User Selectable Backup Source for Data Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data recovery systems automatically recover data from the first backup source they select, which may not result in an optimum recovery operation, especially when multiple copies of data are available, and do not allow users to select the quickest backup for restoration.

Innovation Solution

A data protection system that enables users to select the specific backup source for recovery operations, allowing for optimized recovery by scheduling and configuring the recovery process, which can be initiated from any device and includes modules operating on both server and host computers, with a user interface to guide the selection and execution of the recovery workflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional systems automatically recover data from the first backup source they select, then the recovery process is simple and automated, but the recovery operation may not be optimal in terms of speed and efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecovery efficiencyVSAvoiduser control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically allows users to select from multiple backup sources based on their specific recovery needs, rather than using a fixed automatic selection. This dynamic approach enables optimization of recovery operations by choosing the most appropriate backup source for each situation, improving recovery efficiency while maintaining ease of operation through a user-friendly interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service capabilities by enabling users to directly select and control which backup source is used for recovery operations. This self-service mechanism allows users to optimize recovery operations themselves based on their knowledge of available backup sources, improving both recovery efficiency and user control without requiring complex automated decision-making systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If multiple copies of backup data are stored for protection against disasters and long-term storage, then data protection is improved, but the complexity of selecting the appropriate backup for recovery increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata protectionVSAvoidbackup source selection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary user interface that mediates between multiple backup sources and the recovery process. This intermediary layer presents a simplified view to users, allowing them to select from available backup sources without being overwhelmed by the underlying complexity of multiple storage locations and formats. The intermediary maintains data protection across multiple copies while simplifying the selection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If backup data is stored separately from original data for protection, then data security is improved, but the time required to retrieve and restore data increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidrecovery time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-organizing and indexing multiple backup copies with metadata that includes location, creation date, and other relevant information. This preliminary organization allows users to quickly identify and select the most appropriate backup source for recovery, reducing the time required to retrieve data from separate storage locations while maintaining data security through continued separation of backups from original data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11113252B2User selectable data source for data recovery
Publication Date: 2021.09.07 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC
  • US11113252B2 patent drawing
  • US11113252B2 patent drawing
  • US11113252B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for performing a recovery operation for a host. A user interface is displayed and a recovery operation is configured. During configuration of the recovery operation, the source of the backup for the recovery operation can be selected by a user. The recovery operation is performed based on the user-selected backup.