Centralized Host Backup for Virtual Machine Volumes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for managing storage associated with virtual machines are inefficient and costly, requiring repetitive interaction with agent software for backup and restore operations across multiple virtual machines.
Innovation Solution
A centralized system and method for backing up virtual machines that bypasses individual virtual machines by directly accessing and managing virtual volumes through a central computer system, allowing for independent data backup and restoration without the need for agent software, using a user interface to browse and select data in a parent-child hierarchy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If agent software is used on each virtual machine for backup operations, then backup functionality is achieved, but system complexity and operational costs increase due to repetitive interactions across multiple virtual machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the backup functionality from multiple individual virtual machine agents into a single centralized backup agent on the host system. This consolidated approach maintains reliable backup capabilities while eliminating the complexity of managing multiple separate agent software instances across numerous virtual machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The host system's virtual machine monitor is designed to perform multiple functions including both virtual machine management and centralized backup operations. This multi-functional approach provides comprehensive backup capability without requiring dedicated agent software on each virtual machine, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If agent software is deployed on each virtual machine, then backup operations can be performed, but operational efficiency decreases due to repetitive manual interactions
Solution Approach 1:
By combining backup operations into a centralized host-level function, the system eliminates the need for repetitive manual agent interactions across multiple virtual machines. The single centralized interface improves operational efficiency while maintaining reliable backup capabilities through automated host-mediated backup processes.
3Device complexity
If centralized backup is implemented without agent software, then operational costs are reduced, but the ability to perform backup operations may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The host system's virtual machine monitor acts as an intermediary that enables centralized backup operations without requiring agent software on individual virtual machines. This intermediary approach maintains backup reliability by providing a centralized coordination point that can access and backup virtual machine data through the host's existing access mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual machine monitor is designed to perform multiple functions including backup operations, eliminating the need for separate agent software while maintaining reliable backup capabilities through the host system's universal access and control functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer-accessible medium for centralized backup of a plurality of virtual machines are disclosed. Each virtual machine comprises at least one virtual volume. The plurality of virtual volumes are accessed through a central computer system. The central computer system is used to backup data from the plurality of virtual volumes in a manner substantially independent of execution of the plurality of virtual machines.