Virtual Machine Data Recovery via LUN Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data protection systems, such as tape backup drives, require system shutdown during backups, limit recovery points in time, and result in lengthy data recovery processes, failing to efficiently recover specific data within virtual machines.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for recovering data from a Virtual Machine (VM) by selecting backups of Logical Unit Numbers (LUNs), using a virtual server to mount a drive from the selected backup, and retrieving data directly from the VM without restoring the entire Virtual Machine File System (VMFS), allowing for point-in-time recovery of specific files or folders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tape backup systems are used for data protection, then data can be stored and protected, but system shutdown is required during backup operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backup process by separating the backup agent into components that can operate independently within the virtual machine environment. The backup agent runs as a virtual appliance that can perform backups without shutting down the host system, allowing continuous operation while protecting data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a backup agent as an intermediary component that mediates between the virtual machine and the backup storage system. This agent enables backup operations to proceed without requiring system shutdown, as it can intercept and copy data streams in real-time or near-real-time while the system remains operational.
2Reliability
If conventional tape backup systems perform periodic backups, then data protection is achieved, but recovery is limited to specific time points and takes long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous backup operations through the backup agent that continuously or periodically captures data changes and stores them in incremental fashion. This continuous action enables recovery at any point in time rather than being limited to discrete backup intervals, significantly reducing recovery time and data loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup agent performs preliminary backup actions by continuously capturing and storing data changes before they are needed for recovery. This preliminary action ensures that backup images are already prepared and available, eliminating the need for lengthy restoration processes when recovery is required.
3Reliability
If entire Virtual Machine File System is restored for data recovery, then complete data protection is achieved, but recovery process becomes lengthy and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the specific data or files needed for recovery from the backup images without requiring restoration of the entire Virtual Machine File System. The backup agent enables selective recovery by allowing users to identify and restore only the necessary data portions, significantly improving recovery efficiency while maintaining complete data protection capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, program product, and computer implemented method for recovering data from a Virtual Machine (VM), comprising selecting a back-up of back-ups of one or more LUNs, using a virtual server to mount a drive to a VM in the virtual server from the selected back-up of the back-ups, and retrieving data from the drive mounted to the VM.