Remote Data Collection via File System Snapshots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic discovery methods are inefficient and disruptive, as they require employee involvement, can lead to data alteration or corruption, and are unreliable over virtual private networks, causing productivity losses and system degradation during data collection.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for remotely collecting data from local machine storage, using a collection tool that automatically deploys, generates snapshots, and transmits data to a remote server without significantly impacting user activity, with features like adaptive transmission rates and resume capabilities to handle interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current collection methods are used where employees manually run software to copy files, then data can be collected for discovery requests, but employee productivity is disrupted and data may be altered or deleted before collection
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a snapshot of the file system state before collection begins, preserving data in its original state. This preliminary action prevents data alteration or deletion concerns while allowing continuous employee work, as the snapshot captures the required data state without interrupting ongoing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of copying files directly which blocks access, the system creates a snapshot copy of the file system state. This copying mechanism allows the original files to remain accessible to employees while a complete copy is preserved for discovery purposes, eliminating both productivity disruption and data integrity concerns.
2Reliability
If files are copied directly from local storage during collection, then data is uploaded to server, but the computer becomes virtually unusable and files may become corrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The snapshot is created as a preliminary action before any file copying or uploading occurs. This snapshot serves as a stable, read-only copy that can be processed without affecting the live file system, allowing the computer to remain fully usable while data collection proceeds in the background.
Solution Approach 2:
The data collection process is segmented into distinct phases: snapshot creation, snapshot processing, and data uploading. This segmentation isolates the disruptive operations from the live system, allowing the computer to remain usable while the snapshot is being processed and uploaded to the server.
3Adaptability or versatility
If collection process runs over virtual private networks, then remote data collection is enabled, but the process is unreliable and requires restarts upon connection interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The complete snapshot is created and stored locally before any network transmission begins. This preliminary action ensures that the data source is captured completely and independently of network conditions, allowing reliable resumption of uploads after any connection interruption without requiring process restarts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous collection capability by keeping the snapshot intact and ready for upload. If network connection is interrupted, the upload process can resume continuously from where it left off rather than restarting, maintaining the useful action of data collection despite network disruptions.
4Ease of operation
If employee is notified of and responsible for running collection software, then collection can be initiated, but employee may alter or delete files before collection begins
Solution Approach 1:
The snapshot is created as a preliminary action that captures the file system state before any potential employee actions. This ensures data preservation regardless of when or how the collection is initiated, as the snapshot represents a fixed point in time that cannot be altered by subsequent employee file modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the data preservation action automatically through snapshot creation, without requiring employee intervention or trust. The snapshot is created self-service style, capturing data in its current state independently of employee awareness or action, thereby ensuring data preservation while maintaining ease of collection initiation.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for remotely collecting data from the local storage of a machines. For example, embodiments of the method involve deploying a collection tool to the machine via a network, automatically installing the collection tool on the machine, generating a snapshot of the data, storing the snapshot in a storage area on the machine, and transmitting the data from the storage area to a remote collection server. Because the data is transmitted from the snapshot stored in the storage area rather than from the original data stored on the local storage of the machine, the data may be transmitted to the remote collection server without substantially affecting a user's ability to use the machine and interact with the data stored on the machine.