VMware Backup Triggered by Data Change Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for backing up virtual machines based on fixed schedules lead to inefficient use of storage space, potential data loss, and performance degradation due to irregular incremental backups and fixed intervals, which can result in significant data loss and prolonged reversion times.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the data change ratio for each virtual machine since the previous backup and only performs backups when the ratio meets a specified threshold, allowing for incremental backups only when necessary and staggering backup operations within a policy group to optimize resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If backups are performed based on fixed schedules, then backup timing is predictable and automated, but storage space is wasted and data loss risk increases due to unnecessary incremental backups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the backup scheduling parameter from fixed time intervals to data change-based triggers. Instead of backing up at predetermined times, the system monitors data change ratios and only initiates backups when the ratio exceeds a threshold, thereby reducing unnecessary storage operations while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the data change ratio since the last backup and using this information to decide whether to proceed with backup operations. This feedback mechanism prevents unnecessary backups when data changes are minimal, optimizing storage space utilization.
2Stability of the object's composition
If incremental backups are scheduled at fixed intervals, then backup frequency is consistent, but reversion operations take significant time due to large backup sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the backup trigger parameter from fixed time intervals to data change ratio thresholds. This ensures that incremental backups only occur when necessary, reducing backup sizes and consequently reducing reversion operation times while maintaining consistent backup scheduling through threshold-based triggering.
3Extent of automation
If multiple virtual machines are backed up simultaneously in scheduled runs, then backup operations are automated, but system resources are depleted and application performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic backup scheduling where the system monitors data change ratios in real-time and only initiates backups when thresholds are met. This dynamic approach prevents resource depletion during critical periods and maintains application performance by avoiding unnecessary backup operations, while still providing automated backup capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic monitoring of data change ratios and only performs backup actions when thresholds are exceeded. This periodic action approach ensures that backup operations are automated but spaced appropriately to avoid resource depletion and maintain application performance.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment is related to a method for backing up virtual machines, comprising: determining whether virtual machines comprised in a backup policy group are to be backed up based on a present time and a backup schedule associated with the backup policy group; in response to a determination that the virtual machines comprised in the backup policy group are to be backed up, determining a data change ratio since a previous backup for each virtual machine comprised in the backup policy group; and backing up each virtual machine comprised in the backup policy group that has a data change ratio since the previous backup that meets a data change threshold associated with the backup policy group.