Snapshot Map for Storage System Configuration Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current snapshot management systems lack an efficient method for visualizing and managing snapshot configurations across storage systems, leading to complex and error-prone manual configurations and inadequate resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating and utilizing snapshot maps to facilitate storage system management, which includes a backup server with a selection engine, analyzer, and report engine to create and display snapshot maps, allowing intuitive configuration and resource optimization by visualizing snapshot characteristics and pairings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual snapshot configuration methods are used, then flexibility in customization is achieved, but complexity of operation increases and error rate rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements snapshot map templates that store predefined snapshot configurations. These templates can be copied and reused across multiple storage systems, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration. The template copying mechanism reduces operational complexity while maintaining configuration flexibility through parameter customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration by creating snapshot map templates in advance that contain pre-defined snapshot parameters, pairings, and characteristics. These pre-configured templates are then automatically applied to storage systems, reducing the need for complex manual configuration operations and minimizing errors.
2Loss of information
If comprehensive snapshot tracking is implemented, then visibility of snapshot configurations improves, but system resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts snapshot configuration information into separate snapshot map objects that are stored independently from the actual snapshot data. This extraction allows comprehensive tracking and visualization of snapshot configurations without requiring continuous monitoring of the entire storage system, thereby reducing system resource consumption while maintaining full visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a new dimension of abstraction by creating snapshot maps that represent snapshot configurations in a separate organizational layer. This dimensional change allows comprehensive tracking of snapshot relationships, pairings, and characteristics without directly impacting the performance or resource usage of the underlying storage systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple snapshot methods are supported, then versatility of the system improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal snapshot map template structure that can accommodate multiple snapshot methods (such as clone, mirror, and other backup methods) through a unified configuration framework. The template system provides multi-functional support by allowing different snapshot methods to be defined within the same template structure, reducing the need for separate configuration systems for each method.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for generating a snapshot map used to facilitate storage system management. In some embodiments, this includes receiving a set of selection criteria, generating a snapshot map based on the set of selection criteria, associating the snapshot map with a timestamp, storing the snapshot map along with the timestamp, associating an identifier after storing the snapshot map and the timestamp in a database, and displaying the snapshot map after obtaining the snapshot map from the database based on the identifier.