System and method for analyzing data center enerprise information via backup images
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for analyzing a backup image of a component of a data center for use in support tasks, said method comprising steps of:
- acquiring an initial backup image as a baseline for each of a plurality of components in a data center;
acquiring a next backup image for each of the plurality of components in the data center on a periodic basis;
storing the next backup images in a storage device; and
scanning each of the next backup images for viruses to ensure integrity of each of the plurality of components in the data center, wherein the scanning is performed on a system external to the imaged systems for each of a plurality of components in the data center.
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Abstract
A system and method for analyzing data center enterprise information via backup images. Remote analysis of many data center environments and configurations are performed for support services and enabling rapid deployment of new systems of a defined type. Backup images are made of individual configurations for each system. The backup images are loaded onto remote hardware for analysis and support. A master image for standardized configuration is automatically upgraded with patches and bug fixes from vendor sites maintaining a new baseline for further installations.
32 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method for analyzing a backup image of a component of a data center for use in support tasks, said method comprising steps of:
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acquiring an initial backup image as a baseline for each of a plurality of components in a data center;
acquiring a next backup image for each of the plurality of components in the data center on a periodic basis;
storing the next backup images in a storage device; and
scanning each of the next backup images for viruses to ensure integrity of each of the plurality of components in the data center, wherein the scanning is performed on a system external to the imaged systems for each of a plurality of components in the data center. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method for automatically upgrading a master image of components in a data center, said method comprising steps of:
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acquiring an initial image as a baseline for each of a plurality of components in a data center;
acquiring a next backup image for each of the plurality of components in the data center on a periodic basis;
storing the next backup image in a storage device;
determining a configuration for each of the plurality of components in the data center from the next backup image, wherein the determining is performed on a system external to the imaged systems for each of a plurality of components in the data center;
retrieving information related to required updates for the elements in the configuration; and
automatically updating affected components in the backup image, wherein the updates are recommended based on the determined configuration and information related to required updates, thereby generating a new master image. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7)
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8. A method for analyzing a backup image of a component of a data center for use in support tasks, said method comprising steps of:
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acquiring an initial backup image as a baseline for each of a plurality of components in a data center;
acquiring a next backup image for each of the plurality of components in the data center on a periodic basis;
storing the next backup images in a storage device;
determining a configuration for each of the plurality of components in the data center from the next backup image, wherein the determining is performed on a system external to the imaged systems for each of a plurality of components in the data center;
automatically retrieving information related to required updates for the elements in the configuration; and
notifying a user of a recommendation for updates based on the configuration and information related to required updates. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 14)
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11. A method for analyzing a backup image of a component of a data center for use in support tasks, said method comprising steps of:
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acquiring an initial backup image as a baseline for each of a plurality of components in a data center;
acquiring a next backup image for each of the plurality of components in the data center on a periodic basis;
storing the next backup images in a storage device;
determining a configuration for each of the plurality of components in the data center from the next backup image, wherein the determining is performed on a system external to the imaged systems for each of a plurality of components in the data center;
comparing the determined configuration with a known configuration, resulting in a set of differences; and
performing a comparative analysis based on the set of differences. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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15. A system for analyzing and maintaining data center enterprise information via backup images, comprising:
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a plurality of components in a data center managed by at least one control plane means for high availability purposes;
at least one network operation center (NOC) for monitoring and maintaining a plurality of virtual local area networks (VLANs) controlled by at least one control plane;
a storage device for storing a plurality of image backups for each component in the data center, wherein each image backup comprises information needed to determine a configuration of a corresponding component; and
analysis means for comparing a component configuration to a master configuration, wherein a comparison is made using image backups and an external system, and without impacting performance of the corresponding component in the data center. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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19. A system for analyzing and maintaining data center enterprise information via backup images, comprising:
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a plurality of components in a data center managed by at least one control plane means for high availability purposes, wherein components are either dedicated to a virtual local area network (VLAN) as part of an enterprise, or as spares;
at least one network operation center (NOC) for monitoring and maintaining a plurality of virtual local area networks (VLANs) controlled by at least one control plane, the NOC communicating with the control plane and enterprise components through at least on firewall;
a storage device for storing a plurality of image backups for each component in the data center, wherein each image backup comprises information needed to determine a configuration of a corresponding component; and
an analysis system for comparing a component configuration to a master configuration, wherein a comparison is made using image backups and an external system, and without impacting performance of the corresponding component in the data center. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification