Shadow Copy Storage Space Reapportionment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing virtual machines in large organizations is complex, as system administrators face challenges in ensuring sufficient resources without disrupting service, and existing methods do not efficiently preserve shadow copies during backups.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to automatically determine and manage shadow copy storage space based on write rates at the production server, allowing for the retention of valid shadow copies by reapportioning space and locking it to prevent overwriting prior copies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shadow copy storage space is allocated on backup volume, then shadow copies can be preserved, but available backup space for primary data decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts shadow copy storage space allocation based on actual write rates and shadow copy lifecycles. The backup agent monitors production server activity and reapportions space between shadow copies and primary data backups in real-time, transforming the static space allocation into a dynamic system that adapts to changing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of storage space allocation by calculating optimal shadow copy space based on write rates, shadow copy ages, and retention policies. This parameter adjustment ensures sufficient space for shadow copies while maximizing space for primary data backups, resolving the contradiction between preservation and availability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more shadow copies are retained, then data recovery options increase, but storage space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes the quantity of shadow copies retained by calculating optimal space allocation based on write rates, shadow copy lifecycles, and retention policies. This parameter optimization allows the system to maintain sufficient recovery options while minimizing storage space consumption through intelligent space management.
3Area of stationary object
If backup space is increased for primary data, then more data can be backed up, but less space remains for shadow copies
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic space reapportionment between shadow copies and primary data backups based on real-time monitoring of write rates and shadow copy lifecycles. This dynamic approach allows the system to maximize backup space for primary data while ensuring sufficient space for shadow copy retention through continuous adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup agent calculates optimal space allocation parameters by considering write rates, shadow copy ages, and retention policies. This parameter optimization enables the system to increase backup space for primary data while maintaining adequate space for shadow copy retention, resolving the contradiction between backup capacity and shadow copy preservation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Implementations of the present invention provide systems, methods, and components configured to preserve valid shadow copies during replication cycles, before those valid shadow copies have expired. In particular, one or more components can identify the size and rate of changes in production server data that will be applied to a new volume shadow copy. The components can then determine the storage area that would be needed to store the new volume shadow copy in the backup volume and apply changes onto the backup volume if there is appropriate space. If there is not an appropriate amount of space, the components can alert the system that new action should be taken to preserve both prior, valid shadow copies as well as new shadow copies. For example, a backup administrator may need to increase the shadow copy storage space, or assign a new storage medium for handling new shadow copies.