Mainframe Backup Storage System with Protocol Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional backup systems for mainframe computing systems using disk storage devices are complex and expensive due to the need for numerous interconnected hardware devices, complicating management and troubleshooting.
Innovation Solution
A single integrated storage system configured to interface with mainframe computing systems, using a Small Link Interface Card (SLIC) to communicate in FICON protocol and convert it to Fibre Channel (FC) or SCSI, presenting itself as a tape library for data backup and restore operations, with embedded appliances for de-duplication and compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional backup systems use multiple interconnected hardware devices for disk storage backup, then backup capability is provided, but hardware complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate hardware devices (FICON HBA, Fibre Channel HBA, backup software, management systems) into a single integrated storage system. The storage system includes integrated FICON and Fibre Channel host bus adapters, embedded backup software, and unified management capabilities, eliminating the need for multiple interconnected devices while maintaining backup functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system performs multiple functions within a single device: it provides FICON protocol support for mainframe connectivity, Fibre Channel protocol support for storage networking, embedded backup software for data protection, and management capabilities for monitoring and control. This multi-functional design replaces several specialized devices.
2Reliability
If conventional backup systems use multiple interconnected hardware devices, then backup operations can be performed, but management and troubleshooting difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates backup software and management capabilities directly into the storage system hardware. The unified architecture allows administrators to manage backup operations, monitor system status, and troubleshoot issues through a single integrated interface rather than coordinating across multiple separate devices and software components.
3Reliability
If tape libraries are used for mainframe backup, then backup reliability is maintained, but backup speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage medium parameter from magnetic tape to disk storage. Disk storage provides significantly higher data transfer speeds compared to tape libraries while maintaining data reliability through features like redundant arrays and error correction. The integrated storage system leverages the speed advantage of disk technology for faster backup operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system may include an interface configured to connect with a mainframe computing system. The interface converts the protocol used by the mainframe computing system to another protocol. Once the data, which may be present in a backup data stream, from the mainframe computing system is converted, the storage system may direct or transmit the backup data stream for further processing such as deduplication and/or compression. The de-duplicated and/or compressed backup data stream is then stored to storage of the storage system.