data loads or resource availability changes, leading to incomplete storage operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of storage windowVSAvoidcomplexity of scheduling system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic storage windows that can be adjusted in real-time based on system conditions. The scheduling system transitions from fixed, pre-defined time windows to flexible windows that expand or contract based on data load, resource availability, and operational priorities. This allows the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through automated adjustment algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters of storage windows dynamically, adjusting start times, durations, and resource allocations based on monitored system conditions. By modifying window parameters in response to data load variations and resource availability, the system achieves adaptability without requiring complete redesign of the scheduling framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple distinct jobs are stored separately, then each job can be managed independently, but fragmentation occurs on secondary storage devices leading to inefficient data restoration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata restoration efficiencyVSAvoidstorage space utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple distinct backup jobs into consolidated storage operations where possible. By combining related data jobs and utilizing shared storage spaces, the system reduces fragmentation on secondary storage devices while maintaining the ability to manage and restore individual jobs independently. This improves both restoration efficiency and storage space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments storage management into logical job units while physically consolidating storage operations. Each job maintains independent management and restoration capabilities, but the physical storage is optimized by reducing gaps and consolidating data blocks, thereby improving both accessibility and space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If storage operations are performed during fixed time windows, then resource allocation is simplified, but increasing data loads cannot be accommodated without extending storage window duration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storage capacityVSAvoidstorage window duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic storage windows that automatically adjust their duration and timing based on the volume of data to be stored and available system resources. When data loads increase, the system extends storage windows or schedules additional windows during periods of lower activity, allowing increased storage capacity without proportionally increasing overall storage time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic storage operations with variable intervals and durations. Instead of fixed, continuous storage windows, the system schedules storage operations periodically, adjusting the frequency and length of each window based on data accumulation rates and resource availability, thereby accommodating increasing data loads efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS12105598B2Data protection scheduling, such as providing a flexible backup window in a data protection system

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 COMMVAULT SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A data protection scheduling system provides a flexible or rolling data protection window that analyzes various criteria to determine an optimal or near optimal time for performing data protection or secondary copy operations. While prior systems may have scheduled backups at an exact time (e.g., 2:00 a.m.), the system described herein dynamically determines when to perform the backups and other data protection storage operations, such as based on network load, CPU load, expected duration of the storage operation, rate of change of user activities, frequency of use of affected computer systems, trends, and so on.