Secondary System Log Analysis for Data Replication

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Solution Overview

Problem

In data replication environments, secondary storage systems often have underutilized computing resources, and analyzing production data for error diagnosis and correction creates additional overhead, leading to a tradeoff between data integrity and processing speeds.

Innovation Solution

A method that detects abnormal activity on a primary system by analyzing system logs, which are mirrored to a secondary system, allowing the secondary system to send commands to address the abnormal activity and utilize computing resources more effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data analysis is performed on the production system, then data integrity is improved, but processing speed deteriorates due to additional overhead

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides data analysis functions into separate segments: the primary system continues production operations while the secondary system performs data analysis on mirrored data, eliminating the conflict between production and analysis overhead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary system acts as an intermediary that receives mirrored production data, performs analysis, and sends results back to the primary system, thereby isolating analysis overhead from the production system's processing speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If computing resources are dedicated to data analysis, then data integrity is improved, but resource utilization on the secondary system deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidresource utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary system is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a standby system for failover purposes and simultaneously performs data analysis functions, thereby improving resource utilization while maintaining data integrity capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary system continuously performs data analysis on mirrored data even during normal operations, ensuring that computing resources are consistently utilized rather than remaining idle during standby periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11907087B2Remote health monitoring in data replication environments

Publication Date: 2024.02.20 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A method for more effectively utilizing computing resources in a data replication environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a method detects, at a primary system, activity occurring on the primary system. This activity is recorded in systems logs located at the primary system. The method automatically mirrors the system logs from the primary system to a secondary system that is in a mirroring relationship with the primary system. The system logs are analyzed at the secondary system. In the event abnormal activity is detected in the system logs at the secondary system, the method automatically sends, from the secondary system to the primary system, one or more commands that are designed to address the abnormal activity. A corresponding system and computer program product are also disclosed.