Patents Assigned to Falconstor, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8671255
    Abstract: In accordance with one example, a method for comparing data units is disclosed comprising generating a first digest representing a first data unit stored in a first memory. A first encoded value is generated based, at least in part, on the first digest and a predetermined value. A second digest representing a second data unit stored in a second memory different from the first memory, is generated. A second encoded value is derived based, at least in part, on the second digest and the predetermined value. It is determined whether the first data unit and the second data unit are the same based, at least in part, on the first digest, the first predetermined value, the first encoded value, and the second digest, by first processor. If the second data unit is not the same as the first data unit, the first data unit is stored in the second memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Falconstor, Inc.
    Inventors: Wai Lam, Ronald S. Niles, Xiaowei Li
  • Publication number: 20130238850
    Abstract: In one example of a method to access data, selected data stored in a virtual tape library (“VTL”) maintained in a selected format in a first non-tape storage medium is examined. One or more first directories and one more first files are identified within the selected data. One or more second directories, and one or more second files, comprising information identifying at least one of the one or more first files, are generated and are stored in a second non-tape storage medium. A request specifying at least one of the one or more second files is received from a device, and information identifying at least one of the one or more first files is retrieved from the specified second file. The at least one first file is accessed based at least in part on the information, and data from the at least one first file is provided to the device. Systems are also disclosed. Methods and systems to enable users without system administrator rights to access and store data in a backup storage system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: FalconStor, Inc.
    Inventor: Wai LAM
  • Publication number: 20130185261
    Abstract: In an example of an embodiment of the invention, a repeating pattern is identified within stored data comprising a plurality of data files, each data file comprising at least a header section and a data section stored in an unknown format. At least one occurrence of the repeating pattern is identified as a header section of a respective data file, and a data section of the respective data file is identified based, at least in part, on a location of the at least one occurrence of the repeating pattern. The identified data section of the respective data file is backed up. Systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: FalconStor, Inc.
    Inventor: FalconStor, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130151472
    Abstract: A hash-optimized backup system and method takes data blocks and generates a probabilistically unique digital fingerprint of the content of each data block using a substantially collision-free algorithm. The process compares the generated fingerprint to a database of stored fingerprints and, if the generated fingerprint matches a stored fingerprint, the data block is determined to already have been backed up, and therefore does not need to be backed up again. Only if the generated fingerprint does not match a stored fingerprint is the data block backed up, at which point the generated fingerprint is added to the database of stored fingerprints. Because the algorithm is substantially collision-free, there is no need to compare actual data content if there is a hash-value match. The process can also be used to audit software license compliance, inventory software, and detect computer-file tampering such as viruses and malware.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: FALCONSTOR, INC.
    Inventor: Falconstor, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8433732
    Abstract: In one example of a method to access data, selected data stored in a virtual tape library (“VTL”) maintained in a selected format in a first non-tape storage medium is examined. One or more first directories and one more first files are identified within the selected data. One or more second directories, and one or more second files, comprising information identifying at least one of the one or more first files, are generated and stored in a second non-tape storage medium. A request specifying at least one of the one or more second files is received from a device, and information identifying at least one of the one or more first files is retrieved from the specified second file. The at least one first file is accessed based on the information, and data from the at least one first file is provided to the device. Systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Falconstor, Inc.
    Inventor: Wai Lam
  • Patent number: 8392371
    Abstract: In an example of an embodiment of the invention, a repeating pattern is identified within stored data comprising a plurality of data files, each data file comprising at least a header section and a data section stored in an unknown format. At least one occurrence of the repeating pattern is identified as a header section of a respective data file, and a data section of the respective data file is identified based, at least in part, on a location of the at least one occurrence of the repeating pattern. The identified data section of the respective data file is backed up. Systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: FalconStor, Inc.
    Inventor: Wai Lam
  • Patent number: 8370594
    Abstract: A hash-optimized backup system and method takes data blocks and generates a probabilistically unique digital fingerprint of the content of each data block using a substantially collision-free algorithm. The process compares the generated fingerprint to a database of stored fingerprints and, if the generated fingerprint matches a stored fingerprint, the data block is determined to already have been backed up, and therefore does not need to be backed up again. Only if the generated fingerprint does not match a stored fingerprint is the data block backed up, at which point the generated fingerprint is added to the database of stored fingerprints. Because the algorithm is substantially collision-free, there is no need to compare actual data content if there is a hash-value match. The process can also be used to audit software license compliance, inventory software, and detect computer-file tampering such as viruses and malware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Falconstor, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald S. Niles, Wai T. Lam
  • Patent number: 8145860
    Abstract: In accordance with one example, a method for comparing data units is disclosed comprising generating a first digest representing a first data unit stored in a first memory. A first encoded value is generated based, at least in part, on the first digest and a predetermined value. A second digest representing a second data unit stored in a second memory different from the first memory, is generated. A second encoded value is derived based, at least in part, on the second digest and the predetermined value. It is determined whether the first data unit and the second data unit are the same based, at least in part, on the first digest, the first predetermined value, the first encoded value, and the second digest, by first processor. If the second data unit is not the same as the first data unit, the first data unit is stored in the second memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: FalconStor, Inc.
    Inventors: Wai T. Lam, Ronald S. Niles, Xiaowei Li
  • Patent number: 8041892
    Abstract: In an example of an embodiment of the invention, a system for recording data generated by a client server and transmitted to a storage system is provided. The system comprises a storage system and a processor located remotely from the storage system and linked to the storage system via a network. The processor determines that a selected data processing operation is to be performed with respect to data stored in the storage system, and determines that a record of at least some of the data stored in the storage system is required prior to performing the selected data processing operation. The processor also generates a command comprising a request to generate a record of the at least some of the stored data, and transmits the command to the storage system to generate the record, via the network in accordance with Internet Protocol (IP). Examples of other systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: FalconStor, Inc.
    Inventor: Wai T. Lam
  • Patent number: 7962499
    Abstract: In an example of an embodiment of the invention, a repeating pattern is identified within stored data comprising a plurality of data files, each data file comprising at least a header section and a data section stored in an unknown format. At least one occurrence of the repeating pattern is identified as a header section of a respective data file, and a data section of the respective data file is identified based, at least in part, on a location of the at least one occurrence of the repeating pattern. The identified data section of the respective data file is backed up. Systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: FalconStor, Inc.
    Inventor: Wai Lam
  • Patent number: 7954157
    Abstract: A method is provided to facilitate the detection of file tampering, such as a computer virus, on a computer. In one example, a digital fingerprint is generated for each file on the computer using a substantially collision-free algorithm. The digital fingerprints of the computer files are compared with digital fingerprints of the computer files generated when the files were previously saved. If the digital fingerprint of that file differs from the digital fingerprint generated when that file was previously saved, a computer virus or other tampering may exist on the file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: FalconStor, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald S. Niles, Wai Lam
  • Patent number: 7765160
    Abstract: A method is provided to audit license restrictions of a computer program in an enterprise computing environment. In one example, a digital fingerprint is generated of at least one file in the computer program using a substantially collision-free algorithm, and a digital fingerprint is generated for each file on each computer in the enterprise using the substantially collision-free algorithm. The digital fingerprints from the enterprise files are compared with the digital fingerprint of the computer program file, and the number of fingerprint matches is counted. Another method is provided for inventorying a computer program in an enterprise computing environment. In examples of both methods, a file may be divided into data blocks and a digital fingerprint may be generated for each data block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: FalconStor, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald S. Niles, Wai Lam
  • Patent number: 7590808
    Abstract: In accordance with an example of an embodiment of the invention, a method for comparing a first unit of data stored in a first storage system and a second unit of data stored in a second storage system is provided. The method comprises generating a first digest that represents the first unit of data, generating an initial value associated with the first unit of data, and deriving an encoded value using the first digest and the initial value. The method further comprises transmitting the encoded value from the first storage system to the second storage system, generating a second digest that represents the second unit of data, and deriving a decoded value using the second digest to decode the encoded value. The method also comprises transmitting the decoded value from the second storage system to the first storage system, and determining whether the first unit of data and the second unit of data are duplicates of one another by comparing the decoded value and the initial value. Systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: FalconStor, Inc.
    Inventors: Wai Lam, Ronald S. Niles, Xiaowei Li
  • Patent number: 7418547
    Abstract: In an example of an embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for recording data transmitted to a storage system, wherein the storage system has a cache and at least one storage device, and the data comprises initial data items that are transmitted to the storage system prior to a moment in time and additional data items that are transmitted to the storage system after the moment in time. The method comprises receiving, by the cache, data transmitted to the storage system, and flushing, from the cache to the at least one storage device, one or more of the initial data items. The method also comprises receiving, by the cache, one or more additional data items, while at least one of the initial data items is flushed from the cache, and recording the initial data items. Systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: FalconStor, Inc.
    Inventor: Wai Lam
  • Patent number: 7406575
    Abstract: In one example, an apparatus is provided to store data in one or more data storage systems by selecting from among at least a first operating mode and a delta replication operating mode. The apparatus comprises a means for storing data pursuant to the first operating mode and a means for ascertaining a first status of a criterion pertaining to an activity performed by the one or more data storage systems while operating in the first operating mode. The apparatus further comprises a means for detecting a change in the criterion to a second status, and a means for storing data pursuant to the delta replication operating mode in response to the change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: FalconStor, Inc.
    Inventors: Wai T. Lam, Xiaowei Li
  • Patent number: 7330960
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided for storing data in a physical storage having at least one portion of unused memory, comprising maintaining a first list comprising one or more records associated with respective segments within the unused memory, and receiving a request to store data in at least one logical storage sector associated with the physical storage. A record associated with a segment of the unused memory in which at least some of the data is to be stored is selected from the first list, and the record is updated to include an identifier of the at least one logical storage sector. The record is stored in a second list that associates respective segments with respective logical storage sectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: FalconStor, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Steven Niles, Larry Louie
  • Patent number: 7093127
    Abstract: A system and method that improves security of a computer storage system by requiring an initiating computer to periodically reaffirm its identity by transmitting a message to a servicing computer. The message contains a previously established authentication message and a sequence value, established by and known only to the original participants. A message must be received by the servicing computer within a predetermined time interval in order to maintain data communications between the original participants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Falconstor, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Anthony McNulty, John Christopher Lallier, Harry John Gosden
  • Patent number: 6715098
    Abstract: In a system for appliance back-up, a primary appliance is coupled to a network, whereby the primary appliance receives requests or commands and sends a status message over the network to a standby appliance, which indicates that the primary appliance is operational. If the standby appliance does not receive the status message or the status message is invalid, the standby appliance writes a shutdown message to a storage device. The primary appliance then reads the shutdown message stored in the storage device and disables itself from processing requests or commands. When the primary appliance completes these tasks, it disables communication connections and writes a shutdown completion message to the storage device. The standby appliance reads the shutdown completion message from the storage device and initiates a start-up procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: FalconStor, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheng-Wei Chen, Stephen Anthony McNulty
  • Patent number: RE42703
    Abstract: In a system for appliance back-up, a primary appliance is coupled to a network, whereby the primary appliance receives requests or commands and sends a status message over the network to a standby appliance, which indicates that the primary appliance is operational. If the standby appliance does not receive the status message or the status message is invalid, the standby appliance writes a shutdown message to a storage device. The primary appliance then reads the shutdown message stored in the storage device and disables itself from processing requests or commands. When the primary appliance completes these tasks, it disables communication connections and writes a shutdown completion message to the storage device. The standby appliance reads the shutdown completion message from the storage device and initiates a start-up procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: FalconStor, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheng-Wei Chen, Stephen Anthony McNulty