Offloaded VM Backup via Snapshot Proxy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional backup processes for virtual machines significantly impact production environments, as they require running on read-only snapshots and writing changes to logs until backup completion, leading to performance issues and resource utilization challenges.
Innovation Solution
Implementing offloaded data protection using virtual machine snapshots, where a system creates a replica snapshot of a virtual machine, mounts it to a proxy server, and uses the snapshot to create backups, thereby minimizing the impact on the production environment through the Virtual Volumes framework and VASA storage management tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional backup processes are used for virtual machines, then data protection is achieved, but production environment performance deteriorates and resource utilization is impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the backup process by separating the production virtual machine from the backup operations. It creates a snapshot of the virtual machine's data store and mounts it to a proxy server, allowing backup to occur on the snapshot rather than the live production system. This segmentation isolates backup activities from production workloads, eliminating performance degradation while maintaining data protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a proxy server as an intermediary component between the production virtual machine and the backup system. The proxy server mounts the snapshot and handles backup operations, acting as a mediator that enables backup without directly impacting the production environment. This intermediary approach allows the production system to continue operating at full performance while backup proceeds independently on the mounted snapshot.
2Reliability
If traditional backup processes are used for virtual machines, then data protection is achieved, but resource utilization is impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The backup process is segmented into separate components: the production virtual machine, the snapshot, the proxy server, and the backup system. By segmenting the backup operation from the production workload, the system eliminates unnecessary resource consumption in the production environment while maintaining data protection. The snapshot serves as a lightweight copy that requires minimal resources compared to traditional backup methods.
3Productivity
If snapshots are used for backup, then impact on production environment is minimized, but additional system components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy server is designed as a multi-functional component that serves multiple purposes: mounting snapshots, managing backup operations, and interfacing with both the production environment and backup system. This universal component consolidates several functions into a single system element, reducing overall system complexity despite introducing a new component. The Virtual Volumes framework also provides universal support across different virtualization environments, standardizing the approach.
Data Source
AI summary
Offloaded data protection based on virtual machine snapshots is described. A system identifies a virtual machine associated with a backup application. The system identifies a storage identifier associated with a virtual machine storage management tool and the virtual machine. The system creates a snapshot of the virtual machine and an identifier of the snapshot by prompting a storage array, which is associated with the virtual machine storage management tool, with the storage identifier. The system mounts the snapshot to a proxy server. The system creates a backup based on the snapshot by prompting the backup application with the identifier of the snapshot.