On-Demand Virtual Machine Data Restore via UNC Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information management systems face delays in restoring virtual machine data due to the rapid expansion of data volumes, causing substantial delays in accessing specific data from secondary storage, which hampers quick validation and access to backed-up, archived, or snapshotted virtual machines.
Innovation Solution
An improved information management system allows on-demand access to virtual machine data by creating a virtual disk with a universal network component (UNC) path and a virtual machine configured to access data via this path, using a block allocation table to retrieve specific data directly from secondary storage, rather than restoring all data first.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all virtual machine data is restored to a virtual disk before mounting, then data completeness is ensured, but access time increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the specific portion of virtual machine data needed by the administrator from the complete virtual machine data set. Instead of restoring all data, the system identifies and retrieves only the required data blocks, significantly reducing access time while maintaining data reliability for the specific access need.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual machine data is segmented into individual blocks that can be independently accessed. The block allocation table divides the virtual disk into manageable blocks, allowing the system to retrieve specific blocks without restoring the entire virtual disk, thus resolving the contradiction between complete data restoration and fast access.
2Reliability
If complete virtual machine data is restored, then full data availability is achieved, but productivity during restore process decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs partial restoration by retrieving only the specific data blocks needed rather than restoring the entire virtual machine data set. This partial action approach maintains data availability for the required information while preserving productivity by avoiding the time-consuming complete restoration process.
3Reliability
If all virtual machine data is restored, then data integrity is maintained, but the delay becomes noticeable to the administrator
Solution Approach 1:
The block allocation table is prepared in advance during the secondary copy process, organizing data block locations before any restore operation is needed. This preliminary organization enables immediate retrieval of specific blocks when an administrator needs access, maintaining data integrity while eliminating noticeable delays.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved information management system is described herein that provides on-demand or live mount access to virtual machine data in a secondary copy format. For example, instead of restoring all of the virtual machine data in the secondary copy format to a virtual disk that is then mounted to a virtual machine, the improved information management system can, in response to request to access virtual machine data in a secondary copy format, create a virtual disk having a universal network component (UNC) path and create a virtual machine configured to access data via the UNC path. Once created and booted, the administrator or user can attempt to access the desired virtual machine data via the virtual machine.