Virtual Snapshot System for VM State Backup and Rollback
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the context of virtualization, generating and managing snapshots of Virtual Machines (VMs) is complex due to the dynamic nature of VM configurations and the need for efficient backup solutions that allow users to roll back to previous states without system administrator intervention.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating virtual snapshots that include VM context and data, allowing users to create a Centralized Integrated Backup (CIB) and roll back to any previous version, with features like automatic scheduling and a graphical viewer for analyzing changes, enabling self-administered backup processes without interrupting VM operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional data backup methods are used on physical machines, then the backup process is simple and only requires copying files from HDD, but the system cannot handle the complexity of virtual machine configurations and states
Solution Approach 1:
The backup system segments the virtual machine state into multiple components: virtual disk data, memory state, processor state, and configuration files. Each component is captured and stored separately, allowing the system to handle complex VM configurations through modular processing rather than attempting to backup the entire system as a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a snapshot management component that acts as an intermediary between the virtual machine and the backup system. This intermediary captures the VM state through hooks and interfaces with the virtualization layer, translating complex VM configurations into manageable snapshot data that can be stored and restored without requiring direct intervention in the VM operation.
2Loss of information
If snapshots are generated by the operating system of the physical machine, then the process is straightforward, but the OS cannot capture the complete VM state including context and scripts
Solution Approach 1:
The snapshot mechanism is nested within the virtualization layer rather than relying on the guest operating system. The snapshot component resides inside the virtual machine environment and interfaces with the hypervisor, allowing it to capture complete VM state including memory, processor context, and configuration scripts that the guest OS alone cannot access or preserve.
Solution Approach 2:
The snapshot generation mechanism is designed to be universal across different VM configurations and operating systems. It captures not only file system state but also execution context, memory state, and configuration data in a format that can be restored regardless of the specific OS or application running within the VM, making the backup process independent of guest OS limitations.
3Reliability
If users need to roll back to previous VM states, then data protection is improved, but the process requires system administrator permission and intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The snapshot management system implements self-service capabilities that allow end users to initiate, manage, and restore from snapshots without requiring system administrator intervention. Users can configure automatic snapshot schedules, manually create snapshots at critical points, and restore VM states through a simplified interface that handles authentication and permissions automatically, making data protection accessible to non-administrators.
4Loss of information
If snapshots are taken to capture VM state changes, then version control is improved, but the backup process interrupts VM operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic snapshot capture instead of continuous monitoring, taking snapshots at scheduled intervals or at specific trigger points such as before configuration changes. This periodic approach captures VM state changes effectively while minimizing disruption to VM operation, as the snapshot process occurs in discrete moments rather than continuously interrupting execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The snapshot mechanism performs preliminary actions to prepare for state capture without interrupting VM operation. It uses write-blocking and memory freezing techniques that are activated only when a snapshot is requested, allowing the VM to continue normal operations during intervals between snapshots. The snapshot capture itself is performed quickly using pre-positioned data structures that minimize the time the VM is in a suspended state.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generation of virtual images on a computer system having a Virtual Machine (VM), including (a) generating a virtual image of the VM that includes a state of the VM's disk at a particular moment in time; wherein the virtual image is viewable via a host-side graphical representation component for viewing a history of virtual images representing states of the VM's disk at prior moments in time; (b) storing the virtual image as multiple chunks or partitions; (c) from the host side, acquiring a state of the VM's memory and adding the state of the VM's memory to the virtual image; (d) configuring the graphical representation component to display only selected virtual images based on user selection, and (e) in the graphical representation component, displaying a representation of differences between at least two of the virtual images.