SQL Server Backup via Virtual Device Interface to Object Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current database migration processes from on-premise SQL servers to online database services are cumbersome and prone to human error due to the need for multiple steps and intermediate data copying, especially when handling large data sets.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a virtual device interface (VDI) and backup/restore manager that allows direct streaming of SQL server database backups and restores to/from an object-based data storage service, eliminating the need for temporary local storage and simplifying the migration process through API-driven operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If backup data is written to tape or disk and then copied to object-based storage service, then data can be backed up, but the process is complex and prone to human error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup reliabilityVSAvoidbackup process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the intermediate storage step (tape or disk) from the backup process. Instead of writing backup data to local tape or disk and then copying to object-based storage, the system directly streams backup data from the SQL server to the object-based storage service, eliminating the intermediate copying step and reducing complexity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a virtual device interface as an intermediary between the SQL server and the object-based storage service. This virtual device enables direct communication and data streaming without requiring physical intermediate storage media, simplifying the backup process while ensuring data integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If backup files are copied from tape or disk to object-based storage service, then data is stored, but the migration process involves multiple steps that increase error risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storage flexibilityVSAvoidmigration ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the intermediate copying step from the migration process. Backup data is directly streamed from the SQL server to the object-based storage service without being written to local tape or disk first, eliminating multiple manual steps and reducing the risk of human error while maintaining storage flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables automated direct streaming of backup data from SQL server to object-based storage service without requiring manual intervention for copying and transferring. The virtual device interface handles the data movement automatically, making the migration process easier and more reliable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If restore operation requires copying backup files from object-based storage to local disk first, then restore can begin, but the process is time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestore reliabilityVSAvoidrestore time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the intermediate local disk copying step from the restore process. Instead of copying backup files from object-based storage to local disk before restoring, the system directly streams restore data from the object-based storage service to the SQL server through the virtual device interface, significantly reducing restore time while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual device interface serves as a mediator that enables direct data streaming between object-based storage and SQL server during restore operations, eliminating the need for intermediate local disk storage and reducing both time and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If multiple intermediate steps are used in backup and restore operations, then data can be transferred, but data throughput is reduced and efficiency is lowered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoiddata transfer overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes intermediate storage and copying steps from the data transfer process. Backup and restore data is directly streamed between SQL server and object-based storage service without being written to local tape, disk, or requiring manual copying, thereby increasing data throughput and transfer efficiency while reducing system overhead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10769023B1Backup of structured query language server to object-based data storage service

Publication Date: 2020.09.08 AMAZON TECH INC

AI summary

A structured query language server may receive a command from a backup control server to provision a virtual device and perform a backup operation on the structured query language server. The structured query language server may be configured to write data to the virtual device in order to be transmitted to a data storage service. The backup and restore operations directed to the structured query language server may include a web service application programming interface request to the data storage service to cause the data written to the virtual device to be stored as a data object in the data storage service.