Virtual Image File System Direct Restore from Proxy Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current backup and restore systems face inefficiencies when restoring proxy backup images to managed storage, requiring additional disk space and time due to the need for temporary file systems and multiple steps, which can double the restore time to storage disk groups.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a virtual image file system (IMGFS) allows direct restoration of data to storage disk groups from proxy backup image files by mounting the proxy backup image file to a local file system, providing an interface to access the image file system and enabling direct file access and transmission to storage disk groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional backup restore methods are used with temporary file systems, then data can be restored from proxy backup image files, but the restore time is doubled and additional disk space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the image file system directly from the proxy backup image file and mounts it to the local file system, eliminating the need for temporary file systems. This direct extraction approach allows the media manager to access and restore database files without creating intermediate copies, thereby reducing restore time and disk space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual file system as an intermediary layer between the proxy backup image file and the local file system. This virtual file system provides file system calls that allow the media manager to access the image file system as if it were a regular file system, enabling direct restoration without temporary file systems while maintaining compatibility with existing restore processes.
2Productivity
If traditional backup restore methods are used with temporary file systems, then data can be restored from proxy backup image files, but additional disk space is required for temporary storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the image file system directly from the proxy backup image file and mounts it to the local file system, eliminating the need for temporary file systems. This direct extraction approach allows the media manager to access and restore database files without creating intermediate copies, thereby reducing restore time and disk space requirements.
3Productivity
If multiple steps are used in the restore process, then data can be restored from proxy backup image files to storage disk groups, but the restore process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cataloging process and the restore process into a single integrated operation. By mounting the image file system to the local file system, the media manager can catalog files and restore them in one continuous process, eliminating the need for separate cataloging and restore steps. This integration reduces process complexity and improves restore throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual file system as an intermediary layer between the proxy backup image file and the local file system. This virtual file system provides file system calls that allow the media manager to access the image file system as if it were a regular file system, enabling direct restoration without temporary file systems while maintaining compatibility with existing restore processes.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes implementing a virtual image file system, or IMGFS. A mount point directory is created in a local file system, where the local file system organizes files on a storage device. The mount point directory corresponds to a proxy backup image file stored on the storage device. The proxy backup image file stores an image file system. The image file system is mounted on the local file system at the mount point directory, using a virtual file system that implements an interface configured to access the image file system. In some embodiments, a notification is provided to a recovery manager that indicates the recovery manager should catalog one or more database files of the proxy backup image file. One or more database files can be restored to a second storage device, such as a group of physical disks that are managed as a single storage unit.