Restore Process Selection for Group Replication Storage Volumes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In information processing systems, efficiently restoring applications hosted on storage volumes part of group replication sessions is challenging due to the need for optimal restore processes that account for multiple storage volumes and replication sessions, which affects data recovery efficiency and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that analyze applications to identify storage volumes and groups within replication sessions, selecting between different restore processes based on the presence of additional storage volumes, allowing for either volume or group replication to restore applications efficiently using remote copies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single replication session is used to replicate multiple storage volumes, then device complexity is reduced, but restore process selection becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the restore process selection by analyzing the composition of storage volume groups within replication sessions. It divides the decision-making into distinct cases: (1) when a group contains only the requested volume, (2) when a group contains additional volumes, and (3) when volumes span multiple groups. This segmentation enables automated selection of appropriate restore processes without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between simplified replication structure and complex restore selection.
2Reliability
If group replication sessions are used to manage multiple storage volumes, then data recovery accuracy is improved, but restore efficiency decreases due to need for careful process selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic restore process selection that adapts to the specific characteristics of each replication session and volume group configuration. The system automatically adjusts the restore approach based on real-time analysis of group composition, enabling both high accuracy (by selecting appropriate processes) and high efficiency (by automating the selection). This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by analyzing the results of volume group analysis to automatically determine the next appropriate action. The restore management logic receives feedback about group composition and automatically selects the optimal restore process, eliminating manual intervention while ensuring accurate data recovery. This closed-loop feedback system simultaneously improves reliability and efficiency.
3Productivity
If automated restore process selection is implemented, then restore efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-analyzing and categorizing volume group configurations during normal operations. The system maintains knowledge about group compositions and relationships before restore operations are needed. When a restore request arrives, this pre-prepared information enables immediate automated decision-making without complex real-time analysis, thus improving efficiency while keeping the added complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a processing device configured to receive a request to restore one or more applications, the request specifying one of a set of remote copies of storage volumes that store data of the applications. The processing device is also configured to analyze the applications to identify (i) the storage volumes storing data for the applications and (ii) groups comprising the identified storage volumes. The processing device is also configured, responsive to determining that the identified groups are part of a group replication session, to select one of a set of different types of restore processes for performing the restore of the applications to the specified remote copy based at least in part on whether the identified groups comprise additional storage volumes other than the identified storage volumes and to perform the restore of the applications to the specified remote copy utilizing the selected restore process.