Synchronizing Storage and VM Snapshots for Coherent Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing continuous data protection (CDP) methods and systems fail to synchronize data storage operations with virtual machine checkpointing, leading to inefficiencies in restoring the overall state of a computer platform due to time gaps between storage and snapshot operations.
Innovation Solution
A method that synchronizes the storage of information representative of a persistent memory entity's content and a virtual machine's state at the same point in time, preventing updates during storage, and associating these snapshots for coherent restoration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If CDP storage operations and virtual machine snapshot operations are performed separately with time gaps, then each operation can be completed independently, but the overall state restoration becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines CDP storage operations and virtual machine snapshot operations into a single synchronized operation. The system coordinates the storage of persistent memory content and virtual machine state information to occur at the same point in time, creating a unified backup mechanism that simplifies restoration by providing both data types in a single coherent state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary synchronization before restoration is needed by continuously coordinating CDP and snapshot operations at matching time points. This preliminary coordinated storage ensures that when restoration is required, both the persistent memory content and virtual machine state are already aligned, eliminating the need for complex time-gapping reconciliation during actual restoration.
2Reliability
If CDP and snapshot operations are synchronized at the same point in time, then restoration coherence is improved, but the coordination complexity between operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the CDP operation and snapshot operation monitor each other's timing and status. When one operation completes or reaches a checkpoint, the system provides feedback signals to coordinate the other operation, ensuring both operate at synchronized time points while managing complexity through automated coordination protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary coordination mechanisms that act as mediators between the CDP storage system and the virtual machine snapshot system. These intermediaries manage the timing synchronization, handle the coordination overhead, and ensure both operations align at the same point in time without requiring direct complex interaction between the primary systems.
3Reliability
If updates are prevented during storage operations, then data consistency is improved, but system availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies periodic freezing of updates during synchronized CDP and snapshot operations. Rather than continuous freezing, updates are temporarily suspended only at the specific moments when both storage operations are executing, allowing normal operation to continue otherwise. This periodic action maintains data consistency during critical windows while preserving overall system availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the freezing of updates based on the operational state. Update prevention is applied adaptively only when synchronization is occurring, and normal update operations resume immediately after synchronization completes. This dynamic approach balances consistency requirements with availability needs by being restrictive only when necessary.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for storing multiple types of information, the method includes: storing information representative of a content of a persistent memory entity at a certain point in time; and storing information representative of a state of a virtual machine at the certain point in time. A computer program product including a computer usable medium including a computer readable program, wherein the computer readable program when executed on a computer causes the computer to: store information representative of a content of a persistent memory entity at a certain point in time; and store information representative of a state of a virtual machine at the certain point in time.