Hierarchical Snapshot Manager for Duplicate Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hierarchical storage infrastructure, multiple copies of the same data across different layers lead to wasted space due to repetitive snapshots, and manually managing these snapshots is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for snapshot management that identifies and removes inconsistent or duplicate snapshots across layers by using a hierarchical snapshot manager to consolidate and migrate snapshots, optimizing storage space and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If snapshots are created in multiple layers of hierarchical storage infrastructure, then data security and backup capability are improved, but storage space is wasted due to repetitive snapshots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges snapshot management across multiple hierarchical layers by consolidating snapshots from different layers and identifying duplicates. The system combines snapshot data from virtual machine layers, virtual storage layers, and physical storage layers, then removes redundant copies, keeping only unique snapshots to optimize storage utilization while maintaining comprehensive backup coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The snapshot management system performs multiple functions: it creates snapshots across different hierarchical layers, consolidates them centrally, identifies duplicates through comparison, and manages retention policies. This multi-functional approach allows a single system to handle snapshot operations throughout the entire hierarchical storage infrastructure, improving both security and space efficiency.
2Reliability
If manual management of snapshots across layers is performed, then snapshot consistency can be monitored, but time consumption and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automation where the snapshot management system automatically discovers snapshots across hierarchical layers, compares them for duplicates, identifies inconsistencies, and executes consolidation without manual intervention. The automated duplicate detection and consolidation processes eliminate the need for manual snapshot management while maintaining consistency monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring snapshot states across layers, comparing snapshot data to identify duplicates, and adjusting storage allocation based on consolidation results. This closed-loop feedback ensures snapshot consistency is maintained while automatically optimizing storage space utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If duplicate snapshots are retained across layers, then data recovery options are increased, but storage complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments snapshot management into distinct functional components: snapshot creation at different layers, central consolidation management, duplicate detection through data comparison, and selective retention based on uniqueness. This segmentation allows the system to maintain multiple recovery options while managing complexity through modular organization of snapshot operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, computer program product, and system for snapshot management in a storage infrastructure. A computer accesses a first snapshot captured in a first layer of the storage infrastructure. The computer accesses a second snapshot captured in a second layer of the storage infrastructure. The computer produces a determination that the first snapshot in the first layer of the storage infrastructure is one or more of: inconsistent with the second snapshot in the second layer of the storage infrastructure and a duplicate of the second snapshot in the second layer of the storage infrastructure. The computer removes the first snapshot in the first layer of storage infrastructure responsive to the determination.