Synchronization of shared data stores through use of non-empty track copy procedure
First Claim
1. A method for synchronizing copies of data that are stored on tracks of a primary disk volume and a backup disk volume, wherein said primary disk volume includes non-empty tracks with current data and empty tracks with no current data, said method comprising the steps of:
- a) transferring only data from said non-empty tracks on said primary disk volume to said backup disk volume; and
b) writing said data from said non-empty tracks onto tracks in said backup disk volume that correspond to said non-empty tracks on said primary disk volume, whereby empty tracks on said backup disk volume correspond to said empty tracks on said primary disk volume.
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Abstract
Copies of data that are stored on tracks of a primary disk volume and a backup disk volume are synchronized by a method which reduces the amount of data that is transferred. The primary disk volume includes tracks with current data (i.e., non-empty tracks) and tracks with no current data (i.e., empty tracks). The method transfers to the backup disk volume only data from non-empty tracks on the primary disk volume and then writes the data onto tracks in the backup disk volume that correspond to the non-empty tracks of the primary disk volume. Prior to writing of the data onto the backup disk volume, it is preferred that the backup disk volume have all tracks erased so that after the write action, only the tracks with current data have data written therein. Further, at the primary disk volume, only tracks having current data are read. Accordingly, substantial savings in processing and data transfer times are achieved.
70 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method for synchronizing copies of data that are stored on tracks of a primary disk volume and a backup disk volume, wherein said primary disk volume includes non-empty tracks with current data and empty tracks with no current data, said method comprising the steps of:
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a) transferring only data from said non-empty tracks on said primary disk volume to said backup disk volume; and b) writing said data from said non-empty tracks onto tracks in said backup disk volume that correspond to said non-empty tracks on said primary disk volume, whereby empty tracks on said backup disk volume correspond to said empty tracks on said primary disk volume. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A memory media including a procedure for controlling a processor to synchronize copies of data that are stored on tracks of a primary disk volume and a backup disk volume, wherein said primary disk volume includes non-empty tracks with current data and empty tracks with no current data, said memory media comprising:
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a) means for controlling said processor to transfer only data from said non-empty tracks on said primary disk volume to said backup disk volume; and b) means for controlling said processor to issue commands that cause a writing of said data from said non-empty tracks onto tracks in said backup disk volume that correspond to said non-empty tracks on said primary disk volume. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8)
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9. A system for synchronizing copies of data that are stored on tracks of a primary disk volume and a backup disk volume, wherein said primary disk volume includes non-empty tracks with current data and empty tracks with no current data, said system comprising the steps of:
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a) processor means for transferring only data from said non-empty tracks on said primary disk volume to said backup disk volume; and b) input/output control means responsive to receipt of data from said non-empty tracks, for writing said data from said non-empty tracks onto tracks in said backup disk volume that correspond to said non-empty tracks on said primary disk volume. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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Specification