Persistent Point-in-Time Image Storage for Data Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network storage systems face challenges in providing both continuous data protection (CDP) and long-term data protection (LTDP) efficiently, as RPPI technology limits the number of snapshots due to storage space constraints, while block-level incremental backups consume excessive resources and are not suitable for CDP.
Innovation Solution
A system that creates persistent point-in-time images (PPIs) at a primary storage and updates them frequently for CDP, with a secondary storage maintaining a copy that is updated and backed up less frequently to ensure LTDP, allowing for a balance between continuous and long-term data protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If block-level incremental backups are used for continuous data protection, then data protection coverage is improved, but resource consumption (time and network bandwidth) increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data protection function into two distinct components: Snapshots for continuous data protection and backups for long-term data protection. This segmentation allows each component to operate at its optimal frequency and resource level, with Snapshots providing frequent protection without the overhead of full backup operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using Snapshots (which capture only changed blocks) instead of complete backups for continuous protection. This partial approach provides sufficient protection for recent data loss scenarios without the excessive resource consumption of full backup operations.
2Quantity of substance
If RPPI technology is used for continuous data protection, then storage space efficiency is improved, but the number of snapshots is limited due to storage constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data protection architecture into two segments: Snapshots stored locally on the storage system and Backups stored externally. This segmentation allows Snapshots to remain space-efficient while the external Backup provides extended retention capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the data protection timeline by adding an external storage dimension. While local Snapshots provide short-term protection, external Backups extend the retention period to months or years, effectively adding a time dimension to the protection architecture.
3Reliability
If frequent updates are performed for continuous data protection, then data freshness is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments update operations into two types: frequent Snapshot updates for data freshness and less frequent Backup updates for long-term retention. This segmentation allows the system to maintain fresh data copies without the resource overhead of frequent full backup operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing each storage location for its specific purpose: local Snapshots are optimized for speed and freshness with frequent updates, while external Backups are optimized for capacity and retention with less frequent updates.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, a method, and a computer program product for providing continuous data protection and long-term data protection of data in a storage system. A persistent point-in-time Image (PPI) image of the data is created and stored at a first storage. The data at the first storage is updated frequently to provide continuous data protection. A copy of the dataset is created and stored in a secondary storage. The copy of the dataset stored in a secondary storage is updated and backed up less frequently than the PPIs image of data stored at the first storage to ensure long-term data protection.