Virtual Backup Data Path Bridging Host and Guest OS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional data backup systems are incompatible with virtualization technologies, preventing data from passing between a client system and a virtual environment, leading to inefficiencies in data retrieval and storage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that create a bridge between a host operating system and a guest operating system within a backup server, allowing data transfer by identifying and extending a data path through a storage area network, establishing communication between the host and guest operating systems, and facilitating data transfer using protocols like cloud computing and shared memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional backup services transmit data over a storage area network, then data can be transferred between client system and backup server, but backup agents in virtual environment cannot communicate with backup server portions outside the virtual environment, preventing data transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a host operating system as an intermediary layer between the virtual environment (guest operating system) and the traditional backup server infrastructure. This host OS mediates communication by providing a interface that translates virtual environment protocols into formats compatible with the storage area network and traditional backup agents, thereby enabling data transfer while maintaining compatibility with both virtualization and traditional backup systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional layer by running the backup agent within a virtual machine in the guest operating system while using the host operating system to manage the physical storage infrastructure. This creates a hierarchical architecture where backup operations span multiple dimensions: virtualized storage management at one level and physical storage access at another, resolving the incompatibility between virtual environment isolation and traditional backup server architecture
2Productivity
If virtualization is used to store data via virtual machines, then time required to retrieve data and computing resources needed are reduced, but traditional backup systems become incompatible with virtualization technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The host operating system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it manages the virtualized storage environment, provides compatibility with traditional backup agents, handles data transfer over the storage area network, and coordinates with the guest operating system. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain productivity benefits of virtualization while preserving compatibility with traditional backup infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The host operating system acts as a universal translator and mediator that enables traditional backup agents to interact with virtualized storage systems. It provides the interface layer that allows legacy backup technologies to operate within the virtualized environment without requiring complete system redesign, thus maintaining compatibility while enabling efficient data retrieval
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed computer-implemented method for providing data backup services in a virtual environment may include (1) identifying a data path used to transfer, via a storage area network, backup data between a client system and a host operating system of a backup server, (2) establishing communication between the host operating system and a backup agent on a guest operating system of the backup server, and (3) extending the data path to the guest operating system by facilitating data transfer between the host operating system and the backup agent of the guest operating system such that the backup data is transferred between the client system and the backup agent of the guest operating system. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.