Server Migration via Archiving Metadata Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Server migration and consolidation operations are time-consuming due to large data volumes, resulting in unacceptable server downtime, as existing methods require full data population before bringing the target server online.
Innovation Solution
Implement data archiving systems that archive data from a source computing system, update metadata to reference a target system, and restore data on an as-needed basis, allowing the target system to be brought online without initial full data population, using archiving policies to manage data objects and their references.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full data population is performed before bringing the target server online, then data completeness is ensured, but server downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by archiving data from the source server before the migration is completed. The archiving system stores data objects and their metadata in advance, allowing the target server to be brought online with minimal or no data population required before the source server is taken offline. This resolves the contradiction by performing the data preservation action beforehand, eliminating the need for full data population during the migration window.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an archiving system as an intermediary between the source server and the target server. This intermediary system receives data objects from the source server, stores them with updated metadata pointing to the target server, and makes them available for restoration. The archiving system acts as a mediator that enables data completeness without requiring direct full population of the target server before go-live, thus reducing downtime.
2Loss of time
If data is archived and restored on-demand or in background, then server downtime is reduced, but data restoration speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the data restoration process flexible and adaptable. The system can restore archived data objects on-demand when needed, or perform background restoration at different priorities. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize between restoration speed and downtime based on actual operational requirements, resolving the contradiction by allowing both fast restoration (when needed) and low downtime (through background processing).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through background restoration processes that can operate at different intervals and priorities. Instead of requiring immediate restoration, the system can periodically check and restore archived data objects in the background, maintaining data availability while reducing the impact on server downtime. This periodic approach allows balancing restoration speed with minimal disruption to server operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for using data archiving to expedite server migration may include: 1) archiving data from at least one source computing system to an archiving system in accordance with an archiving policy, 2) altering metadata associated with the archived data on the archiving system so that the metadata references a desired target computing system instead of the source computing system, and then, upon bringing the target computing system online, 3) restoring at least a portion of the archived data from the archiving system to the target computing system. Various other methods, systems, and configured computer-readable media are also disclosed.