Secondary Host Computer Data Copy Takeover via Storage Subsystem Pair Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computer systems using remote copy technology, a secondary host computer cannot take over control of data copying when the primary host computer malfunctions because it lacks information about copy pairs, leading to difficulties in maintaining data redundancy and system continuity.
Innovation Solution
A computer system design where a secondary host computer can generate system pair information by selecting and acquiring sub system pair information from storage systems, allowing it to take over data copying operations by consolidating copy pair information across multiple storage systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a second host computer is connected to storage sub systems to enable takeover capability, then system reliability is improved, but the second host computer cannot control data copying because it lacks copy pair information
Solution Approach 1:
The invention stores sub system pair information in advance in each storage sub system before the primary host computer fails. This preliminary action ensures that when the secondary host computer needs to take over, the copy pair information is already available locally in the storage sub systems, eliminating the need for the secondary host to have this information pre-loaded.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage sub systems act as intermediaries that hold and transmit copy pair information. Instead of requiring the secondary host computer to have all copy pair information, the storage sub systems serve as mediators that provide the necessary information when queried, enabling the secondary host to generate complete system pair information dynamically.
2Reliability
If the second host computer acquires sub system pair information from all storage sub systems to generate system pair information, then data copying control can be maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary host computer autonomously acquires sub system pair information from storage sub systems and generates system pair information without requiring manual intervention or complex external coordination. Each storage sub system independently provides its own sub system pair information when queried, simplifying the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention divides the copy pair information into segments stored in each storage sub system as sub system pair information. This segmentation allows the secondary host to reconstruct complete system pair information by combining these distributed segments, reducing the burden on any single component while maintaining overall system capability.
Data Source
AI summary
In a computer system, to enable a second computer to take over control of copying of data within the computer system, from a first computer that normally controls copying of data.The second computer selects from a plurality of storage systems a storage system to be accessed in order to acquire sub system pair information, and acquires sub system pair information from the selected storage system. Based on the acquired sub system pair information, the second computer generates system pair information that includes copy pair information relating to a plurality of storage areas belonging to the plurality of storage systems. The second computer initially selects a storage system directly linked to the second computer, and subsequently sequentially selects a storage system based on the acquired sub system pair information.