Hybrid Workflow Backup for Cloud and Third-Party Apps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current backup operations in computing devices are inefficient as they do not effectively incorporate data from third-party applications into cloud-based backup systems, leading to suboptimal utilization of computing resources and incomplete data recovery solutions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a backup agent to obtain a complete application listing, compare it to a cloud-based application listing, and initiate a hybrid workflow for backing up both cloud-based and third-party applications, allowing for concurrent backup and storage of data across multiple platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional backup operations are used, then cloud-based application data is backed up, but third-party application data is excluded resulting in incomplete data recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The backup system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it identifies and backs up both cloud-based applications and third-party applications that access cloud data. The backup agent compares application listings to detect third-party applications and initiates hybrid workflows to include them in backups, making the system universally applicable to diverse application types.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup agent acts as an intermediary between the cloud service provider and third-party applications. It compares the complete application listing with the cloud-based application listing, identifies third-party applications as intermediaries, and initiates hybrid workflows to incorporate them into the backup process without requiring direct integration between the cloud provider and third-party apps.
2Reliability
If third-party applications are included in backup operations, then comprehensive data recovery is achieved, but system complexity increases due to hybrid workflows
Solution Approach 1:
The backup process is segmented into distinct phases: identification of third-party applications through listing comparison, initiation of hybrid workflows specifically for third-party apps, and separate execution of backup operations. This segmentation manages complexity by breaking down the hybrid workflow into manageable, automated steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically comparing application listings, identifying third-party applications, and initiating hybrid workflows without manual intervention. The backup agent autonomously manages the complexity of coordinating multiple backup types, reducing the perceived complexity for users.
3Reliability
If comprehensive application listing comparison is performed, then all third-party applications are identified, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by maintaining and comparing application listings before backup operations begin. The backup agent compares the complete application listing with the cloud-based application listing in advance to identify third-party applications, ensuring accurate identification without delaying the actual backup execution.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing a backup operation includes obtaining, by a backup agent, a backup request, and in response to the backup request: obtaining a complete application listing, wherein the complete application listing specifies a plurality of applications associated with the backup request, comparing the complete application listing to a cloud-based application listing, wherein the cloud-based application listing specifies a portion of the plurality of applications, making a first determination that the complete application listing specifies more than the portion of the plurality of applications, and in response to the first determination, initiating a hybrid workflow, wherein the hybrid workflow specifies backing up each of the plurality of applications.