Parallel Synthetic Backup Set Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current backup systems face inefficiencies in creating synthetic full backup sets, requiring extensive processing and tape handling due to the need to manage multiple backup sets and restore data from combinations of full and incremental backups, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method for parallel backup set processing that keeps multiple backup sets open simultaneously during the creation of a synthetic full backup set, reducing the time required for this process and enhancing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional sequential backup set processing is used to create synthetic full backup sets, then data consistency is ensured, but the processing time and resource consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata consistencyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the backup set processing into multiple parallel threads, where each thread processes a specific backup set simultaneously. This segmentation allows concurrent processing of multiple backup sets while maintaining data consistency through proper synchronization mechanisms, thereby reducing overall processing time without sacrificing reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous processing by keeping multiple backup sets open and processed simultaneously through parallel threads, rather than sequentially closing and reopening them. This continuous parallel action eliminates idle waiting time and maintains productive processing throughout the synthetic full backup creation process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Use of energy by moving object

If multiple backup sets are processed sequentially, then system resource consumption is controlled, but the productivity of backup operations decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem resource consumptionVSAvoidbackup operation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the processing approach by using parallel threads that can be created and terminated as needed based on system capacity and backup set requirements. This dynamic parallel processing increases productivity during backup operations while allowing the system to return to lower resource states when processing is complete, balancing resource consumption with operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If traditional backup restoration processes are used requiring combinations of full and incremental backups, then complete data recovery is achieved, but the restoration time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata recovery completenessVSAvoidrestoration process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple incremental backup sets with the base backup set through parallel processing to create a synthetic full backup set. This consolidation allows restoration from a single synthetic full backup rather than requiring sequential application of multiple incremental backups, thereby simplifying the restoration process while maintaining complete data recovery capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary processing by creating synthetic full backup sets in advance through parallel thread processing. These pre-processed synthetic full backups are ready for immediate restoration without requiring complex sequential reconstruction during recovery operations, reducing restoration time and complexity while ensuring complete data recovery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9075819B1Method and apparatus for providing parallel backup set processing for creating a synthetic backup

Publication Date: 2015.07.07 COHESITY INC

AI summary

A method of creating a synthetic backup set which can be used as a baseline for subsequent incremental backup or for the restoration of a data volume. The method includes copying a first data object from a first backup set to a memory media for storing the synthetic backup set, and copying a second data object from a second backup set to the memory media. The second data object is copied to the memory media when both the first and second backup sets are open for read access. In one embodiment, the first backup set data of data objects is stored on a first magnetic tape, and the second backup set data of data objects is stored on a second magnetic tape. When the second data object is copied to the memory media, the first and second magnetic tapes are simultaneously mounted on first and second tape drives, respectively.