Asynchronous Replication Replica Retention Policy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data protection systems face limitations in data recovery, requiring system shutdown during backups, restricting recovery points in time, and prolonging the data recovery process, while traditional asynchronous replication systems suffer from unpredictable timing and potential data loss due to lag between snapshot acknowledgement and writing.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for asynchronous replication with time-based replication cycles and retention policies that allow for the automatic selection and retention of replicas based on their creation time, data protection, and changes, ensuring user-defined policies are met without compromising lag between source and target sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tape backup systems are used, then data can be stored on periodic basis, but system shutdown is required during backup and data recovery is limited to discrete time points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous data replication where changes are continuously copied from the production storage system to the backup storage system, eliminating the need for system shutdown during backup operations. This continuous copying process ensures that data is always protected without interrupting business operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates discrete time point replicas at predetermined intervals before actual failures occur. These pre-created replicas serve as recovery points, allowing the system to recover to any point in time without needing to perform complex recovery operations during critical moments.
2Reliability
If daily backup is performed, then data is stored periodically, but several hours of lost data occur between backup points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous data replication where changes are continuously copied from the production storage system to the backup storage system, eliminating the need for system shutdown during backup operations. This continuous copying process ensures that data is always protected without interrupting business operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates discrete time point replicas at predetermined intervals before actual failures occur. These pre-created replicas serve as recovery points, allowing the system to recover to any point in time without needing to perform complex recovery operations during critical moments.
3Productivity
If conventional data replication with lag is used, then data can be replicated asynchronously, but unpredictable timing and potential data loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a feedback mechanism where the replication manager monitors the replication process and adjusts timing based on actual replication conditions. This feedback loop ensures that replication cycles are optimized to maintain data integrity while achieving high replication speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates discrete time point replicas at predetermined intervals before actual failures occur. These pre-created replicas serve as recovery points, allowing the system to recover to any point in time without needing to perform complex recovery operations during critical moments.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple replicas are retained for disaster recovery, then recovery options increase, but storage resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically manages replica retention by creating replicas at multiple discrete time points and selectively retaining only those needed for recovery purposes. The replication manager determines which replicas to keep based on recovery requirements, optimizing storage resource utilization while maintaining adequate recovery options.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates discrete time point replicas at predetermined intervals before actual failures occur. These pre-created replicas serve as recovery points, allowing the system to recover to any point in time without needing to perform complex recovery operations during critical moments.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments of the present invention relate to methods, systems, and computer program products for determining replicas for removal from a plurality of replicas as defined in a data retention policy. The method includes performing asynchronous replication from a source to a target according to time-based replication cycles. A retention policy then may be identified defining a number of asynchronous replication replicas to retain and a plurality of associated periods which then may be retained according to the policy.