Proxy-less Secondary Copy for Shared File Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently protecting data stored on shared file storage systems, particularly due to diverse file access protocols and complex configuration needs, which can lead to data protection gaps and increased administrative burdens.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a proxy-less backup configuration that dynamically selects backup hosts based on host attributes relative to the data source, along with data path automation and default subclient protection features, to streamline secondary copy operations and ensure comprehensive data protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated proxy machines are deployed to handle secondary copy operations, then data protection reliability is improved, but device complexity and administrative burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata protection reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a media agent as an intermediary component that mediates between the backup software and storage devices. The media agent handles secondary copy operations, data movement, and storage management tasks, allowing the backup software to focus on coordination and control while the media agent manages the complex interactions with storage systems and networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into distinct functional components: backup software for job management and coordination, media agents for operational execution, and storage devices for data retention. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific tasks, improving overall system reliability while making the complexity manageable through clear separation of concerns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If pre-administered data paths are configured on all candidate backup machines, then data access reliability is improved, but ease of operation and administrative labor decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata access reliabilityVSAvoidadministrative ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by having the backup software automatically discover and validate data paths during job initialization. Rather than requiring manual pre-configuration on all machines, the system proactively resolves path information, validates accessibility, and caches necessary credentials before backup operations begin, ensuring reliability while reducing administrative burden.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The backup system implements self-service capabilities through automatic path resolution, credential caching, and validation mechanisms. The system autonomously manages data path configuration by discovering available paths, testing connectivity, and maintaining updated path information without requiring manual administrative intervention on each backup machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If undefined data without backup plans is left unprotected, then system simplicity is maintained, but data protection gaps and reliability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoiddata protection completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor for undefined data and unassigned backup plans. When new data sources are detected or existing data becomes unprotected, the system generates alerts and notifications to administrators, enabling them to quickly address protection gaps. This feedback loop maintains system simplicity while ensuring data protection completeness through proactive monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Stability of the object's composition

If static backup host assignments are used, then system stability is improved, but adaptability and flexibility decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidsystem flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static host assignments to dynamic selection of backup hosts based on real-time conditions. The backup software can evaluate host availability, resource capacity, and operational status at job runtime, dynamically selecting appropriate hosts for secondary copy operations. This dynamic approach maintains system stability through controlled adaptation while improving flexibility and resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250173230A1Streamlined secondary copy operations for data stored on shared file storage

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 COMMVAULT SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

The present inventors devised techniques and technologies that streamline the protection of data stored on shared file storage e.g., on file servers, network-attached storage (NAS), share drives, network shares, etc., in a data storage management system. Some embodiments feature a proxy-less backup configuration in which backup services hosts are assigned to perform a secondary copy job, at job runtime, based on host attributes relative to the data source. Some embodiments are configured to, at job runtime, automatically resolve data paths to the source data, and automatically mount the data paths, rather than requiring data paths to be expressly pre-administered on all possible candidate backup machines. Some embodiments automatically protect data from shared file storage that was not expressly given a backup plan (“undefined” data) by applying default preferences for protecting undefined data.