Abstract: A method and system are given for providing a virtual environment spanning a desktop and a cloud. In one example, the method includes receiving a query template over a data set that resides in the cloud, optimizing the query template to segment the query template into an offline phase and an online phase, executing the offline phase on the cloud to build one or more indexes, and sending the one or more indexes to the desktop.

Abstract: A system reserves and manages a hidden service partition through components of the hardware platform of a computing device. The hidden partition is not accessible by way of a host operating system on the computing device. A hardware platform controller provisions a portion of nonvolatile storage through configuration settings of the hardware platform controller. When the host system requests settings related to storage in the system, the request is routed through the interfaces of the hardware platform, and the hardware platform controller reports in accordance with the configuration settings, hiding the service partition. The hidden partition is dynamically modifiable through secure remote access to the hardware platform controller, not through the host system such as operating system or BIOS.

Abstract: A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for recovering databases. In some embodiments, this includes switching an active segment to a resynchronization mode, receiving a change tracking log, determining a data block based on the change tracking log, and resynchronizing the determined data block with a non-active segment. In some embodiments, writes performed on the active segment are synchronized with the non-active segment.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and products for backing up an image in a computing system that includes computer memory, including: receiving, by a backup image manager, an image for one or more computing devices within the computing system; identifying, by the backup image manager, available protected computer memory within the computing system, wherein the available protected computer memory within the computing system is restricted from alteration by a user of the computing system; slicing, by the backup image manager, the image into a plurality of image slices; and storing, by the backup image manger, one or more of the image slices in the available protected computer memory.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide various techniques for identifying a virtual application for backup in a cloud computing system. A cloud service layer of the cloud computing system is queried for a listing of virtual applications. In response to the querying, an attribute associated with the virtual application is received from the cloud service layer. The attribute associated with the virtual application is then transformed into an attribute associated with a hypervisor-managed virtual machine, and this transformation of the attribute exposes the hypervisor-managed virtual machine associated with the virtual application such that the hypervisor-managed virtual machine is identifiable for backup. As a result, the virtual application can be backed up based on the attribute of the hypervisor-managed virtual machine.

Abstract: Techniques to perform an incremental backup of a large-scale distributed database, such as a massively parallel processing (MPP) database, are disclosed. In various embodiments, a set of table partitions each of which satisfies one or more criteria to be included in a current incremental backup is determined at backup time, at least in part by comparing a current table partition meta-information with corresponding meta-information from a prior backup. The table partitions in the set are included in the incremental backup, while other table partitions not in the set are not backed up. In some embodiments, certain tables are designated to be of a type such that existing records are not modified. Tables are partitioned in a manner that isolates changes, e.g., added rows, in a relative few table partitions, leaving others unchanged and therefore able to be omitted from subsequent incremental backups.

Abstract: A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for protecting data. In some embodiments, this includes taking a snapshot of a virtual machine, parsing the virtual machine to determine a header section and a file system, indexing the virtual machine based on the parsing, storing the index in a storage device, and storing the snapshot in a deduplicated data storage device.

Abstract: A method and system are given for providing a virtual environment spanning a desktop and a cloud. In one example, the method includes receiving a query template over a data set that resides in the cloud, optimizing the query template to segment the query template into an offline phase and an online phase, executing the offline phase on the cloud to build one or more indexes, and sending the one or more indexes to the desktop.

Abstract: An optimized backup image of a virtual machine is generated. The virtual machine is associated with a virtual disk. The virtual disk includes one or more virtual volumes. Generating the optimized backup image includes excluding one or more invalid sectors of the virtual disk from the optimized backup image.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms are provided for storing data in a backup storage system. According to various embodiments, a first blockmap in a backup storage system may be identified. The first blockmap may correspond with a first restore point. The first blockmap may identify a first plurality of data segments. Each of the first plurality of data segments may have associated therewith a respective storage location in the backup storage system. The first blockmap may be compared with a designated storage system state to identify a subset of the first plurality of data segments that each correspond with a respective matching data segment in the designated storage system state. A second blockmap may be stored in the backup storage system. The second blockmap may correspond with a second restore point. The second blockmap may include the identified subset of the first plurality of data segments.

Abstract: A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for recovering databases. In some embodiments, this includes switching an active segment to change tracking mode, intercepting write related changes on the active segment while in the change tracking mode, populating a change tracking log based on the intercepted write related changes, and storing the populated change tracking log in a storage device. In some embodiments, the storage device is memory. In some embodiments, the change tracking log if flushed from memory to disk.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a data storage device generates a full backup image or an incremental backup image as a backup image depending on whether the backup is of a first generation. The generated backup image is transferred to a backup storage device. A full backup generation unit of the backup storage device executes a merge process of merging an incremental backup image with a full backup image in order of generation. A reverse incremental backup acquisition unit of the backup storage device acquires, in order of generation, a reverse incremental backup image used to restore the full backup image not subjected the merge process from the full backup image subjected to the merge process.

Abstract: Systems and methods of reducing backup bandwidth by remembering downloads to a computing device. An example method may include remembering information for a download to a computing device. The method may also include backing up the computing device to a different system. The information remembered for the download is used to provide a backup of the computing device without copying some of the downloaded data present on the computing device from the computing device.

Abstract: Systems and methods of using delta partitions for backup and restore are disclosed. An example method may include after a full backup, separating change information from static information. The method may also include concentrating the change information in a delta partition prior to a differential backup. The method may also include incrementally backing up only the delta partition during the differential backup.

Abstract: Techniques for providing data retention services based on a geographic region are disclosed. In one aspect, a location of a computing device is determined. A geographic entity corresponding to the location of the computing device is then determined. A data retention policy is applied to production data of the computing device based on regulations of the geographic entity. Other aspects are also disclosed.

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 method, apparatus and computer-readable storage medium for ascertaining a set of preliminary characteristics of a first data structure and, responsive to determining that the set of preliminary characteristics matches a set of characteristics of a reference data structure, determining that a secondary characteristic of the first data structure indicates a replacement of the first data structure with the reference data structure is disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention further include replacing the first data structure with the reference data structure, in response to determining that the secondary characteristic of the first data structure indicates the replacement of the first data structure.

Abstract: Various method, system, and computer program product embodiments for performing a backup of a source storage volume to a target storage volume are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a flashcopy of the source storage volume to the target storage volume is initiated. The content of the source storage volume is stored on the target storage volume in a space efficient manner. The space requirement of the stored content on the target storage volume is monitored. The flashcopy is terminated when the space requirement reaches a predetermined level. The stored content on the target storage volume is copied to a backup storage medium. A new flashcopy of the source storage volume is initiated.

Abstract: An existing data protection environment is analyzed to determine a plurality existing infrastructure containers. A popular infrastructure container is identified from the plurality of existing infrastructure containers. Responsive to determining that the popular infrastructure container does not exist within a central repository, the restore container is created within the central repository to match the popular infrastructure container.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for performing simplified copy offload operations are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method includes creating a persistent point-in-time image of a data set of a source storage device in response to receiving a token request for a copy offload operation from a host. Creating the persistent point-in-time image includes generating pointers to data blocks of the data set, but does not include duplicating the data blocks. The method also includes transmitting a token that is a representation of the persistent point-in-time image to the host in response to the request.

Abstract: A system and method for restoring multiple content databases of a web application are disclosed. A restoration GUI may indicate one or more available recovery times. User input selecting a particular recovery time may be received. The selected recovery time may correspond to a first time when a first database was backed up. The system may determine that the web application also included one or more other databases in addition to the first database at the first time. Information indicating the first database together with the one or more other databases may be displayed in association with the selected recovery time in the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A system and method for centralized backup and recovery of enterprise content management systems comprises a plurality of distributed heterogeneous content systems comprising distributed content servers having storage areas for managed content. Backup comprises querying the content servers associated with the distributed content systems to determine the host names, directory locations, and directory file structures of the storage areas, and launching coordinated backup processes on each of the distributed servers to backup in a particular order full text index files, databases containing metadata related to the files in storage areas, and storage area content. Backup and recovery is managed by a centralized backup/recovery server application that invokes backup and recovery client processes on the distributed remote content servers.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously configuring multiple independent backups. The method may include (1) identifying a backup environment managed by a backup system, (2) identifying a request from a user to configure a plurality of backups within the backup environment, wherein each backup within the plurality of backups specifies, independent of any other backup, a backup operation to be performed by the backup system on a computing resource within the backup environment, (3) providing a graphical user interface that allows the user to simultaneously configure each backup within the plurality of backups, (4) receiving a request, from the user via the graphical user interface, to simultaneously configure each backup within the plurality of backups, and (5) in response to the request to simultaneously configure each backup within the plurality of backups, independently configuring each backup within the plurality of backups so as to maintain the independence of each backup.

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.

Abstract: A storage system maintains copies of a source database to allow virtual databases to be provisioned. Transaction logs received from the source database are applied to database blocks stored in the storage system to update the database blocks. The storage system checks if there are defect in the transaction logs of the source database. If a defect in transaction logs is detected, the storage system obtains a latest copy of the source database. The storage system matches database blocks of the received copy with database blocks already available in the storage system to determine whether a corresponding database block is already available in the storage system. If a received database block is different from database blocks already available at the storage system, the received database block is stored in the storage system. The database blocks may be matched using a hash value of the database blocks.

Abstract: A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for protecting data. In some embodiments, this includes tracking changed blocks in a virtual machine, determining a MFT range of the virtual machine, identifying a common region between the changed blocks and MFT range, parsing the common region to determine a list of changed files, and storing the list of changed files in a file index.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for switching a storage subsystem in a disaster recovery configuration includes receiving instruction to change from an original target storage subsystem in a disaster recovery configuration including: a source storage subsystem including one or more source volumes from which data is copied in first copy services relationships, the one or more source volumes being accessible to an application, and the original target storage subsystem including one or more original target volumes to which data is copied in the first copy services relationships; selecting a new target storage subsystem to replace the original target storage subsystem, creating second copy services relationships between one or more new target volumes on the new target storage subsystem and the one or more source volumes on the source storage subsystem using multi-target functionality, and terminating the first copy services relationships after all the second copy services relationships are full duplex.

Abstract: Improving file system reliability in storage mediums after a data corrupting event using file system journaling is described. In one embodiment, a method, which includes scanning beyond an active transactions region within the file system journal to locate additional valid transactions for replay to bring the storage medium into a consistent state; the scanning performed until an invalid transaction is reached.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a scalable, efficient way to backup data in a block-level incremental-forever backup system such that backup and expiration of data can be achieved at the granularity of a single backup version, without having to read or move data that is stored in backup storage.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for quickly cloning a backup (file system) volume. Present volume cloning methods are based on creating copies of individual save sets written to a backup volume. However, this requires the steps of reading data blocks to cull the backed up data, stored as data chunks, from the chunk headers that separate and describe each data chunk, then writing the data chunks to new media. As a result, cloning a backup volume is time consuming and tedious. The invention applies the features and benefits of advanced file system devices (“AFTDs”) to volume cloning. AFTDs store data as streams, rather than chunks, since AFTDs store data on disk media rather than on tape with tape blocks. As such, data stored on AFTDs are not separated by chunk headers. Instead, an AFTD contains a single volume label file that identifies the AFTD volume. The invention is a system and method for cloning backup volumes stored on AFTDs.

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: Various embodiments of a system and method for backing up data from a plurality of backup server computers in a first backup storage tier to a backup server computer in a second backup storage tier are disclosed. According to one embodiment of the method, a group of backup data sources may be associated with a writer on the backup server computer. Each backup data source may comprise data to be backed up from one of the backup server computer systems in the first backup storage tier. The writer may keep track of the write speed at which data from the group of backup data sources is written to a target storage device, and the number of backup data sources in the group may be automatically adjusted based on the write speed.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for seeding a storage device. For example, a method involves accessing a policy that identifies a number of clients. The method then involves selecting a most recent backup image for each of the clients and copying the most recent backup images from a source storage device to a target storage device. Once a most recent backup image has been copied from the source storage device to the target storage device for each of the clients, the method switches a destination value in the policy from the source storage device to the target storage device.

Abstract: A federated configuration management database includes a plurality of management data repositories, and a backup destination determination unit that determines backup destination management data repositories for backing up data overlapping among the plurality of management data repositories at specific management data repositories and that notifies each of the management data repositories of the data to be backed up.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for controlling enterprise data on mobile devices. Data on a mobile device is tagged as being associated with either enterprise data or with personal data. Upon identifying the storage location of the tagged data and the identifier of the application that generated the tagged data, the tag, the storage location of the tagged data and the identifier of the application are stored in an index. A mobile agent residing on the mobile device may be directed by a mobile device management server of the enterprise to perform various actions (e.g., deleting, encrypting, backing-up) on the enterprise data using the index. In this manner, the enterprise has the ability to control their applications and data that resides on employees' mobile devices to ensure that such data is not lost or used in a manner that is contrary to the wishes of the employer.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for extending media retention. Methods are provided in which a set of aging preferences are obtained. Data elements of a data set stored on storage media are evaluated against the aging preferences to determine whether each of the data elements satisfy the aging preferences. Each of the data elements that is determined to satisfy the aging preferences is aged. Aging can include freeing a portion of storage media, previously used to store a data element, for other storage usage.

Abstract: A flashcopy of a source storage volume to a target storage volume is initiated. The content of the source storage volume is stored on the target storage volume in a space efficient manner. The space requirement of the stored content on the target storage volume is monitored. The flashcopy is terminated when the space requirement reaches a predetermined level. The stored content on the target storage volume is copied to a backup storage medium. A new flashcopy of the source storage volume is initiated.

Abstract: A flashcopy of a source storage volume to a target storage volume is initiated. The content of the source storage volume is stored on the target storage volume in a space efficient manner. The space requirement of the stored content on the target storage volume is monitored. The flashcopy is terminated when the space requirement reaches a predetermined level. The stored content on the target storage volume is copied to a backup storage medium. A new flashcopy of the source storage volume is initiated.

Abstract: The storage system eliminates inconsistency between a stub, and a file data storage location indicated by the stub. In a storage system that executes HSM using stubs, information relating to a higher tier, which is a data migration source, is recorded during data migration. The stub in the higher tier is correctly restored using the higher-tier information thus recorded. The stub is restored, and inconsistency between information in the HSM layers is resolved.

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 method and system for requesting, cross-referencing, extracting and storing historical records of data backup activity by using a software component that interfaces to a plurality of data backup software devices is disclosed. Through the use of a system and method in accordance with the present invention, the aforementioned database can be made self-refreshing, requiring minimal ongoing intervention subsequent to initial configuration. In addition, the aforementioned data refreshes can be manually invoked at any time.

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: 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 computer-implemented method for adaptively performing backup operations may include 1) identifying a storage system used for storage by at least one application, 2) identifying a request to perform a backup operation including at least one input/output operation on the storage system, 3) determining that an input/output capacity of the storage system has fallen below a predetermined threshold, and 4) delaying the input/output operation in response to determining that the input/output capacity of the storage system has fallen below the predetermined threshold. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for synthetic backups may include identifying a full backup of a volume of files. The computer-implemented method may also include identifying a set of incremental backups that were performed subsequently to the full backup. The computer-implemented method may further include identifying a set of storage devices that store the full backup and the set of incremental backups. The computer-implemented method may additionally include identifying a request to create a synthetic backup incorporating the full backup and the set of incremental backups. The computer-implemented method may moreover include generating a sorted catalog for the synthetic backup by indexing files for the synthetic backup in an order based on at least one characteristic of the files.

Abstract: Subsequent to a storage operation performed on the source instance by a source component, a synchronization message is sent to a replicated component for the replicated instance. The synchronization message is stored locally in a persistent storage location associated with the source component along with an indicator representative of a time the storage operation was performed. Pursuant to receipt of the synchronization message by the replicated component, the replicated component is updated to a dirty state to indicate a lack of full synchronization between the source and replicated instances. Receipt of the synchronization message is acknowledged by the replicated component by sending a dirty state acknowledgement. If, during a subsequent recovery process, the dirty state is not yet cleared, the replicated component is deemed ineligible for participation in a full restoration operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coordinating sync points between a non-volatile memory (“NVM”) and a file system are provided. In some embodiments, a file system can issue one or more commands to control circuitry of a NVM, which can indicate whether a transaction is journaled or non-journaled. This way, the control circuitry can maintain a list of journaled transactions and corresponding LBA(s). By keeping track of journaled transactions, the control circuitry can ensure that sync points are not prematurely erased during a garbage collection process. In addition, upon detecting device failure events, the control circuitry can roll back to sync points corresponding to one or more journaled transactions.

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: 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.

Abstract: An object management system comprises a computer system configured to store an object (72), which may be a file. The computer system is configured to divide the object (72) into partitions (70), select partitions, and provide the selected partitions to a storage device (14) for storage. The partitions are selected by determining which partitions need to be migrated device, based on whether the partitions have been modified. The system determines this by examining a data object associated with the object. The computer system may be configured to retrieve a selected partition from the storage device.