Object Store Snapshot Mapping for Cloud-Compatible File Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Primary storage systems provide robust data storage and management features but are costly and less scalable compared to cloud computing storage, and their functionality is not compatible with cloud computing storage, leading to loss of features when hybrid solutions are used.
Innovation Solution
An object file system is employed to store and manage data in a cloud computing environment, allowing data to be represented in a structured format, enabling snapshot management, deduplication, and version neutrality, while maintaining access and storage efficiency across multiple versions and snapshots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If primary storage systems are used, then robust data storage and management features are provided, but cost increases and scalability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of primary storage functionality that is compatible with cloud object storage. The object file system represents snapshots and data in a structured format that can be stored in cloud object stores, preserving essential storage features while eliminating the need for expensive, complex primary storage hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the storage format and representation parameters to be compatible with cloud object storage systems. By representing data as objects with structured formats and using cloud-compatible protocols, the system maintains functionality while adapting to cloud infrastructure constraints.
2Reliability
If primary storage systems are used, then robust functionality is provided, but compatibility with cloud computing storage is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The object file system acts as an intermediary layer between primary storage concepts and cloud object storage implementations. It translates primary storage operations into cloud-compatible object operations, enabling robust functionality to coexist with cloud infrastructure compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal object file system that can operate both as a representation of primary storage and as direct cloud storage interface. The same object format and file system operations work whether data is stored locally or in the cloud, providing multi-functionality and broad compatibility.
3Device complexity
If hybrid storage solution is used, then cost savings and scalability are achieved, but robust functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent copies essential primary storage functionality into the cloud storage environment through the object file system. By representing snapshots, data structures, and management operations in cloud-compatible formats, the system preserves robust functionality while achieving cost savings and scalability of cloud storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies storage parameters and data representations to be compatible with cloud object storage while maintaining the functional equivalence of primary storage operations. This allows hybrid storage to provide both cost efficiency and robust functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for an object file system for an object store. Data, maintained by a computing device, is stored into slots of an object. The data within the slots of the object is represented as a data structure comprising a plurality of nodes comprising cloud block numbers used to identify the object and particular slots of the object. A mapping metafile is maintained to map block numbers used to store the data by the computing device to cloud block numbers of nodes representing portion of the data stored within slots of the object. The object is stored into the object store, and the mapping metafile and the data structure are used to provide access through the object file system to portions of data within the object.