Managing Non-Snappable Volumes in Virtual Machine Backups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual machine backup technologies fail to include non-snappable volumes, such as independent mode virtual disks and Raw Device Mappings, in snapshots and backups, risking the loss or corruption of application data stored on these volumes.
Innovation Solution
A method for managing non-snappable volumes involves identifying virtual disks associated with virtual machines, analyzing these volumes to determine if they contain application data, and performing responsive actions such as notification or inclusion in the backup process, using computer processors and backup agents to map virtual disk information and identify files associated with applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If non-snappable volumes are excluded from backup processes, then backup performance and snapshot creation speed are improved, but data protection completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the backup treatment based on volume characteristics. Instead of uniformly backing up all volumes, the system analyzes each non-snappable volume to determine if it contains application data, and only then includes it in the backup process. This selective approach maintains high backup performance for standard volumes while ensuring data protection completeness for critical application data on non-snappable volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing analysis of non-snappable volumes before the actual backup process. The system queries volume information, identifies whether the volume contains application data, and determines the appropriate backup action in advance. This preliminary analysis enables the backup system to make informed decisions about including or excluding specific volumes, resolving the contradiction between speed and completeness.
2Reliability
If non-snappable volumes are included in backup processes, then data protection completeness is improved, but backup complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of non-snappable volumes to determine their contents and characteristics before initiating the backup process. By querying volume information and identifying application data presence in advance, the backup system can plan the appropriate actions, reducing the complexity of real-time decision-making during backup execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the backup system continuously monitors and analyzes non-snappable volumes, queries their contents, and adjusts backup actions accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to learn from volume characteristics and make informed decisions, managing complexity through adaptive behavior rather than rigid predetermined rules.
3Productivity
If application data on non-snappable volumes is identified and excluded from backup, then backup performance is maintained, but data loss risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating different volumes differently based on their characteristics. The system analyzes each non-snappable volume to determine if it contains application data, and only then includes it in the backup process. This selective approach maintains high backup performance for standard volumes while ensuring data protection completeness for critical application data on non-snappable volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the backup system continuously monitors and analyzes non-snappable volumes, queries their contents, and adjusts backup actions accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to learn from volume characteristics and make informed decisions, managing complexity through adaptive behavior rather than rigid predetermined rules.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for managing non-snappable volumes are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for managing non-snappable volumes comprising identifying a virtual disk associated with a virtual machine, identifying a non-snappable volume associated with the virtual disk, analyzing the non-snappable volume, using at least one computer processor, to determine whether the non-snappable volume contains application data, and performing one or more responsive actions in the event the non-snappable volume is determined to contain application data.