Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for performing an image level copy of an information store. The present invention comprises performing a snapshot of an information store that indexes the contents of the information store, retrieving data associated with the contents of the information store from a file allocation table, copying the contents of the information store to a storage device based on the snapshot, and associating the retrieved data with the copied contents to provide file system information for the copied contents.

Abstract: A backup method that uses snapshot delta views to create backups of a data collection is provided. The method comprises taking a first snapshot of the data collection, in response to determining that a previous snapshot used to create a backup does not exist; creating a backup of the data collection using the first snapshot, in response to determining that the previous snapshot does not exist; recording that the first snapshot was used as a source for the creation of a backup; and taking a second snapshot of the data collection, in response to determining that the previous snapshot that was used as a source for a backup does exist.

Abstract: A method includes computing, in a local storage system having a local volume with a plurality of local regions, respective local signatures over the local regions, and computing, in a remote storage system having a remote volume with remote regions in a one-to-one correspondence with the local regions, respective remote signatures over the remote regions. A given remote region is identified, the given remote region having a given remote signature and a corresponding local region with a given local signature that does not match the given remote signature. The data in the given remote region is then replaced with data from the corresponding local region.

Abstract: A system, a method and a computer readable media for replicating virtual universe objects are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes determining a first set of VU objects associated with a first user. The method further includes determining replication priority values for the first set of VU objects utilizing predetermined priority value rules. Each VU object of the first set of VU objects has a replication priority value. The method further includes determining a second set of VU objects from the first set of VU objects based on the replication priority values associated with the first set of VU objects. The method further includes replicating the second set of VU objects from a primary VU computer server to a first device.

Abstract: A computer implemented process is defined to operate on three types of objects: Task Objects, Resume Objects, and State Objects. To define a Task Objects are implemented to perform the actions required to complete a particular aspect of the process. A State Object maintains information about the currently executing process, such as the values of variables and the current location in the executing process. A Resume Object directs process execution by specifying which Task Objects or Resume Objects to execute next. A key aspect of the system is the ability to suspend execution at any time and seamlessly resume execution at either the exact point execution was stopped or at any execution point prior to suspension. This accomplished by periodically storing Snapshots of the execution to persistent storage, which can later be used to restore the state of the system to that of the Snapshot.

Abstract: Information from multiple databases is retrieved and stored on a database storage system. Multiple point-in-time copies are obtained for each database. A point-in-time copy retrieves data changed in the database since the retrieval of a previous point-in-time copy. A virtual database (VDB) is created by creating a set of files in the data storage system. Each file in the set of files created for a VDB is linked to the database blocks on the database storage system associated with a point-in-time copy of the source database. The set of files associated with the VDB are mounted on a database server allowing the database server to read from and write to the set of files. Workflows based on VDBs allow various usage scenarios based on databases to be implemented efficiently, for example, testing and development, backup and recovery, and data warehouse building.

Abstract: A method of data sharing among multiple entities is provided. Each entity exports to a data store a structured data representation comprising a versioned file system local to that entity. The method begins by forming a sharing group that includes two or more entities. Sharing of the structured data representations by members of the sharing group is enabled. The filers use a single distributed lock to protect each version of the file system. This lock is managed to allow each filer access to the shared file system volume to create its new version. To share a fully-versioned file system, asynchronous updates at each of the filers is permitted, and each node is then allowed to “push” its individual changes to the store to form the next version of the file system. A mechanism also may be used to reduce the period during which filers in the group operate under lock.

Abstract: Information from multiple databases is retrieved and stored on a database storage system. Multiple point-in-time copies are obtained for each database. A point-in-time copy retrieves data changed in the database since the retrieval of a previous point-in-time copy. A virtual database (VDB) is created by creating a set of files in the data storage system. Each file in the set of files created for a VDB is linked to the database blocks on the database storage system associated with a point-in-time copy of the source database. The set of files associated with the VDB are mounted on a database server allowing the database server to read from and write to the set of files. Workflows based on VDBs allow various usage scenarios based on databases to be implemented efficiently, for example, testing and development, backup and recovery, and data warehouse building.

Abstract: Information from multiple databases is retrieved and stored on a database storage system. Multiple point-in-time copies are obtained for each database. A point-in-time copy retrieves data changed in the database since the retrieval of a previous point-in-time copy. A virtual database (VDB) is created by creating a set of files in the data storage system. Each file in the set of files created for a VDB is linked to the database blocks on the database storage system associated with a point-in-time copy of the source database. The set of files associated with the VDB are mounted on a database server allowing the database server to read from and write to the set of files. Workflows based on VDBs allow various usage scenarios based on databases to be implemented efficiently, for example, testing and development, backup and recovery, and data warehouse building.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring changes in objects on a computer system include receiving a request to generate a baseline snapshot of a plurality of objects having associated object types. The object types include at least one object having an object type not managed by a file system of the computer system. Current information is obtained, responsive to the request to generate a baseline snapshot, from a plurality of data collectors to determine at least one attribute of each of the objects to define the baseline snapshot. A request for a baseline report for the objects is received. Updated information is obtained, responsive to the request for a baseline report, from the plurality of data collectors to update the at least one attribute of each of the objects. The baseline snapshot is compared to the obtained updated information to determine if any of the objects have changed.

Abstract: When detecting the completion of remote copying of a primary volume to a secondary volume, a host compute splits a copy pair into the primary volume and the secondary volume and has the secondary volume store a snapshot of the primary volume. A backup server recognizes the secondary volume.

Abstract: A system and method of managing stored data in a storage management system. The storage management system includes a storage manager, a media agent connected to the storage manager, and a primary volume connected to the media agent. A plurality of snapshots are taken of the primary volume. The snapshots are indexed by associating respective information with the snapshot. The indexed snapshots are copied to a recovery volume. In this way, browsing features are enabled for the user. The user may view the snapshots in a hierarchical format, and may even view snapshot data in association with the corresponding application. The resultant recovery volume may be used to replace a primary volume.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the inventive subject matter allow a redirect-on-write file system to continue processing file transactions while writing a snapshot to persistent storage. Thus, embodiments do not block file transactions while flushing snapshots to persistent storage. To avoid blocking, some embodiments the file system can maintain two snapshot generations. The first snapshot generation is the snapshot being written to persistent storage. The second snapshot generation may reside in main memory, and store data for file transactions occurring after the file system began writing the first snapshot generation.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method for removing a file within a redirect-on-write file system. In some embodiments, a file removal operation is detected in a file management unit, which resides in a memory unit. It is then determined that the number of free data blocks in the persistent storage is below a minimum threshold. The file removal operation is written to a log used for storing system operations. A file management unit is notified of the successful write of the file removal operation to the log used for storing system operations. The data blocks are moved from the file selected for removal to a list of free data blocks. The indirect blocks from the file selected for removal are moved to a data block removal list.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein adapt static-image and clone technology to provide a simulated dynamic image to an application requesting a dynamic image. A storage system is configured to backup its file system by taking a first static image of the file system at a point in time. A clone of the first image may then be produced, the clone containing any subsequent changes to the file system and a reference pointer to the first image. A second static image of the clone is then produced. An application may request, from the storage system, an image of the file system. In response, the second static image may be presented to the application as a simulated dynamic image.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for multiplexing pipelined data for backup operations. Various data streams are combined such as by multiplexing by a multiplexing module. The multiplexing module combines the data from the various data streams received by receiver module(s) into a single stream of chunks. The multiplexing module may combine data from multiple archive files into a single chunk. Additional modules perform other operations on the chunks of data to be transported such as encryption, compression, etc. The data chunks are transmitted via a transport channel to a receive pipeline that includes a second receiver module and other modules. The data chunks are then stored in a backup medium. The chunks are later retrieved and separated such as by demultiplexing for restoring to a client or for further storage as auxiliary copies of the separated data streams or archive files.

Abstract: A client node on which a file system is mounted can be configured to efficiently handle content access requests after a snapshot is created. The client node can maintain generation numbers at a data block, a file, and a fileset level to determine whether a data block is part of a snapshot generation and consequently whether the data block is writable in a current generation. Data block mappings and write access permissions associated with the data blocks need not be revoked at the client node prior to creating the snapshot. Cached data block mappings can be accessed to identify data blocks for servicing a read request. The data block can be updated in place if the data block is not part of the snapshot generation. The write request can be serviced at a new data block if the data block is part of the snapshot generation.

Abstract: A method, a system and/or and an apparatus to minimize data loss by de-allocating storage space with the help of an Application Programming Interface (API). In one embodiment, the method includes reclaiming data storage in a storage device slated as a reclamation target by redirecting write commands intended for the reclamation target to a point-in-time volume of the reclamation target; generating a list of portions of storage from the reclamation target such that each portion of storage has an API state of unused as per a system that uses the storage device; and includes converting a reclamation state associated with each of the portions of storage to a state of ‘unused’. In addition, the method involves synchronization of the point-in-time volume with the reclamation target to capture any changes that might be associated with the point-in-time volume.

Abstract: A storage system including: a storage device for storing a file; a plurality of file systems for managing the file; and a plurality of NAS servers that control access from a client to the file systems via a global namespace formed by grouping local namespaces for the one or more file systems; wherein, each NAS server includes a memory to store global namespace management information including global paths of the file systems; one NAS server of the NAS servers accepts a request to obtain snapshots of the file systems from external of the storage system; the one NAS server instructs itself and the other NAS servers to obtain snapshots of the file systems; the one NAS server and the other NAS servers obtain the snapshots of the file systems, and inform the one NAS server of snapshot identifiers and of local paths of the snapshots; the one NAS server makes snapshot management information including global paths of the snapshots based on each of the snapshot identifiers received from the other NAS servers and each

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to maintaining reference counts in a file system to track when a block is available to be freed. When a snapshot copy of a file is created, rather than copying all the blocks of the file for the snapshot copy, the snapshot inode is given pointers to the blocks of the file. Rather than updating the reference counts for all these blocks to indicate that they are now in use by more than one file, the update of reference counts for at least some of these blocks may be deferred until a later time.

Abstract: Pre-update data is copied from a first storage device onto a second storage device in response to an update instruction to update data on the backup target volume on the first storage device. A copy status of each data on the backup target volume is managed with position information of the data mapped thereto. If bad data is present in the data on the backup target volume, the position information indicating the position of the bad data is searched. In accordance with the copy status managed with the position information mapped thereto, it is determined whether the pre-update data of the bad data is stored on the second storage device.

Abstract: A method may include identifying a virtualized application that has a read-only virtualization sublayer and a read-write virtualization sublayer. The read-only virtualization sublayer may represent a base state of the virtualized application and the read-write virtualization sublayer may be configured to store changes to the base state of the virtualized application. The method may also include determining a first difference between the read-only virtualization sublayer and the read-write virtualization sublayer at a first point in time and using the first difference between the read-only virtualization sublayer and the read-write virtualization sublayer to create a first snapshot that represents a state of the virtualized application at the first point in time. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an efficient partitioned resource server are disclosed. The partitioned resource server includes a plurality of individual servers, and the individual servers support a storage service. The systems and methods provide archiving processes for partitioned resources. To this end, the systems and process include a snapshot process operating on a server and capable of coordinating with other snapshot processes operating on the other servers for generating state information representative of the state of the partitioned resources.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes receiving a request to perform a backup of data associated with an application running on multiple servers; communicating with I/O Handlers on the servers for initiating a coordinated backup operation on the data at about a same start time; and instructing the I/O Handlers to stretch communication between instances of the application and data storage volumes associated therewith during initiating the backup operation. Additional systems, methods, and computer program products are also disclosed.

Abstract: A storage system including: a storage device which configures an original volume for storing data which is read/written by a host, a copy volume for storing a copy of the original volume at a predetermined timing, and a snapshot volume for storing a snapshot data which is a snapshot of the original volume; and a controller which controls access from the host to the storage device; wherein the controller: copies data of the original volume to the copy volume at a predetermined timing; stores the snapshot data in the snapshot volume corresponding to a write request to the original volume without decreasing a performance of the original volume; manages a generation of the stored snapshot according to predetermined copy volume blocks and snapshot volume blocks, and manages a generation of the copy volume; and reads data from the snapshot volume and/or the copy volume when a read request to a volume of a generation different from that of the original volume is received from the host, without decreasing a performan

Abstract: A method for replicating a virtual file system of a virtual machine. The method includes accessing a host file system usage map of a host machine that indicates active blocks out of a plurality of blocks of the host file system, and accessing a virtual file system usage map of a virtual machine that indicates active blocks out of a plurality of blocks of the virtual file system. A merged usage map is generated from information of the host file system usage map and the virtual file system usage map that identifies active blocks of the host file system associated with the virtual file system. The virtual file system is then replicated at a replication destination in accordance with the merged usage map.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically managing changes to organizational data in a unified messaging (UM) platform are disclosed. A database snapshot is retrieved from a client human resources database. The database snapshot includes human resources information organized in an organizational hierarchy. A change is detected in the database snapshot from a previous database snapshot, and organizational data in the UM platform is automatically modified to reflect the detected change in the database snapshot. When the change is detected in the database snapshot, it is possible for the UM platform to automatically compose and send a message to at least one user associated with the change including potential modifications of the organization data. The organizational data in the UM platform can then be modified only in response to receiving approval of the potential modifications of the organizational data from at least one user associated with the change.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to creating a snapshot of a file system on an OAS system. A snapshot of a file system is an image of a file system at a particular point in time. A snapshot of a file system may be used to restore the file system to its state at the time of creation of the snapshot in, for example, situations where the file system has become corrupted.

Abstract: A data restoration method comprising determining whether a restoration process is in progress, in response to receiving a read request to read contents from a track on a source volume (ST[i]); reading data from ST[i], in response to determining that the restoration process is not in progress; determining whether the read request was originated from a host, in response to determining the restoration process is in progress; reading the data directly from ST[i], in response to determining the read request was not originated from a host; determining whether ST[i] is designated as remote with respect to the restore operation, in response to determining the read request was originated from a host; reading the data directly from ST[i], in response to determining ST[i] is designated as local; and reading the data from a track on a target volume (TT[i]), in response to determining ST[i] is designated as remote.

Abstract: A method, data processing system, and computer program product for managing data. A processor unit copies a data structure within a hierarchy of data structures to form a copy of the data structure. The data structure belongs to a level within a plurality of levels in the hierarchy of data structures. The processor unit associates an identifier with the data structure within the hierarchy of data structures. The processor unit increments a portion of the identifier for the data structure in response to copying the data structure to form the copy of the data structure and associating the identifier with the data structure within the hierarchy of data structures. The portion of the identifier that is incremented is based on the level within the plurality of levels in which the data structure is located.

Abstract: Boot consolidation based on writeable volume snapshots can leverage flexible mappings of snapshot dependencies. Such flexible mappings can be established by relating sequence numbers associated with various volume snapshots and can provide for an arbitrarily complex mapping to support a potentially unlimited number of writable snapshots in potentially any dependency configuration. Additionally, the pinning of volumes can provide support for chains of snapshots to depend from snapshots within other chains of snapshots. Merge agents can operate with writable snapshots and boot consolidation to provide system-wide updates where security patches, upgrades, and application software may be applied to a group of servers or a group of users in an efficient fashion.

Abstract: A system and method for multivolume file system backup without suspending activity of user application programs uses a file system snapshot of two and more partitions or volumes of the storage device, or two and more data storages, significantly increasing computer system availability and allows backing up two and more partitions of the storage device without interrupting computer services. Backup procedure is performed online, simultaneously creates snapshots of two and more partitions of the storage device or storage devices in the pre-selected point of time and copies data blocks from partitions into the backup storage device, optionally through the intermediate storage device.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein are directed to synchronizing scopes between a source database and a target database without the target database specifying each scope that is to be synchronized and to determining scope changes based on service subscriptions. In one embodiment, a source database receives from a target database a synchronization scopes policy corresponding to scope criteria provided by the target database. The synchronization scopes policy includes both the scope criteria and a version identifier that together identify a point-in-time snapshot of the set of scopes meeting the scope criteria as of the latest synchronization. The source database resolves the set of scopes last synchronized from the source database to the target database based on the synchronization scopes policy's scope criteria and version identifier. The source database synchronizes to the target database the changes to data in the resolved set of scopes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently logging changes to a file system are disclosed. A file system filter driver intercepts I/O requests directed to a file system, and analyzes the I/O requests to determine whether the requests are write or modify requests directed to a file included in a list of files to be monitored for changes. If the I/O request is directed to such a file, the file system filter driver logs the I/O request to a b-tree structured change log file. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the file system filter driver is configured to log file system changes to multiple log files to coincide with snapshot operations, such that the file system changes to be included in each snapshot are included in separate log files.

Abstract: A method and system for acquiring a quiesceing set of information associated with a virtual machine. A virtual machine is cloned. The cloned virtual machine has an associated persistent storage device. The state of the persistent storage device is transformed into a quiesced state of the cloned virtual machine by utilizing a shut-down process. The shut-down process is executed on the cloned virtual machine to quiesce the cloned virtual machine and the quiesceing set of information of the cloned virtual machine is automatically reduced to information stored on the persistent storage device.

Abstract: The invention relates to computer readable medium storing program code which when executed on a computer causes the computer to perform a method for creating a quick recovery volume of a primary data set used by a first computer in a backup storage system, which includes identifying a snapshot image of the primary data set generated by a snapshot application, creating the quick recovery volume of the primary data set from the snapshot image of the primary data set and controlling transfer of data from the first computer to an archival storage unit. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for creating a quick recovery volume of a primary data set that includes creating a snapshot image of the primary data set and creating a quick recovery volume of the primary data set from the snapshot image of the primary data set. In another embodiment, the invention provides a user interface screen enabling browser style browsing and recovery of quick recovery volumes and snapshot images.

Abstract: A method to store point-in-time data, comprising establishing a block size, providing source data storage comprising (S) blocks, and target data storage comprising (T) blocks. The method configures (B) source storage segments and (B) target storage segments, and receives updated point-in-time data for original point-in-time data written to an (i)th source storage segment. The method then determines if a (j)th target storage segment comprises available storage capacity to store the original point-in-time data. If a (j)th target storage segment comprises available storage capacity to store the original point-in-time data, the method writes the original point-in-time data to that (j)th target storage segment.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems implementing global deduplication file systems are described. In one embodiment of the invention, a method and system implements a global deduplication file system between a plurality of interconnected systems located in different locations globally by making use of the deduplication dictionary included in metadata being periodically snapshot. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a method implements a global deduplication file system between a plurality of interconnected systems located in different locations globally and provides appropriate read/write locks.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for delegating commands for a network attached storage system is described. A command permission associated with a command to be executed on a Network Attached Storage (NAS) server is delegated to a user of a NAS client having a mounted network filesystem of the NAS server. The command is issued through the filesystem of the NAS client.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods, apparatus, and systems for managing snapshots in storage systems. One method includes logically linking a plurality of snapshots to a logical disk in a storage network; and splitting the snapshots from the logical disk to form a snapshot tree that includes the snapshots split from the logical disk.

Abstract: Various embodiments include one or more of systems, methods, software, and data structures that allow dual access to concurrent data in a database management system including uncommitted updated data. Some embodiments include a dual snapshot of data in a multi-version concurrency control style database, but the embodiments described herein are equally applicable to virtually any other type of database and database management system.

Abstract: An image accumulation device is provided so as to include: an input unit that inputs, as input images, images of specific shot locations; an image database in which specific locations in a predetermined region, shot images relating to the specific locations, position information of shot locations of the shot images and shooting time information of the shot images are associated and stored; and an identification unit that identifies, on the basis of the input images and the image database, at least one of specific locations corresponding to the shot locations of the input images and shooting times of the input images.

Abstract: A logical unit number (LUN) cloning technique separates data blocks referenced by a writable virtual disk (vdisk) from data blocks referenced only by a backing store to conserve storage resources of a storage system. The LUN cloning technique separates the writable vdisk data blocks from the backing store during periods of reduced processing activity and in a manner that does not interfere with storage service provided by the system.

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.

Abstract: A method is provided to allow a user on a host system to update a specific snapshot in a data storage system where the user does not have other editing privileges. The method includes (1) receiving a request to update the snapshot from the user and (2) determining from an access control list if the user is permitted to update the snapshot. If the user is permitted to update the snapshot, the method includes (3) recording parameters for a VLUN (virtual logic unit) associated with the snapshot, (4) removing the VLUN from the data storage system, (5) replacing the snapshot with a new snapshot created from a parent volume of the snapshot, (6) recreating the VLUN for the new snapshot from the recorded parameters, and (7) exporting the VLUN to the host system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an efficient partitioned resource server are disclosed. The partitioned resource server includes a plurality of individual servers, and the individual servers support a storage service. The systems and methods provide archiving processes for partitioned resources. To this end, the systems and process include a snapshot process operating on a server and capable of coordinating with other snapshot processes operating on the other servers for generating state information representative of the state of the partitioned resources.

Abstract: A method for implementing multi-array consistency groups includes applying a write Input/Output (I/O) queue interval to a Logical Unit (LU) member of a consistency group (CG). The method also includes marking each write I/O with a timestamp and suspending I/O from the participating storage array to the LU member of the CG upon the participating storage array receiving a snapshot request from a master storage array. The method further includes determining whether the snapshot request timestamp is within the write I/O queue interval of the participating storage array.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for generating a point-in-time restoration of database files and associated log files by utilizing a snapshot feature of the file system storing the files. At regular intervals, snapshots, which produce read-only copies of the files, are taken along with backups of the associated log files. To restore to a given point-in-time, the snapshot and stored log files are transferred to the active file system. In a second embodiment, all log files associated with snapshots taken after the selected snapshot are also restored.

Abstract: Database management is described. A source data structure is copied to create a new data structure. Changes to the source data structure that occur during and after creation of the new data structure are accumulated in a file before they are added to the new data structure. Changes included in the file are subsequently applied to the second data structure.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and computer program product for creating a buffer point-in-time copy relationship for a point-in-time copy function executed to create a point-in-time copy relationship. A point-in-time copy function is initiated to create a new point-in-time copy relationship from a source volume comprising a first volume to a target volume comprising a second volume. Detection is made that the target volume of the new point-in-time copy relationship is a source volume of a first pre-existing point-in-time copy relationship having as a target volume a third volume. Detection is also made that the target volume of the first pre-existing point-in-time copy relationship is a source volume of a second pre-existing point-in-time copy relationship having as a target volume a fourth volume.