Unified VM Backup Interface for Cross-Server Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage systems require separate backup and recovery software, making it difficult for application managers to access and manage both virtual machine (VM) data and backup data within a unified interface, as they lack direct access to backup servers from VM management servers.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a backup and recover interface module within VM management software allows users to access both VM data and associated backup data from backup storage servers, enabling a unified management and recovery process through a context-based VM backup report.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate backup management software is used to access backup servers, then backup data can be accessed, but VM information cannot be accessed and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines VM management software and backup management software into a single integrated system. The VM management server is enhanced to directly communicate with backup servers, allowing both VM information and backup data to be accessed through one unified interface, eliminating the need for separate software systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The VM management software is designed to perform multiple functions: it manages VM operations and simultaneously provides backup data access. The system acts as a universal platform that handles both virtualization management and backup recovery operations, reducing the need for specialized separate software.
2Reliability
If application managers use separate backup management software, then they can access backup data, but they must learn backup technologies which increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
By merging backup management capabilities into the existing VM management interface, application managers can access backup data using the same tools they already use for VM management, eliminating the need to learn separate backup technologies or use different software interfaces.
3Ease of operation
If VM management server directly accesses backup servers, then unified interface is achieved, but network traffic and data integration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component within the VM management server that handles communication with backup servers. This intermediary layer manages the data integration and communication protocols, shielding the complexity from the user interface while enabling direct access to backup data through the existing VM management infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for managing virtual machine backup are described herein. According to one embodiment, a virtual machine (VM) management console queries VM backup data stored in backup servers. The VM management console manages VMs running within data processing systems over a network. In response to the request, the VM management console retrieves backup operational data from backup servers, the backup operational data describing the VM backup data backed up from the data processing system. A VM backup report is generated having the backup operational data therein and VM information of VMs that are associated with the VM backup data described by the backup operational data. The VM backup report is presented in the VM management console to allow a user to select one or more of the VMs to be recovered from the backup servers.