Virtual Snapshot Segmentation for VM Backup Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of virtualization in computer systems makes it challenging to generate and manage snapshots of Virtual Machines (VMs) efficiently, especially since conventional backup methods do not account for the dynamic configuration changes and require administrative permissions, limiting user flexibility and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating and managing virtual snapshots of VMs, allowing users to create Centralized Integrated Backups (CIBs) that include VM context and scripts, enabling users to roll back to previous states without administrative permission, and allowing for self-administered backup scheduling and analysis through a virtual snapshot viewer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional backup methods are used for physical machines, then the backup process is simple and does not require saving system configurations, but this approach is insufficient for virtual machines where configuration changes occur dynamically
Solution Approach 1:
The VM backup is segmented into two distinct components: VM configuration data (captured in virtual snapshots) and VM data files (captured in centralized integrated backup). This segmentation allows each component to be managed appropriately - configurations are captured at specific states while data files are managed through traditional backup methods, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary capture of VM configuration states through virtual snapshots before actual backup operations. By pre-capturing the configuration context, the system ensures that when backups are performed, the complete VM state (both configuration and data) is preserved, making the backup process reliable without being overly complex.
2Reliability
If system administrators manage all backup operations, then centralized control is maintained, but user flexibility and autonomy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service backup capabilities for users through virtual snapshots. Users can independently capture VM configuration states and initiate backup operations without requiring administrator intervention. The centralized backup infrastructure automatically integrates these user-generated snapshots into the overall backup system, maintaining centralized control while enabling user autonomy.
Solution Approach 2:
Users perform preliminary snapshot operations locally on their own VMs, capturing configuration states before needing backup. This preliminary user action is then automatically integrated into the centralized backup system, allowing users to flexibly manage their own backups while the central system maintains overall coordination and reliability.
3Reliability
If virtual snapshots include complete VM state information, then rollback capability is improved, but storage requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The snapshot system segments VM state capture into configuration-only snapshots (virtual snapshots) rather than complete system state copies. This segmentation provides sufficient rollback capability for configuration changes while avoiding the excessive storage and complexity of full system snapshots, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates lightweight copies of VM configuration data in virtual snapshots rather than complete VM state copies. These configuration snapshots serve as sufficient references for rollback operations, providing reliable restoration capability while maintaining low storage overhead and system complexity.
4Measurement precision
If snapshots are taken frequently to capture all state changes, then version control precision is improved, but system performance and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic snapshot capture based on user-defined schedules or triggers rather than continuous snapshotting. This periodic action captures VM configuration states at meaningful intervals, providing sufficient version control precision for most scenarios while minimizing performance impact by avoiding excessive snapshot operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures only the necessary portion of VM state (configuration data) in virtual snapshots rather than complete system states. This partial action provides adequate version control for configuration management while reducing the overhead and performance impact compared to full system snapshots.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for generating and managing snapshots of Virtual Machine (i.e., virtual snapshots) and creating a centralized integrated backup for the Virtual Machine (VM). Proposed method and system allow users to roll back to any previous version of the VM and instantiate this version using the logic encapsulated in a virtual snapshot of the VM. The virtual snapshots taken at various times can be combined into a chronological tree viewable via a virtual snapshot image viewer. The snapshot trees for different VMs are combined into centralized integrated system backup (CIB) that can be managed by a central console including a GUI of the virtual snapshot image viewer.