Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for using an algorithm and data structure for efficient and accurate classification of data items into recovery classes. When a target recovery time (TRT) is specified for a data set, a system may obtain version metadata regarding data items in the data set. The metadata may be obtained in reverse chronological order such that the latest record representing a version or other storage operation is first, followed by the second latest record, and so on. The system may use a bidirectional doubly linked list to efficiently store version data for a particular data item in memory. As version metadata records are read and added to the data structure in reverse chronological order, classification determinations may be triggered when certain conditions are met.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for management of data item recovery operations based on classification of data items with respect to a target recovery time. Data items may be classified using metadata regarding versioning and other data storage operations performed on the data items, and the timing of those storage operations with respect to the target recovery time (TRT). Each class may be associated with one or more recovery actions. The recovery actions may involve modifying the metadata rather than the underlying data items.