Abstract: Storing data in an object store in cloud-based storage for data protection applications to address key user workflows, and provide an easily and seamlessly scalable system that minimizes the cost economics of the various resources, considers how backups are transmitted and which target data is most important during a restore operation. The system uses a client-server model in which data sources in a client store data to a cloud-based server that manages each data source as a separate namespace. The server process breaks up each data source into a series of fixed size sequential blocks, and uses a specialized change record type comprising reverse delta objects to synthesize full backup images from a first full image, wherein the full backup images are stored for every point in time in the object store. This provides a full backup to be available for client retrieval at any desired point in time. A simple block hash catalog is provided to reduce data duplication.

Abstract: Embodiments for optimizing a cost of storing backup data in an object store of a public cloud network provided by a cloud provider by storing delta objects each embodying changes to blocks of the backup data between a full backup incremental backups. The delta objects are each of a same block size, which can be changed. The process selects two sequential delta objects to form a larger object by extending each block to a minimal part size that is larger than the block size and inserting a region of unchanged data between the two delta objects. The larger object is divided into three different parts comprising the inserted region, and each of the extended delta object blocks. The process calculates an API and a compute cost for a synthesis operation on the delta objects based on a cost model and current price schedule of the cloud provider for the three different parts, and for the substantially larger object as a whole. The process selects a block size for the delta objects based on a lowest calculated cost.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for storing indexed metadata associated with backed up data is provided. The operations comprising: for each first data item stored at a first client device to be backed up, extracting, at the first client device, an associated first metadata item; transforming, at the first client device, the first metadata item based on a predefined metadata definition; associating, at the first client device, a first client identifier and a backup identifier with the transformed first metadata item; and transferring the transformed first metadata item from the first client device to a metadata bus of a search cluster.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for a method and system of applying data protection software mechanisms to network devices to auto-discover the networking equipment, save changes from memory (TCAM) to local storage, backup changes to protection storage, provide auditing and tracking history of changes, and provide the ability to deploy test/development copies of changes using software defined networking techniques. Embodiments include an efficient visual mapping aspect provided through a GUI to display the topography and backup/protection configuration of network devices in a system.

Abstract: Controlling data retention cost in cloud-based object storage by first obtaining current storage prices from the cloud provider for their different available storage tiers, and receiving user input for different possible retention parameters identity of data source and the retention period per storage tier. A cost calculator calculates the cost per time unit for each storage tier based on the current provider-specified price and the user-specified period. The calculated costs are displayed to the user a UI in tabular and/or graphical form. The user can change the retention period or data source parameters, and any impact of such changes on the cost will be calculated in real time and reflected in the graphical display. If the user changes the retention period to force an immediate movement of data from one tier to another, a data mover control facilitates this movement in the cloud object storage.

Abstract: A method and system of providing estimates or recommendations for software lifecycle management tasks by obtaining and storing local timing and result data for a current run of an application task on a local client, and gathering global timing and result data in a server computer for a plurality of clients including the local client. The local client combines its local timing and result data with the global timing and result data to generate an estimated time completion and success probability for a next run of the application task. The local client uses a rule definition file to substitute function variables for text strings and recommendation text with the appropriate values from the combined timing and result data and outputs the final time estimate UI string and recommendation through a user interface for display to a user.

Abstract: One example method includes defining object groups by classifying each object in a backup saveset based on respective object types of the objects such that all objects in an object group are the same object type, assigning a different respective storage media type to each of the object groups, storing each object group at a respective storage target, representing each object group with a respective Merkle tree that includes a base hash, and mapping each base hash to the storage target where the object group associated with the Merkle tree that includes the base hash is stored.

Abstract: Embodiments for recording application program interface (API) calls through an API recorder component or process that presents a DVR (digital video recorder)-like interface and capability to capture API calls as they are used when navigating a graphical user interface (GUI). Internal components of this function perform the recording and macro creation to allow constant playback of these recorded API steps. By easily generating and managing macros, system administrators can easily re-execute customer workflows to alleviate frustration and mistakes associated with repetitive and time-consuming input and/or coding operations.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for storing array snapshots of a block-based system in networked storage, such as an NAS or SAN device. A system and process determines a size of the block device and splits it into a number of slices based on the size of the block device, with each slice comprising slice data. The slice data is written to protection storage either directly or through temporary buffer memory. The slice number and memory location for the slice data is stored in a key/value map, where the key comprises the slice number, and the value comprises the location. Backup agents are deployed to back up the slice data for each slice of the block device to the networked storage, and the slice data is stored as array snapshots in the network storage.

Abstract: Embodiments for a storage classifier that provides recommendations to a backup server for storage targets among a plurality of disparate target storage types. The storage classifier receives metadata (name, type, size), and the Service Level Agreement with information such as: retention time, Recovery Point Objective, and Recovery Time Objective) from the backup software. The backup software itself receives policy recommendations from a data label rules engine based on certain file attributes. The storage classifier receives an initial recommendation for the storage type and location (e.g., on-premises deduplication storage or public-cloud object storage, etc.) from a data classifier. Based on these inputs, the storage classifier provides recommended specific storage targets to the backup software on a file-by-file basis for data stored in a backup operation.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for storing array snapshots of a file system in networked attached storage (NAS) device. A system and process determine an organization of the file system comprising directories and files in a defined hierarchy, and a size of each file and a number of files in each directory. One or more slicer processes slice the file system into a number of slices, wherein each slice contains at least one of: a defined number of files or files having a defined total size. Backup agents are deployed as proxies to back up the slices to the NAS device, and the slices are backed up as array snapshots in the NAS device.

Abstract: Tracking changes to a document by defining a document record having a unique document record and comprising an index and a file name of the document, and defining a backup record for the document in a series of backups, which includes a timestamp for each backup, and a bitmask for the document. The bitmask has a single bit position for each document in the container which is set to a first binary value to indicate that the corresponding document is unchanged and a second binary value to indicate whether the document is changed or deleted. A primary query is received and resolved for the document by analyzing the document record to find the file name. A secondary query using the document record ID is resolved to find all tracked versions of the document, and the results are returned to the user in the form of a version history list.

Abstract: Storing documents in an object store in the cloud by creating a container for the documents, defining a document record including unique document ID and an index. A backup record for every backup includes a timestamp for each backup, and a bitmask for each document in the container has a single bit position for each document to indicate the corresponding document as unchanged or that it has been changed/deleted. Each bit location in the bitmask is referenced by the index in the document record. Large documents have a multi-part record identifying the containers. During point-in-time recovery, containers that match a given timestamp are found, and documents where the bitmask bit is set are restored.

Abstract: A method and system of providing estimates or recommendations for software lifecycle management tasks by obtaining and storing local timing and result data for a current run of an application task on a local client, and gathering global timing and result data in a server computer for a plurality of clients including the local client. The local client combines its local timing and result data with the global timing and result data to generate an estimated time completion and success probability for a next run of the application task. The local client uses a rule definition file to substitute function variables for text strings and recommendation text with the appropriate values from the combined timing and result data and outputs the final time estimate UI string and recommendation through a user interface for display to a user.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for a method and system of applying data protection software mechanisms to network devices to auto-discover the networking equipment, save changes from memory (TCAM) to local storage, backup changes to protection storage, provide auditing and tracking history of changes, and provide the ability to deploy test/development copies of changes using software defined networking techniques. A coordinator protects network devices organized into a plurality of partitions by creating a backup of each network device, pushing backup policies to individual data protection units for the network devices within each partition to provide a consistent-state backup of the network devices, and backing up the configuration changes of the network devices to a protection storage device.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for a method and system of applying data protection software mechanisms to network equipment devices to auto-discover the networking equipment, save changes from memory (TCAM) to local storage, backup changes to protection storage, provide auditing and tracking history of changes, and provide the ability to deploy test/development copies of changes using software defined networking techniques.

Abstract: Embodiments for a method of storing e-mail messages using a cloud native e-mail data protection process. E-mail messages are first compressed and stored in a container along with selected metadata. An Email Record is created for each e-mail message. A Container Record is created for each newly created container, and a Backup Record is created for each container for each backup. Once the required records are created, the process facilitates the execution of backup operations, such as full or incremental backups of the stored e-mail messages. Data tiering is supported so that low cost object storage in the public cloud is used instead of expensive processing methods, such as deduplication backups.

Abstract: Embodiments for a method performing data migration such as backups and restores in a network by identifying characteristics of data in a data saveset to separate the data into defined types based on respective characteristics, assigning a data label to each defined type, defining migration rules for each data label, discovering assigned labels during a migration operation; and applying respective migration rules to labeled data in the data saveset. The migration rules can dictate storage location, access rights, replication periods, retention periods, and similar parameters.

Abstract: Embodiments for a method of storing documents using a document data protection process. Documents are first compressed and stored in a container along with selected metadata. An Document Record is created for each document. A Container Record is created for each newly created container, and a Backup Record is created for each container for each backup. Once the required records are created, the process facilitates the execution of backup operations, such as full or incremental backups of the stored documents. Data tiering is supported so that low cost object storage in the public cloud is used instead of expensive processing methods like deduplication. A user interface receives a user setting dictating a storage media storing the container based on a relative availability of the storage media versus cost of storage.

Abstract: Embodiments for a method performing data migration such as backups and restores in a network by identifying characteristics of data in a data saveset to separate the data into defined types based on respective characteristics, assigning a data label to each defined type by receiving user selection or automatically merging or selecting a priority label, from among many labels associated with a file, defining migration rules for each data label, discovering assigned labels during a migration operation; and applying respective migration rules to labeled data in the data saveset. The migration rules can dictate storage location, access rights, replication periods, retention periods, and similar parameters.