Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for providing recognized offline modification of a virtual asset are provided. A virtual asset that includes parameters that each have intrinsic significance within a virtual environment defined exclusively by a central server is identified. Qualitative rules including characteristics of the parameters are defined. The virtual asset is stored on storage media offline from the central server. Proposed changes to at least one of the parameters of the virtual asset applied by a client application are maintained and are stored on the storage media The virtual asset is authenticated on behalf of the central server through an asset authority. When authenticated, each proposed change is evaluated against the characteristics of the parameters as defined in the qualitative rules and only those proposed changes that are satisfactory are accepted.

Abstract: Techniques for application data scrubbing, reporting, and analysis are presented. A plurality of data sources are analyzed in accordance with their schemas and matching rules. Merging rules are applied to merge a number of data types across the data sources together. A report is produced for inspection and a master data source is generated. The processing can be iterated with rules modified in response to the report for purposes of refining the master data source.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for managing digital content in hierarchies are described. A first version of a digital image is received from an external device which tracks changes to the first version. It is determined that a second version of the digital image, changes to which have been tracked, exists. Based on comparing the tracked changes of both versions, the versions are combined. The first version is created by splitting the second version, which is stored in a master hierarchy, and transmitting the split version to the external device. During splitting, a child hierarchy of information is split from the master hierarchy, the child hierarchy including portions of the master hierarchy to access the second version such that the second version can be accessed independent of the master hierarchy. Changes to the versions are tracked in change tables, for example, using values that are mashed into a single record.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for restoring an original virtual machine from a snapshot according to a current virtual machine layout different than an original virtual machine layout, where the original virtual machine layout is specified within the snapshot. That is, a snapshot of an original virtual machine stored within one or more original datastores according to an original virtual machine layout may be created. Over time, as changes occur to the virtual machine, the original virtual machine may be stored as a current virtual machine according to a current virtual machine layout. To effect the restoration, a cloned datastore comprising replicas of the original datastores may be created from the snapshot, and a cloned virtual machine and one or more cloned virtual machine disks (from the cloned datastore) may be migrated to one or more current datastores according to the current virtual machine layout.

Abstract: Techniques for storage lifecycle policy management. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for storage lifecycle policy management comprising creating a version of a storage lifecycle policy, associating a unique version ID with the created version of the storage lifecycle policy, associating the unique version ID with one or more portions of backup data created during a storage management job instantiated under the created version of the storage lifecycle policy, and ensuring that one or more storage management actions performed on the one or more portions of backup data comply with the created version of the storage lifecycle policy associated with unique version ID.

Abstract: A method, system and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for determining whether an unordered collection of overlapping substrings (called shingles) can be uniquely decoded into a consistent string. The method, system and medium are applicable to the fields of networking, data management, cryptography, genetic engineering and linguistics. Disclosed herein is a theoretic framework, an automata theoretic approach, and a time-optimal streaming algorithm for determining whether a string of characters over an alphabet can be uniquely decoded from its two (or more) character shingles. The present algorithm achieves an overall time complexity and space complexity. The method and system can be used to efficiently reconcile two data objects, files, strings or portions thereof.

Abstract: A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for efficiently backing up information are disclosed. In an embodiment, this may comprise receiving information about a computer system from at least one probe, selecting data to be backed up, and backing up the selected data. Boolean and/or conditional logic may be applied to the information received from the probes, and data backed up based on the logic analysis. A probe frequency may be determined and used for polling probes, and the probe frequency may be adjusted based on factors such as the received information, server utilization, and network utilization. A modular approach may be used in which a probe determines whether a condition has been met, and transmits that determination to a backup server.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for file sharing between continuous and scheduled backups is described. One example relates to backing up source data stored by a computer system. A first portion of the source data is backed up at points in time in response to a backup schedule to produce a plurality of partial backups. A second portion of the source data is backed up continuously in response to changes of the second portion to maintain a replica of the second portion. The replica of the second portion is linked to the plurality of partial backups to produce a respective plurality of full backups of the source data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively storing data on a server. The method operates by accessing a computer file and defining a data block as a current block of data. The current block is subsequently checksummed using a rolling error identification code. The method then determines if the calculated checksum for the current block has been previously stored in a database. If a matching checksum for the data is found in the database, then a duplicate of the current block already exists and the process repeats by selecting a new block of data. Alternatively, if the calculated checksum is absent from the checksum and the process has advanced one block length, the process moves back one block length and stores the current block in an archive. Otherwise, the checksum advances one byte forward to form a new current block of data and the process repeats.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for performing a backup operation in a computing environment is provided. A dataset corresponding to a backup copy is examined to determine if the dataset has changed from a previous backup operation. If the dataset has not changed, a backup inventory registry is consulted to determine a current version of a backup copy. The current version is one of a plurality of available versions. The backup operation is performed using the current version of the backup copy.

Abstract: A system is configured to: determine whether criteria are met to grow a structure; calculate, when the criteria are met, a new size of the structure based on at least one or more of: a predefined curve, a total number of elements to be stored in the structure, an amount of available memory, or architecture information corresponding to the processor; allocate an area in memory to store the structure based on the new size; and store the elements of the structure in the area, where the area comprises space to add additional elements to the structure. The new size of the structure may be greater than the total number of elements.

Abstract: The local storage performs remote copy to the remote storage. For low traffic failback remote copy, the remote storage performs a delta copy to the local storage, the delta being the difference between the remote storage and local storage. The local storage backs up snapshot data. The remote storage resolves the difference of the snapshot of the local storage and the remote storage. The difference resolution method can take one of several approaches. First, the system informs the timing of snapshot of the local storage to the remote storage and records the accessed area of the data. Second, the system informs the timing of snapshot of the local storage to the remote storage, and the remote storage makes a snapshot and compares the snapshot and remote copied data. Third, the system compares the local data and remote copy data with hashed data.

Abstract: A computer-implemented data processing system and method for storing a data set at a plurality of data centers. The data centers and hosts within the data centers may, for example, be organized according to a multi-tiered ring arrangement. A hashing arrangement may be used to implement the ring arrangement to select the data centers and hosts where the writing and reading of the data sets occurs, version histories may also be written and read at the hosts and may be used to evaluate causal relationships between the data sets after the reading occurs.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for managing digital content in hierarchies are described. A first version of a digital image is received from an external device which tracks changes to the first version. It is determined that a second version of the digital image, changes to which have been tracked, exists. Based on comparing the tracked changes of both versions, the versions are combined. The first version is created by splitting the second version, which is stored in a master hierarchy, and transmitting the split version to the external device. During splitting, a child hierarchy of information is split from the master hierarchy, the child hierarchy including portions of the master hierarchy to access the second version such that the second version can be accessed independent of the master hierarchy. Changes to the versions are tracked in change tables, for example, using values that are mashed into a single record.

Abstract: A source configuration management database (CMDB) is of an information technology (IT) infrastructure that includes an IT resource represented by a configuration item (CI). A target CMDB is of the IT infrastructure that includes the IT resource, too. The given CI is recursively reconciled to the target CMDB from the source CMDB.

Abstract: A method to at least one of compress and decompress data includes providing a string (T) consisting of multiple given substrings. Identification symbols ($,$1,$2,$3) are assigned to the substrings of the string (T). The substrings of the string (T) are transferred by permutation into a permuted string (O(T),O*(T)). The permuted string (O(T),O*(T)) is sorted into a sorted permuted string (oSort(T), oSort*(T)) according to a given sorting criterion. The identification symbols ($,$1,$2,$3) are permuted and sorted together with the substrings of the sting (T) so that, in a partial inverse transformation step, characters of an Nth substring are sequentially determined within the permuted string (O(T),O*(T)) after determining a position (P) of an Nth identification symbol ($,$1,$2,$3) assigned to an Nth substring within the sorted permuted string (oSort(T),oSort*(T)) without reading characters of other substrings of the permuted string (O(T),O*(T)).

Abstract: A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module generating preliminary dispersed storage network (DSN) storage information for data to be stored in a DSN. The method continues with the DS processing module accessing DSN storage information regarding other data stored in the DSN and comparing the preliminary DSN storage information for the data with the DSN storage information regarding the other data. When at least a portion of the data has compatible preliminary DSN storage information with DSN storage information of at least a portion of the other data, the method continues with the DS processing module generating DSN storage information for remaining portions of the data to produce remaining portions DSN storage information and generating DSN storage information for the data based on the DSN storage information of the at least the portion of the other data and the remaining portions DSN storage information.

Abstract: A transformation engine is disclosed that retrieves source data from a plurality of disparate data sources and provides source data that is consistent and normalized. the transformation engine comprises a plurality of interfaces that receive source data from a plurality of disparate databases. The source data comprises a plurality of data elements. The transformation engine further comprises a converter that aggregates and converts the received source data so that the plurality of data elements are recognizable as being substantially equivalent; a data processor that formats the received source data by merging and preparing the received source data; and a business rule applicator that filters the received source data.

Abstract: Facilitating generic database editing to allow for data to be received from a user for entry into a database without requiring the data to conform to schema constraints for the database. A method includes examining a first schema for a first database. The first schema including a first set of constraints specified in the first schema on data to be entered into the first database. The method further includes, based on the examination, constructing a second database corresponding to the first database. The second database is associated with a second schema with a second set of constraints. The second set of constraints is a relaxed version of the first set of constraints specified in the first schema.

Abstract: Systems and methods integrate disparate backup devices with a unified interface. In certain examples, a management console manages data from various backup devices, while retaining such data in its native format. The management console can display a hierarchical view the client devices and/or their data and can further provide utilities for processing the various data formats. A data structure including fields for storing both metadata common to the client device data and value-added metadata can be used to mine or process the data of the disparate client devices. The unified single platform and interface reduces the need for multiple data management products and/or customized data utilities for each individual client device and provides a single pane of glass view into data management operations. Integrating the various types of storage formats and media allows a user to retain existing storage infrastructures and further facilitates scaling to meet long-term management needs.

Abstract: A distributed database synchronization capability is provided herein. The distributed database synchronization capability may be implemented using one or more of a timer-based scheme and a token-based scheme. The distributed database synchronization capability enables synchronization of databases of nodes in various types of networks, including dynamic networks (e.g., such as rapidly deployable wireless networks) and various other types of networks. The synchronization of databases may include synchronization of databases as a whole and/or portions of databases (which may include any suitable database table or tables). The distributed database synchronization capability enables synchronization of databases of nodes under various dynamic conditions (e.g., synchronization of databases of nodes within a cluster of nodes, synchronization of databases of nodes between clusters of nodes, synchronization of databases of nodes by administrative domain, and the like).

Abstract: An application server disk image generating apparatus and method comprising a basic disk image generating component for generating basic disk images for basic programs used by the server; an incremental disk image generating component for generating incremental disk images including heritage relationship for other respective applications based on the basic programs used by the server; and an image profile generating means for generating an image profile for each of the basic disk images and the incremental disk images. By using the apparatus, the storage consumption can be decreased greatly and the storage efficiency can be improved. The invention also discloses an application server disk image management and distribution system to which the application server disk image generating apparatus is applied, and a system for provisioning the application server using disk images.

Abstract: Migrating data from an old storage device to a new storage device includes transferring the data from a first logical device on the old storage device to a second logical device on the new storage device, determining replication relationships for the first logical device, transferring the replication relationships; and transferring logical devices used for the replication relationships from the old storage device to the new storage device. The replication relationships may include a clone of the first logical device. Migrating data from an old storage device to a new storage device may also include suspending writes to the first logical storage device prior to transferring the data for the first logical storage device. The replication relationships may include at least one snapshot.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to file merging based on file metadata. An exemplary embodiment concerns a system for merging two files that may comprise first and second data structures respectively associated with first and first files. Each data structure may include a starting address and an ending address of the associated file, and file attributes. The system may include a logic component for respectively referencing the starting address and ending address of a second file in the starting address and ending address of a first file, and a logic component for linking the last record in the first file with the first record of in the second file.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a backup method executed by a computer, and the backup method includes: determining whether or not a previous backup processing was automatically executed; and upon determining that the previous backup processing was automatically executed, merging a previous backup data generated by the previous backup processing into a current backup data.

Abstract: A resource group attribute is assigned to a storage resource object representing at least one of the plurality of storage resources in a system configuration of the computing storage environment. The resource group attribute includes a selectable value indicating a resource group object to which the storage resource object is associated. A resource group label is provided in the resource group object and is a string having no wildcards. A user resource scope is assigned to a user ID and a value of the user resource scope provides a mechanism to match to the resource group label. The user ID is authorized to perform one of creating, deleting, modifying, controlling, and managing storage resources with an association to a resource group.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to simultaneously backing up data from multiple locations to a single location and to restoring data from a single location to multiple locations simultaneously. In an embodiment, a computer system receives a backup command from a user which indicates that various specified portions of data are to be backed up. The data portions are stored in multiple different locations in a parallel database. The computer system generates multiple backup commands specific for each location in which the data is stored. The backup commands initiate a parallel backup from the various locations to a single location in a data store. The computer system also executes the generated backup commands in parallel, so that the data from each of the different locations is backed up in the data store.

Abstract: A technique for playing a media file by a data processing system. A degraded initial version of the media file is received from a sending data processing system. A supplemental version of the media file is received from the sending data processing system. The degraded version of the media file is merged with the supplemental version of the media file to form a combined media file, with the combined media file being played. In one embodiment, the degraded version of the media data has a reduced quality that is obtained by removing portions of the data and filling in the removed portions with dummy data. During a subsequent rebuilding of the media data by the receiving/recipient data processing system, a supplemental version of the media data is received and merged/combined with the degraded version to form a copy that corresponds to the original, high-quality version of the media data.

Abstract: A method and system for backing up and restoring data. First, a full backup is performed to create a full dataset. Thereafter, incremental or differential datasets may be created by incremental or differential backups, respectively. When a new full dataset is needed, instead of performing a full backup, a previous full dataset may be combined with subsequent incremental or differential datasets to create the new full dataset. The new full dataset may be created on a computer other than the computer which hosts the data of the previous full dataset. The new full dataset may be used for offsite storage or to quickly restore data in the event of a failure or corruption of a computer's file system.

Abstract: A supervisory control system includes a supervisory control target device and a supervisory control device. The supervisory control device is configured such that an attribute usage flag that indicates whether the supervisory control device supports any changes in the attributes due to adding of a function, and an attribute effectiveness flag which indicates whether the supervisory control target device supports the changes, are added, as information concerning the attributes that undergo the changes, to a definition of the instance which the supervisory control device retains. Further, the supervisory control device includes a control unit which, on a basis of data of the attribute usage flag and attribute effectiveness flag relating to the attributes undergoing the changes due to adding of a function, determines whether the supervisory control target device supports a new function or whether supervisory control based upon the new function is effective.

Abstract: Predicting whether a file migration will be executed successfully or not.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an enhanced method and system for assuring integrity of deduplicated data objects stored within a storage system. A digital signature of the data object is generated to determine if the data object reassembled from a deduplicated state is identical to its pre-deduplication state. In one embodiment, generating the object signature of a data object before deduplication comprises generating an object signature from intermediate hash values computed from a hash function operating on each data chunk within the data object, the hash function also used to determine duplicate data chunks. In an alternative embodiment, generating the object signature of a data object before deduplication comprises generating an object signature on a portion of each data chunk of the data object.

Abstract: An information retrieval system having: a client adapted for accessing a plurality of file sets stored on one of a plurality of file servers; a plurality of file servers configured to operate with a federated file system namespace; and a memory for storing re-direction information accessible by the client for identifying a request issued by the client for a file set at a first location in the namespace where the file set is located at a second, different location on one of the file servers and wherein the client in examining the re-direction information in the memory, re-directs the request to the second location in accordance with the re-direction information.

Abstract: A resource group attribute is assigned to a storage resource object representing at least one of the plurality of storage resources in a system configuration of the computing storage environment. The resource group attribute includes a selectable value indicating a resource group object to which the storage resource object is associated. A resource group label is provided in the resource group object and is a string having no wildcards. A user resource scope is assigned to a user ID and a value of the user resource scope provides a mechanism to match to the resource group label. The user ID is authorized to perform one of creating, deleting, modifying, controlling, and managing storage resources with an association to a resource group.

Abstract: A cluster network environment may comprise a plurality of nodes configured to perform various tasks, such as data I/O, storage, backup, etc. It may be advantageous to improve disaster recovery and reliability by creating backups that may be used to restore the cluster network environment and/or nodes therein. Accordingly, one or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for restoring a cluster network environment and/or nodes therein. In particular, cluster configuration data, which may be stored in a healthy node or at a remote source, may be used to restore a node affected by an integrity loss. If the integrity loss affects the cluster network environment (e.g., a majority of healthy nodes are lost), then a new cluster network environment may be created from a healthy node or a restored healthy node. The creation of the new cluster network environment may be based at least in part on cluster configuration data.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to simultaneously backing up data from multiple locations to a single location and to restoring data from a single location to multiple locations simultaneously. In an embodiment, a computer system receives a backup command from a user which indicates that various specified portions of data are to be backed up. The data portions are stored in multiple different locations in a parallel database. The computer system generates multiple backup commands specific for each location in which the data is stored. The backup commands initiate a parallel backup from the various locations to a single location in a data store. The computer system also executes the generated backup commands in parallel, so that the data from each of the different locations is backed up in the data store.

Abstract: A system and method for matching and assembling records is provided. One embodiment of the invention assembles records by applying a method for grouping records based on matching fields, assembling a new record as a composite of the matched records, and then repeating the grouping, matching and assembly steps in a cascade where the matching, grouping and assembly steps are modified as a function of the cascade step and the assembled records created in earlier steps.

Abstract: A resource allocation apparatus 100 is an apparatus that allocates resource utilization amounts of m consolidation subject servers Si to be consolidated to n consolidation destination servers (n<m). An allocation subject list S contains the resource utilization amount of each consolidation subject server Si. The resource allocation apparatus 100 calculates a deviation value of the resource utilization amount of each consolidation subject server Si in the allocation subject list S, and, based on the deviation value and a priority of each resource, calculates a total value with consideration given to the priority, and sorts the consolidation subject servers Si in descending order of the total value. An allocation unit 120 uses a calculated dispersion value to execute an allocation process on the consolidation subject servers Si sequentially starting with the one with the greatest total value.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for performing a backup operation in a computing environment is provided. A dataset corresponding to a backup copy is examined to determine if the dataset has changed from a previous backup operation. If the dataset has not changed, a backup inventory registry is consulted to determine a current version of a backup copy. The current version is one of a plurality of available versions. The backup operation is performed using the current version of the backup copy.

Abstract: A data prefetching technique uses predefined prefetching criteria and prefetching models to identify and retrieve prefetched data. A prefetching model that defines data to be prefetched via a network may be stored. It may be determined whether prefetching initiation criteria have been satisfied. Data for prefetching may be identified based on the prefetching model when the prefetching initiation criteria have been satisfied. The identified data may be prefetched, via the network, based on the prefetching model.

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 management method and management apparatus that can prevent deterioration of response performance of an entire system is suggested.

Abstract: Facilitating generic database editing to allow for data to be received from a user for entry into a database without requiring the data to conform to schema constraints for the database. A method includes examining a first schema for a first database. The first schema including a first set of constraints specified in the first schema on data to be entered into the first database. The method further includes, based on the examination, constructing a second database corresponding to the first database. The second database is associated with a second schema with a second set of constraints. The second set of constraints is a relaxed version of the first set of constraints specified in the first schema.

Abstract: In a storage system in which plural end servers 104, intermediate servers 103 and clients 101 are connected to each other via a network 105, when a migration-source end server 104 transfers file-level data to a migration-destination end server 104 via the intermediate server 103, the migration-source end server 104 also transfers data in a differential volume simultaneously, and the migration-destination end sever 104 reconstructs data in a snapshot volume based on the transferred data and transfers response information regarding the reconstructed data to the client 101.

Abstract: A technique for restoring file systems by applying full and incremental backups together while streaming them from multiple devices provides a faster system restore from a full backup where incremental backups must also be applied. A first storage device streams the full backup while at least one second storage device streams at least one incremental backup. As files are detected in the incremental backup, they are written instead of the corresponding file in the full backup. Incremental backups can be pre-merged to reduce their number to one less than a number of storage devices available to stream the backups, so that the full backup can be streamed along with the pre-merged incremental backup(s) to restore the file system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for improved electronic discovery and custodian management. Embodiments herein disclosed provide for an enterprise wide e-discovery system that provides for data to be identified, located, retrieved, preserved, searched, reviewed and produced in an efficient and cost-effective manner across the entire enterprise system. In addition, by structuring management of e-discovery based on case/matter, custodian and data and providing for linkage between the same, further efficiencies are realized in terms of identifying, locating and retrieving data and leveraging results of previous e-discoveries with current requests.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents a method for managing portions of files in multi-tier storage systems. The method may include identifying a file that is managed by an application and stored in a multi-tier storage system. The method may also include determining how the application stores data in the file by identifying data-management information associated with the application. The method may further include using the data-management information to identify a first portion of the file, identifying a data-placement policy, and implementing the data-placement policy by moving the first portion of the file from a first tier of the multi-tier storage system to a second tier of the multi-tier storage system. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: Providing a snapshot copy of data includes selectively collecting a plurality of data objects based on evaluation of a predicate associated with each of the data objects and performing a snapshot operation in connection with modifying at least one of the plurality of data objects. The snapshot operation may be performed prior to modifying the at least one of the plurality of data objects. The snapshot operation may be a copy on write operation. Providing a snapshot copy of data may also include providing a data structure that maintains a plurality of snapshot instances. The data structure may be a table. Each of the snapshot instances may include at least one of: an object set description, a timestamp indicating when the snapshot was initiated, a snapshot name and a handling policy.

Abstract: A technique for restoring file systems by applying full and incremental backups together while streaming them from multiple devices provides a faster system restore from a full backup where incremental backups must also be applied. A first storage device streams the full backup while at least one second storage device streams at least one incremental backup. As files are detected in the incremental backup, they are written instead of the corresponding file in the full backup. Incremental backups can be pre-merged to reduce their number to one less than a number of storage devices available to stream the backups, so that the full backup can be streamed along with the pre-merged incremental backup(s) to restore the file system.

Abstract: Techniques for extracting information from a database are provided. A database such as the Web is searched for occurrences of tuples of information. The occurrences of the tuples of information that were found in the database are analyzed to identify a pattern in which the tuples of information were stored. Additional tuples of information can then be extracted from the database utilizing the pattern. This process can be repeated with the additional tuples of information, if desired.