Virtual Machine Backup via Logical Layer Grouping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing backup systems for computing devices face inefficiencies in resource utilization and manual policy updates due to the complexity of managing virtual machines and backup policies across large systems.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for managing backup operations by identifying and grouping virtual machines based on logical layers, configuring production agents to perform backups, and automatically updating backup policies in response to changes within the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If virtual machines are managed individually without grouping, then each VM can be backed up independently, but the complexity of managing backup policies across large systems increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup policy managementVSAvoidsystem management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments virtual machines into logical groups based on functional layers (presentation layer, application layer, data layer). This segmentation allows backup policies to be managed at the group level rather than individually for each VM, reducing the complexity of policy management while maintaining independent backup capability for each VM within its group.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If manual updates of backup policies are performed, then policy changes can be made flexibly, but administrative errors increase and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup operation efficiencyVSAvoidadministrative error rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automated detection and response to changes in virtual machine configurations. When changes are detected, the system automatically updates backup policies without requiring manual administrative intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates human error in policy updates while maintaining flexibility to adapt to system changes, thereby improving both efficiency and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If computing resources are fully utilized for data generation and transmission, then productivity increases, but overall system performance deteriorates due to resource contention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata processing throughputVSAvoidsystem performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary grouping of virtual machines into logical layers before backup operations commence. This preliminary organization allows the system to optimize resource allocation and scheduling for backup operations, preventing resource contention during actual backup execution. By preparing the structure in advance, the system can maintain high productivity during data processing while ensuring stable performance during backup operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10922008B2System and method for backup of virtual machines organized using logical layers

Publication Date: 2021.02.16 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC

AI summary

A method for performing backup operations includes identifying a plurality of virtual machines (VMs) to back up, grouping the plurality of VMs to obtain a plurality of VM groups, and initiating a configuration of a production agent on a production host associated with a first VM group of the plurality of VM groups, wherein the configured first production agent initiates a backup operation on at least the first VM group.