Storage management system with file aggregation supporting multiple aggregated file counterparts
First Claim
1. A method of processing requests to access a storage subsystem that maintains managed files each originally created with a contiguous aggregation of constituent user files, each managed file and all constituent user files therein being represented in a mapping table cross-referencing each managed file with its constituent user files and a corresponding location of each user file within the managed file, the method comprising:
- receiving a request to backup a first managed file stored in the storage subsystem to a target storage area;
utilizing the mapping table to identify a user file occupying a predetermined position in the first managed file;
utilizing the mapping table to identify all managed files containing the identified user file;
if one or more managed files are identified in the target storage area, aborting the backup of the first managed file; and
if no managed files are identified in the target storage area, copying the first managed file to the target storage area.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A data storage subsystem employs managed files comprising one or a contiguous aggregation of multiple constituent user files. A mapping table cross-references each managed file with the names and locations of its constituent user files. A storage table cross-references each managed file with its address. Eventually, "deleted-file space" arises as individual user files are deleted from managed files. "Reconstruction" consolidates managed files to regain this wasted space. Reconstruction preferably permits multiple embodiments of a managed file called "siblings". Reconstruction identifies contiguous regions of user files within a managed file, and copies these regions to adjacent locations in a target area. Before entering the reconstructed file in any tables, the mapping table is searched for a "paradigm" managed file containing the same user files as the reconstructed file. Finding a paradigm file, the storage table is modified by deleting reference to the pre-reconstruction filename, and adding an entry cross-referencing the paradigm file with the reconstructed file'"'"'s storage address. Not finding the paradigm file, a new sibling filename is designated for the reconstructed file, an entry is added to the mapping table, cross-referencing the sibling with its constituent user files and their locations within the reconstructed file, reference to the pre-reconstruction file is deleted from the storage table, and an entry is added to the storage table, cross-referencing the sibling with its address. Finally, if the storage table has no other instances of the pre-reconstruction file, reference to the pre-reconstruction file is purged from the mapping table.
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Citations
6 Claims
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1. A method of processing requests to access a storage subsystem that maintains managed files each originally created with a contiguous aggregation of constituent user files, each managed file and all constituent user files therein being represented in a mapping table cross-referencing each managed file with its constituent user files and a corresponding location of each user file within the managed file, the method comprising:
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receiving a request to backup a first managed file stored in the storage subsystem to a target storage area; utilizing the mapping table to identify a user file occupying a predetermined position in the first managed file; utilizing the mapping table to identify all managed files containing the identified user file; if one or more managed files are identified in the target storage area, aborting the backup of the first managed file; and if no managed files are identified in the target storage area, copying the first managed file to the target storage area. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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3. A signal-bearing medium tangibly embodying a program of machine-readable instructions executable by a digital processing apparatus to perform a method for processing requests to access a storage subsystem that maintains managed files each originally created with a contiguous aggregation of constituent user files, each managed file and all constituent user files therein being represented in a mapping table cross-referencing each managed file with its constituent user files and a corresponding location of each user file within the managed file, the method comprising:
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receiving a request to backup a first managed file stored in the storage subsystem to a target storage area; utilizing the mapping table to identify a user file occupying a predetermined position in the first managed file; utilizing the mapping table to identify all managed files containing the identified user file; if one or more managed files are identified in the target storage area, aborting the backup of the first managed file; and if no managed files are identified in the target storage area, copying the first managed file to the target storage area. - View Dependent Claims (4)
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5. A data storage subsystem, comprising:
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a storage including a source storage area and a target storage area, said storage containing one or more managed files each originally created with a contiguous aggregation of constituent user files; a database, including a mapping table cross-referencing each managed file with its constituent user files and a corresponding location of each user file within the managed file; a digital data processing apparatus coupled to the storage and the database; wherein the digital data processing apparatus is programmed to perform a method for processing requests to access data in the storage, the method comprising; receiving a request to backup a first managed file stored in the storage subsystem to a target storage area; utilizing the mapping table to identify a user file occupying a predetermined position in the first managed file; utilizing the mapping table to identify all managed files containing the identified user file; if one or more managed files are identified in the target storage area, aborting the backup of the first managed file; and if no managed files are identified in the target storage area, copying the first managed file to the target storage area. - View Dependent Claims (6)
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Specification