Storage System Directory Backup Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In SAN/NAS integrated storage systems, existing backup methods either overload the CPU and network due to processing structural data or incur high storage costs, making it difficult to select the optimal backup method and effectively utilize advanced copy functions.
Innovation Solution
A storage system that acquires directory configuration information to select between file and volume backup methods based on the designated backup target, executing backup processing according to the optimal method and presenting the selected method to the system administrator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If file backup method is used to selectively backup directories, then backup flexibility and compatibility are improved, but CPU and network overload occur due to processing structural data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a backup selection unit that acts as an intermediary between the file backup method and the system administrator. This unit automatically analyzes directory configuration information and selects the optimal backup method (file or volume) based on predefined criteria, eliminating the need for administrators to manually process structural data while maintaining backup flexibility.
2Productivity
If volume backup method is used to backup entire volumes, then backup execution performance is improved, but storage cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the backup system use different methods based on local conditions. The backup selection unit evaluates directory configuration information and applies file backup method to specific directories requiring flexibility while applying volume backup method to entire volumes requiring high performance, optimizing both storage cost and execution performance for each local situation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If SAN-connected storage subsystem with sophisticated copy functions is used, then data copying capability is improved, but effective utilization of these functions is difficult in SAN/NAS integrated system
Solution Approach 1:
The backup selection unit implements self-service by automatically analyzing directory configuration information and selecting the appropriate backup method without requiring system administrators to manually configure or understand sophisticated copy functions. The system serves itself by making intelligent decisions based on the backup target characteristics, enabling effective utilization of advanced copy functions in SAN/NAS integrated systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The storage system includes a file server connected to a host apparatus and configured to provide a directory in a file system having a directory structure to the host apparatus, a storage subsystem connected to the file server and configured to provide a volume for storing the file system, and a management apparatus connected respectively to the file server and the storage subsystem and configured to manage backup/restoration of an arbitrary directory contained in the file system. The storage system selects one of backup methods of a directory designated as a backup target by the management apparatus, and executes backup processing to the designated directory. The storage system also includes a restoration controller configured to control execution of restoration processing to backup data based on the backup processing.