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Configurable reuse delay criterion for storage volumes

  • US 5,644,698 A
  • Filed: 05/30/1996
  • Issued: 07/01/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/30/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. In a data processing system having a plurality of client systems generating client data files, and a storage management server coupled to said plurality of client systems, said server having a plurality of storage volumes for storing a primary copy and a back-up copy of said client data files, a server database for maintaining directory and reference location information linking said primary copy and said back-up copy of said client data files, and a database back-up for storing an incremental back-up of said server database, a method in said server for preserving consistency between said database back-up and said plurality of storage volumes comprising steps of:

  • (a) maintaining storage volume information in said server database, an entry in said storage volume information corresponding to each of said plurality of storage volumes;

    (b) specifying a reuse delay criterion for a selected storage volume;

    (c) marking said selected storage volume as a pending storage volume when a last remaining file is removed from said selected storage volume to prevent said server from invalidating references within said database back-up by overwriting said selected storage volume;

    (d) periodically checking whether said reuse delay criterion has elapsed for said pending storage volume; and

    (e) classifying said pending storage volume as eligible for reuse by said server when said reuse delay criterion has elapsed.

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