WO2008039394A2 - A method of and apparatus for managing data utilizing configurable policies and schedules - Google Patents

A method of and apparatus for managing data utilizing configurable policies and schedules Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2008039394A2
WO2008039394A2 PCT/US2007/020547 US2007020547W WO2008039394A2 WO 2008039394 A2 WO2008039394 A2 WO 2008039394A2 US 2007020547 W US2007020547 W US 2007020547W WO 2008039394 A2 WO2008039394 A2 WO 2008039394A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
data
user
policies
utilities
configurable
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2007/020547
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2008039394A3 (en
Inventor
Robert O. Keith, Jr.
Original Assignee
Maxsp Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Maxsp Corporation filed Critical Maxsp Corporation
Publication of WO2008039394A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008039394A2/en
Publication of WO2008039394A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008039394A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F16/00Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
    • G06F16/20Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor of structured data, e.g. relational data
    • G06F16/21Design, administration or maintenance of databases
    • G06F16/217Database tuning

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of data management. More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of managing data utilizing a policy-based application.
  • ⁇ Backup® as referenced at the webpage, http://www.backup.com/learnmore_intro.html, discloses a system for backing up data to secure data centers using the Internet. ⁇ Backup® also is able to utilize a backup schedule to determine when backing up should occur. Furthermore, for security purposes ⁇ Backup® is able to encrypt data while transferring it over the network as well as when it is stored.
  • U.S. Patent App. No. 2006/0095705 to Wichelman et al. discloses a data storage manager which is provided application specific information to support optimal allocation of application data storage, which includes both storage directly coupled to a single computing device and network-attached storage, relocation of existing data, and applying data management services such as backup, restore, mirroring, virus detection and isolation to the stored data.
  • the data storage manager is also configured to assist administrators in managing capacity utilization.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,659,743 to Adams et al. discloses a pattern based space management apparatus for and method of a computer system having multiple levels of hierarchical storage comprised of code for creating and maintaining a database containing size information and historical information about the use of data sets residing on the computer system.
  • the system calculates a next reference date for certain of the data sets and a confidence level for each of the next reference dates from information in the database.
  • the system also identifies which data sets should be migrated between the storage levels of the computer system based on the next reference dates, the confidence levels, the sizes of the data sets, and the amount of highest level storage space which is to remain available.
  • the system then begins the migration of the data sets identified for migration. Summary of the Invention:
  • a Data Manager is an application that is able to be situated on a server or a user system to provide capabilities of managing user data.
  • the user data is located and knowledge of where the data is located is stored by the DM. Users are then able to set policies based on scheduling which will manage their data.
  • utilities for managing the data efficiently and properly.
  • the utilities include database management, open file management, VSS, synchronization and encryption.
  • the DM uses the utilities and the policies provided and is able to manage the data as needed so as to ensure environment is healthy and managed the way the user desires.
  • a system for managing data comprises a set of utilities for managing and synchronizing the data and one or more configurable policies for determining how and when to execute the set of utilities.
  • the system further comprises a graphical user interface for receiving input from a user.
  • the one or more configurable policies permit selecting of one or more selectable options.
  • the selectable options are selected from the group consisting of name, type, size, last accessed, action, when, how often and where.
  • the action is selected from the group consisting of back up, archive, delete and copy.
  • the set of utilities further include database management and encryption.
  • the system is stored on a server. Alternatively, the system is stored on a user computer.
  • the data comprises user data. Data knowledge is stored and utilized by the one or more policies. The data knowledge includes locations of the data.
  • the system runs in the background of a computer.
  • the one or more configurable policies are configured by a user.
  • a system for managing data comprises a set of utilities for providing database management, synchronization and encryption, one or more configurable policies for determining how to execute the set of utilities and one or more configurable schedules for determining when to execute the one or more policies.
  • the system further comprises a graphical user interface for receiving input from a user.
  • the system further comprises one or more selectable options within the one or more policies wherein at least one of the options is selected.
  • the selectable options are selected from the group consisting of name, type, size, last accessed, action, when, how often and where.
  • the action is selected from the group consisting of back up, archive, delete and copy.
  • the system is stored on a server. Alternatively, the system is stored on a user computer.
  • the data comprises user data. Data knowledge is stored and utilized by the one or more policies. The data knowledge includes locations of the data.
  • the system runs in the background of a computer.
  • the one or more configurable policies and the one or more configurable schedules are configured by a user.
  • a system for managing user data comprises a graphical user interface for permitting user interaction, a set of utilities coupled to the graphical user interface for providing database management, synchronization and encryption, wherein the set of utilities perform one or more actions, one or more configurable policies for determining how to execute the set of utilities, wherein the set of utilities further comprise one or more selectable options and further wherein the policies utilize user data knowledge to locate the user data, further wherein the one or more configurable policies are configured utilizing the graphical user interface and one or more configurable schedules for determining when to execute the one or more policies, further wherein the one or more configurable schedules are configured utilizing the graphical user interface.
  • the selectable options are selected from the group consisting of name, type, size, last accessed, when, how often and where.
  • the one or more actions are selected from the group consisting of back up, archive, delete and copy.
  • the system is stored on a server. Alternatively, the system is stored on a user computer. The system runs in the background of a computer.
  • the one or more configurable policies and the one or more configurable schedules are configured by a user.
  • a method of managing data comprises storing information related to user data and implementing a set of data management utilities for managing and synchronizing the data based on one or more user-configurable policies using the information related to user data.
  • a graphical user interface receives input from a user for generating and configuring the one or more policies.
  • the method further comprises generating the one or more policies.
  • One or more selectable options within the one or more policies are used to configure the one or more policies.
  • the selectable options are selected from the group consisting of name, type, size, last accessed, action, when, how often and where.
  • the action is selected from the group consisting of back up, archive, delete and copy.
  • the set of data management utilities include database management and encryption.
  • the method is implemented on a server. Alternatively, the method is implemented on a user computer.
  • the information related to the user data includes locations of the user data. The method runs in the background of a computer.
  • a method of managing data comprises storing information related to locations of user data, generating one or more configurable policies, implementing a set of data management utilities based on the one or more policies, wherein the data management utilities include database management, synchronization and encryption.
  • a graphical user interface receives input from a user for generating and configuring the one or more policies.
  • One or more selectable options within the one or more policies are used to configure the one or more policies.
  • the selectable options are from the group consisting of name, type, size, last accessed, action, when, how often and where.
  • the action is from the group consisting of back up, archive, delete and copy.
  • the method is implemented on a server. Alternatively, the method is implemented on a user computer. The method runs in the background of a computer.
  • the one or more configurable policies are configured by a user.
  • HG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the Data Manager, data sources and other managers of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary Graphical User Interface of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of utilizing the Data Manager.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary implementation of the Data Manager.
  • a Data Manager is an application that is able to be situated either on a server or a user computer system to provide capabilities of managing user data.
  • the DM functions by locating user data and storing that knowledge of where the data is located. Preferably, only user data information is acquired and not applications or application software. It is recognized that applications are generally much larger and do not change as often as user data does, so applications do not need to be dealt with the same way user data does. Furthermore, applications are typically stored at a central location already and distributed to user computers, so there is no need to back them up again.
  • a user is able to configure policies and schedules to manage the data.
  • a Graphical User Interface (GUI) is provided for easy user interaction and to permit the user to generate, modify and remove the policies and schedules.
  • the GUI permits non-computer savvy users to configure policies and schedules.
  • the DM is able to run in the background of the user computer or server to continuously monitor the system.
  • Options within the policies and schedules include, but are not limited to determining actions to take with the data and when to take those actions. The actions taken include but are not limited to backing up the data, copying the data from one system to another, archiving the data, storing the data in a briefcase on the Internet and storing it on a network drive.
  • a user is able to have multiple policies. Based on the policies designated, the DM also determines how accessible data is such as whether it is stored locally or archived.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a DM 100, data sources 120 and other managers including configuration manager 130 and personality manager 132.
  • the DM 100 comprises data knowledge 102, a Graphical User Interface (GUI) 104, a schedule/policy generator 102, and a number of utilities for managing data.
  • GUI Graphical User Interface
  • the configuration manager 130 remembers which configurable components are to remain with the current system and which are portable as a user moves from device to device. For example, file locations, directory structures, application configurations, color schemes and favorites are able to travel with a user as he logs into his account with different devices.
  • the configuration manger 130 also is device-aware, so that when a user switches from a device such as a personal computer to device such as a PDA, the configuration manager is able to make the proper conversions, so that the second device represents the data similarly to the first device.
  • the personality manger 132 learns a users needs, wants, and desires. For example, the personality manager 132 is installed in a user's car's computing system. The computing system is also enabled to locate the nearest points of interest such as gas stations. If a user indicates he does not buy gas at Exxon stations for personal reasons, the personality manager 132 is able to remember that, so when gas stations are listed, Exxon will not be displayed.
  • the data knowledge 102 includes information regarding the user data that the DM 100 retrieves from the computer system. As users use the computer system, any additional data stored on the computer system is located by the DM 100, and that knowledge is then stored in the data knowledge 102. In some embodiments, the DM 100 continuously monitors, while in the background, for any user data files saved onto the system. In other embodiments, the DM 100 runs a search periodically to determine if any new data files exist.
  • the schedule/policy generator 106 allows a user to schedule when policies are to be implemented and what the policies include.
  • the schedule and policy generators are the same component, but in other embodiments they are separate components yet they function together.
  • scheduling a user is able to designate dates/times for events to occur.
  • the scheduling is able to be extremely specific or very general. For example, a user is able to designate Thanksgiving Day as the day to back up all of the data and remove any unnecessary data in preparation for the rush of Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving and for the Christmas rush through December 25th. If a user desires a more generic schedule, the user is able to specify data management to occur every night at midnight since that is generally the time when the least amount of activity is going on. Furthermore, a mixture of specific and generic schedules are possible as well, so daily routines are performed and event specific management occurs as well.
  • a user is able to designate policies wherein certain data management actions occur at the scheduled times.
  • the DM has default policy settings of what actions to take and when.
  • a user is able to modify the timing and actions taken.
  • the actions include, but are not limited to, backing up, archiving and deleting data.
  • the user is also able to set policies based on characteristics of the data where such characteristics include, for example, name, type, size and last modified/accessed.
  • a user desires to back up his work data often because it is critically important, he is able to set a policy and schedule that performs a back up every hour. Furthermore, not all of the user's data is backed up, but only those critical files. Thus, for a user whose work is performed with Microsoft Word, all .doc files are backed up every hour. The same user also has music files, such as .mp3 files, stored locally which change as he downloads new songs. However, since those files are not as important, they are only backed up once per day at midnight so as to avoid interrupting the system while the user is working. If the user desires to archive the music files and remove them from his local system instead of backing them up, he is able to specify that as well.
  • a network administrator is also able to utilize the policies and schedules on a server.
  • a network administrator has been asked by the company's president to help resolve an ongoing problem of employees using their work computers to download and store music and movie files, the most common of which have .mp3, .mpeg, .mpg, .avi, .mov and .rm extensions.
  • the network administrator is able to access the company's server where the DM has been installed.
  • the network administrator is then able to generate a policy with the DM where every night any files of the specified types are located on the user computers coupled to the server, and the files are deleted.
  • the DM after the DM is installed on a server, it not only gathers information and functions on that server but also any device coupled to that server.
  • the utilities for managing the user data include synchronization 108, encryption 110 and database management 112. Additionally, other utilities are able to be included as well.
  • the synchronization utility 108 ensures that data is synchronized when it is copied to a different location.
  • data is able to be encrypted by the encryption utility 110 as it is being transferred. For example, if a user wants to back up personal data on a network drive where the personal data includes credit card numbers and addresses, he does not want others to be able to steal that data while it travels over the network.
  • the encryption utility 110 allows a secure transmission. Furthermore, if the user desires to keep the data encrypted while on the network drive so as to prevent a hacker from stealing the data if the drive is ever compromised, that is possible as well.
  • the database management utility 112 is able to understand what databases are and what type they are such as Microsoft® Access or Sequel. The database management utility 112 then uses a facility like open file management to handle the fact that the database is open, live and in transit. Volume Shadow copy Service (VSS) is also used to take snapshots of the file system. Other tools within the database management utility 112 are also available to ensure correct and efficient copying or other manipulations of the database.
  • VSS Volume Shadow copy Service
  • the data sources 120 where the data is managed include, but are not limited to, local drives 122, network devices 124, synchronized folders 126 and archive drives 128.
  • the local drives 122 are the standard computer hard drives containing the local file system.
  • the local drives 122 are the fastest access to data generally since it is closest in proximity, in addition to the fact that retrieving data from a hard drive is generally faster than over a network or other attached drive.
  • the network devices 124 are similar to other devices but they are accessed across a network. Depending on the speed of the network, retrieving data from the network devices 124 is relatively fast.
  • the synchronized folders are mirrored copies of a local folder on a server which are then accessible by other computers coupled to that server.
  • the archive drives 128 are drives where data that is accessed very rarely is stored. These drives generally have slow access times as they are built to store large amounts of data, but not necessarily provide access to it quickly.
  • Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary GUI 200 for interacting with the policy and scheduler.
  • GUI 200 Using the GUI 200, a user has numerous options of how to configure the policy and schedule for data management. The options are able to be selected individually or together to specify a strict or broad policy.
  • a "name" text box 202 allows a user to specify by name which data is included in the policy. The "name" text box 202 is useful if a user has been implementing a naming scheme for disparate types of files. For example, an engineer has been working on a project related to a new car radio design which utilizes wi-fi in addition to other features. The engineer has documentation written in Word, Powerpoint presentation files, drawings created using a photo editor and all of the software files for the project.
  • a policy based on file type would require more work than a name search such as "radio" assuming all of the files have that as part of the name. If on the other hand, a policy is needed to handle a specific type of file, such as all music files, then a "type" drop-down menu 204 is able to be used. Furthermore, typical drop-down menu rules apply so that multiple items are able to be selected with the proper key strokes. Hence, a user is able to select .mp3 and .wav, and all data files with those extensions are included in the policy.
  • a user is also able to use a "size" drop-down menu 206 to specify that all files of a certain size are included within the policy. Coupled with greater than and less than check boxes, the policy is able to focus on only data files that fit the size requirements. For example, if a user only wants files that are larger than 5MB to be archived, the user is able to specify that by making the appropriate selections.
  • Another feature that is able to be utilized for the policy is when the data was last modified/accessed using the drop-down menu 208. For example, a user is able to specify that data which has not been accessed for over 3 months is sent to an archive. Furthermore, a text box is able to be used instead of the drop-down menu 208 to specify an exact date.
  • a set of action radio buttons 210 are available to select which action the policy should take. As described above, a user is able to choose to have files that have not been accessed for a period of time archived. The user could alternatively choose to delete those files instead. Other actions include storing the data in a briefcase on the Internet or copying it to a network drive.
  • a "when to take action" drop-down menu 212 allows a user to select when the policy should be implemented. Additional text boxes are able to be used to specify an exact date and time. For example, to avoid using system resources at peak hours, a user sets the policy to back up data at midnight. In addition to when actions are taken, how often is another option selectable by the user.
  • a "how often" drop-down menu 214 provides users with options including once, daily, weekly, monthly and similar variations. So if a user only wants data to be backed up once a week, he is able to designate that option.
  • a "where" text box and browse button 216 are available for a user to specify where the data is being sent. In some embodiments of the present invention, the data is sent to locations based on the action to be taken, for example all archived data is sent to drive X. However, to provide more flexibility, a user is able to designate or browse for a proper location for the data.
  • preset check box 218 and scroll bar 220 for selecting preset policies.
  • the presets are able to vary greatly, but an example of presets include a minimum back up, a maximum back up and levels in between.
  • the minimum backup only backs up essential files, for instance, all .doc files that have been accessed within a week and does it only monthly at midnight.
  • a default button 222 resets the user's settings and sets the fields to default settings that are predetermined.
  • An OK button 224 is used to accept the user-defined policy and to initiate it, so that when the policy is supposed to function it is able to do so.
  • GUI 200 of Figure 2 is not meant to limit the present invention in any way.
  • specific objects such as drop-down menus are used within the example, alternative embodiments include variations of similarly functioning objects. For example, instead of using a drop-down menu for selecting "how often" an action is taken, a set of check boxes is able to be used.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of utilizing the DM.
  • the DM is initiated on a user computer or a server in the step 300.
  • the DM runs in the background and gathers knowledge about the user data including where the data is located, the file names, types, sizes and modified/accessed dates, in the step 302.
  • the DM continues to gather knowledge until it is shut down, so that any modifications to the user data on the system are collected.
  • a user generates one or more policies and schedules to manage the data.
  • the user is also able to add, delete or modify the one or more policies and schedules within the step 304. With the policies and schedules, the user is able to designate when and what actions are to be taken.
  • the DM continues to run in the background and performs the specified tasks as scheduled, in the step 306. Users are able to further modify, add or delete policies and schedules to ensure the system functions efficiently and securely. The process continues unless the DM is shutdown in the step 308. If the DM is not shut down, further knowledge is gathered and utilities are executed as defined in the policies. In the step 310, if a user desires to modify a policy or schedule, he is able to do so.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary implementation of the DM.
  • a policy has been defined to archive a specified database.
  • the database is located, and its location is stored within the data knowledge.
  • database management within the DM is initiated.
  • the database management implements both the open File Management and VSS in the steps 404 and 406 to ensure the database is copied correctly.
  • the data within the database is read, and then the data is synchronized in the step 410.
  • the data is also encrypted in the step 412.
  • the data is received at the archive drive where it is stored in the step 414.
  • the example above is not meant to limit the invention in any way.
  • the steps described above are able to be added, removed or modified as desired.
  • the DM provides a user with a GUI with numerous options to configure a policy and schedule within the DM as desired. Some of the options include the name of the file, the type of file, the size of the file, the date the file was last modified/accessed, the action to take, when to take the action, how often and where to take the action. Additionally, a user is able to specify an exact file, folder or drive to perform operations on, if desired. Furthermore, the user is able to make multiple selections in each category such as selecting music files - .mp3 and .wav. Multiple policies are able to be generated also, so that different levels of management are implemented. After the one or more policies are generated by the user using the GUI, one or more utilities implement the policies. The utilities provide database management, synchronization and encryption in addition to other desired functions. By using the DM, numerous operations are able to be automatically performed by being scheduled for execution.
  • the uses of the DM include, but are not limited to, backing up mission critical data from local hard drives to a storage location, synchronizing local data with a network device to allow others to access the data, archiving large data files that are not regularly used and copying multimedia files to Internet locations for sharing with others.

Abstract

A system and method for managing data is described herein. A Data Manager (DM) is an application that is able to be situated on a server or a user system to provide capabilities of managing user data. The user data is located and knowledge of where the data is located is stored by the DM. Users are then able to set policies based on scheduling which will manage their data. Furthermore, within the data manager are utilities for managing the data efficiently and properly. The utilities include database management, open file management, VSS, synchronization and encryption. The DM uses the utilities and the policies provided and is able to manage the data as needed so as to ensure environment is healthy and managed the way the user desires.

Description

A METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING DATA UTILIZING CONFIGURABLE POLICIES AND SCHEDULES
Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates to the field of data management. More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of managing data utilizing a policy-based application.
Background of the Invention:
Companies in today's environment are forced to manage extremely large amounts of data since most work is performed on computers. When employees utilize their computers every day, eventually there are going to be data management issues, such as where does which data go and when does that data go there. Usually all of the data will not fit on a single user hard drive, furthermore for accessibility and security purposes, it is not best to set up a system in such a way. Thus, computer managers must perform many managerial tasks to ensure data is stored efficiently and properly. For example, data that is utilized often is preferably in a location where it is quickly accessible. Contrarily, data that is rarely used should be located in storage which is accessible, but not necessarily quickly.
There are many ways of managing data including deleting, copying, archiving and backing it up amongst others. Through simple commands such as the text command "del" in MS-DOS, click+delete in Windows and "rm" in Unix, users are able to delete data. Copying is similarly performed with its specific commands. With copying, users are able to copy data to different locations on the same hard drive, other drives or even other devices. Furthermore, copying is a simple tool for backing up data. For example, if data is initially stored on a user's hard drive, copying it to a second hard drive is a way of backing up data since if the first hard drive fails, that will not affect access to the second hard drive. However, if the computer is destroyed, both hard drives would be lost and so would the data. Hence, other forms of backup are possible which enable the data to be stored away from the original hard drive data, such as copying the data to a floppy disk, CD or DVD. These removable media have the downside of being limited in capacity. Furthermore, there are problems of keeping track of each media and having to continuously swap disks in and out as they become full. To overcome those issues, network drives are available which couple to the device across a network. These network drives are able to be located at different ends of the world to ensure something like a fire, hurricane, flood or other natural disaster, in one location does not destroy the data in the other locations. Furthermore, network storage techniques like Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks (RAID), Storage Area Networks (SAN) and Network Attached Storage (NAS) enable continuous growth of the storage.
Thus, with advancements of networking and the Internet, data protection is relatively stable. However, since more and more information is being stored on computers, the amount of data needed to be managed continues to grow. As the amount of data grows, the amount of time spent on managing that data also has grown. There have been developments to attempt to deal with these concerns.
©Backup®, as referenced at the webpage, http://www.backup.com/learnmore_intro.html, discloses a system for backing up data to secure data centers using the Internet. ©Backup® also is able to utilize a backup schedule to determine when backing up should occur. Furthermore, for security purposes ©Backup® is able to encrypt data while transferring it over the network as well as when it is stored.
U.S. Patent App. No. 2006/0095705 to Wichelman et al. discloses a data storage manager which is provided application specific information to support optimal allocation of application data storage, which includes both storage directly coupled to a single computing device and network-attached storage, relocation of existing data, and applying data management services such as backup, restore, mirroring, virus detection and isolation to the stored data. The data storage manager is also configured to assist administrators in managing capacity utilization.
U.S. Patent No. 5,659,743 to Adams et al. discloses a pattern based space management apparatus for and method of a computer system having multiple levels of hierarchical storage comprised of code for creating and maintaining a database containing size information and historical information about the use of data sets residing on the computer system. The system calculates a next reference date for certain of the data sets and a confidence level for each of the next reference dates from information in the database. The system also identifies which data sets should be migrated between the storage levels of the computer system based on the next reference dates, the confidence levels, the sizes of the data sets, and the amount of highest level storage space which is to remain available. The system then begins the migration of the data sets identified for migration. Summary of the Invention:
A system and method for managing data is described herein. A Data Manager (DM) is an application that is able to be situated on a server or a user system to provide capabilities of managing user data. The user data is located and knowledge of where the data is located is stored by the DM. Users are then able to set policies based on scheduling which will manage their data. Furthermore, within the data manager are utilities for managing the data efficiently and properly. The utilities include database management, open file management, VSS, synchronization and encryption. The DM uses the utilities and the policies provided and is able to manage the data as needed so as to ensure environment is healthy and managed the way the user desires.
In one aspect, a system for managing data comprises a set of utilities for managing and synchronizing the data and one or more configurable policies for determining how and when to execute the set of utilities. The system further comprises a graphical user interface for receiving input from a user. The one or more configurable policies permit selecting of one or more selectable options. The selectable options are selected from the group consisting of name, type, size, last accessed, action, when, how often and where. The action is selected from the group consisting of back up, archive, delete and copy. The set of utilities further include database management and encryption. The system is stored on a server. Alternatively, the system is stored on a user computer. The data comprises user data. Data knowledge is stored and utilized by the one or more policies. The data knowledge includes locations of the data. The system runs in the background of a computer. The one or more configurable policies are configured by a user.
In another aspect, a system for managing data comprises a set of utilities for providing database management, synchronization and encryption, one or more configurable policies for determining how to execute the set of utilities and one or more configurable schedules for determining when to execute the one or more policies. The system further comprises a graphical user interface for receiving input from a user. The system further comprises one or more selectable options within the one or more policies wherein at least one of the options is selected. The selectable options are selected from the group consisting of name, type, size, last accessed, action, when, how often and where. The action is selected from the group consisting of back up, archive, delete and copy. The system is stored on a server. Alternatively, the system is stored on a user computer. The data comprises user data. Data knowledge is stored and utilized by the one or more policies. The data knowledge includes locations of the data. The system runs in the background of a computer. The one or more configurable policies and the one or more configurable schedules are configured by a user.
In another aspect, a system for managing user data comprises a graphical user interface for permitting user interaction, a set of utilities coupled to the graphical user interface for providing database management, synchronization and encryption, wherein the set of utilities perform one or more actions, one or more configurable policies for determining how to execute the set of utilities, wherein the set of utilities further comprise one or more selectable options and further wherein the policies utilize user data knowledge to locate the user data, further wherein the one or more configurable policies are configured utilizing the graphical user interface and one or more configurable schedules for determining when to execute the one or more policies, further wherein the one or more configurable schedules are configured utilizing the graphical user interface. The selectable options are selected from the group consisting of name, type, size, last accessed, when, how often and where. The one or more actions are selected from the group consisting of back up, archive, delete and copy. The system is stored on a server. Alternatively, the system is stored on a user computer. The system runs in the background of a computer. The one or more configurable policies and the one or more configurable schedules are configured by a user.
In yet another aspect, a method of managing data comprises storing information related to user data and implementing a set of data management utilities for managing and synchronizing the data based on one or more user-configurable policies using the information related to user data. A graphical user interface receives input from a user for generating and configuring the one or more policies. The method further comprises generating the one or more policies. One or more selectable options within the one or more policies are used to configure the one or more policies. The selectable options are selected from the group consisting of name, type, size, last accessed, action, when, how often and where. The action is selected from the group consisting of back up, archive, delete and copy. The set of data management utilities include database management and encryption. The method is implemented on a server. Alternatively, the method is implemented on a user computer. The information related to the user data includes locations of the user data. The method runs in the background of a computer.
In another aspect, a method of managing data comprises storing information related to locations of user data, generating one or more configurable policies, implementing a set of data management utilities based on the one or more policies, wherein the data management utilities include database management, synchronization and encryption. A graphical user interface receives input from a user for generating and configuring the one or more policies. One or more selectable options within the one or more policies are used to configure the one or more policies. The selectable options are from the group consisting of name, type, size, last accessed, action, when, how often and where. The action is from the group consisting of back up, archive, delete and copy. The method is implemented on a server. Alternatively, the method is implemented on a user computer. The method runs in the background of a computer. The one or more configurable policies are configured by a user.
Brief Description of the Drawings:
HG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the Data Manager, data sources and other managers of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary Graphical User Interface of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of utilizing the Data Manager.
FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary implementation of the Data Manager.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment:
A system and method for managing data is described herein. A Data Manager (DM) is an application that is able to be situated either on a server or a user computer system to provide capabilities of managing user data. The DM functions by locating user data and storing that knowledge of where the data is located. Preferably, only user data information is acquired and not applications or application software. It is recognized that applications are generally much larger and do not change as often as user data does, so applications do not need to be dealt with the same way user data does. Furthermore, applications are typically stored at a central location already and distributed to user computers, so there is no need to back them up again.
With the DM, a user is able to configure policies and schedules to manage the data. A Graphical User Interface (GUI) is provided for easy user interaction and to permit the user to generate, modify and remove the policies and schedules. The GUI permits non-computer savvy users to configure policies and schedules. Additionally, the DM is able to run in the background of the user computer or server to continuously monitor the system. Options within the policies and schedules include, but are not limited to determining actions to take with the data and when to take those actions. The actions taken include but are not limited to backing up the data, copying the data from one system to another, archiving the data, storing the data in a briefcase on the Internet and storing it on a network drive. Other information is needed for some actions, such as when archiving the data, determining where it is to be archived. In addition to being able to configure a policy as desired, a user is able to have multiple policies. Based on the policies designated, the DM also determines how accessible data is such as whether it is stored locally or archived.
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a DM 100, data sources 120 and other managers including configuration manager 130 and personality manager 132. The DM 100 comprises data knowledge 102, a Graphical User Interface (GUI) 104, a schedule/policy generator 102, and a number of utilities for managing data. The configuration manager 130 remembers which configurable components are to remain with the current system and which are portable as a user moves from device to device. For example, file locations, directory structures, application configurations, color schemes and favorites are able to travel with a user as he logs into his account with different devices. The configuration manger 130 also is device-aware, so that when a user switches from a device such as a personal computer to device such as a PDA, the configuration manager is able to make the proper conversions, so that the second device represents the data similarly to the first device. The personality manger 132 learns a users needs, wants, and desires. For example, the personality manager 132 is installed in a user's car's computing system. The computing system is also enabled to locate the nearest points of interest such as gas stations. If a user indicates he does not buy gas at Exxon stations for personal reasons, the personality manager 132 is able to remember that, so when gas stations are listed, Exxon will not be displayed.
The data knowledge 102 includes information regarding the user data that the DM 100 retrieves from the computer system. As users use the computer system, any additional data stored on the computer system is located by the DM 100, and that knowledge is then stored in the data knowledge 102. In some embodiments, the DM 100 continuously monitors, while in the background, for any user data files saved onto the system. In other embodiments, the DM 100 runs a search periodically to determine if any new data files exist.
The schedule/policy generator 106 allows a user to schedule when policies are to be implemented and what the policies include. In the preferred embodiment, the schedule and policy generators are the same component, but in other embodiments they are separate components yet they function together. When scheduling, a user is able to designate dates/times for events to occur. The scheduling is able to be extremely specific or very general. For example, a user is able to designate Thanksgiving Day as the day to back up all of the data and remove any unnecessary data in preparation for the rush of Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving and for the Christmas rush through December 25th. If a user desires a more generic schedule, the user is able to specify data management to occur every night at midnight since that is generally the time when the least amount of activity is going on. Furthermore, a mixture of specific and generic schedules are possible as well, so daily routines are performed and event specific management occurs as well.
A user is able to designate policies wherein certain data management actions occur at the scheduled times. Initially, the DM has default policy settings of what actions to take and when. Using the GUI 104, a user is able to modify the timing and actions taken. The actions include, but are not limited to, backing up, archiving and deleting data. The user is also able to set policies based on characteristics of the data where such characteristics include, for example, name, type, size and last modified/accessed.
In one example, where a user desires to back up his work data often because it is critically important, he is able to set a policy and schedule that performs a back up every hour. Furthermore, not all of the user's data is backed up, but only those critical files. Thus, for a user whose work is performed with Microsoft Word, all .doc files are backed up every hour. The same user also has music files, such as .mp3 files, stored locally which change as he downloads new songs. However, since those files are not as important, they are only backed up once per day at midnight so as to avoid interrupting the system while the user is working. If the user desires to archive the music files and remove them from his local system instead of backing them up, he is able to specify that as well.
A network administrator is also able to utilize the policies and schedules on a server. In another example, a network administrator has been asked by the company's president to help resolve an ongoing problem of employees using their work computers to download and store music and movie files, the most common of which have .mp3, .mpeg, .mpg, .avi, .mov and .rm extensions. The network administrator is able to access the company's server where the DM has been installed. The network administrator is then able to generate a policy with the DM where every night any files of the specified types are located on the user computers coupled to the server, and the files are deleted. In some embodiments, after the DM is installed on a server, it not only gathers information and functions on that server but also any device coupled to that server. The utilities for managing the user data include synchronization 108, encryption 110 and database management 112. Additionally, other utilities are able to be included as well. The synchronization utility 108 ensures that data is synchronized when it is copied to a different location. If desired, data is able to be encrypted by the encryption utility 110 as it is being transferred. For example, if a user wants to back up personal data on a network drive where the personal data includes credit card numbers and addresses, he does not want others to be able to steal that data while it travels over the network. The encryption utility 110 allows a secure transmission. Furthermore, if the user desires to keep the data encrypted while on the network drive so as to prevent a hacker from stealing the data if the drive is ever compromised, that is possible as well.
The database management utility 112 is able to understand what databases are and what type they are such as Microsoft® Access or Sequel. The database management utility 112 then uses a facility like open file management to handle the fact that the database is open, live and in transit. Volume Shadow copy Service (VSS) is also used to take snapshots of the file system. Other tools within the database management utility 112 are also available to ensure correct and efficient copying or other manipulations of the database.
The data sources 120 where the data is managed include, but are not limited to, local drives 122, network devices 124, synchronized folders 126 and archive drives 128. The local drives 122 are the standard computer hard drives containing the local file system. The local drives 122 are the fastest access to data generally since it is closest in proximity, in addition to the fact that retrieving data from a hard drive is generally faster than over a network or other attached drive. The network devices 124 are similar to other devices but they are accessed across a network. Depending on the speed of the network, retrieving data from the network devices 124 is relatively fast. The synchronized folders are mirrored copies of a local folder on a server which are then accessible by other computers coupled to that server. One example of such a technology is Novell's iFolder®. The archive drives 128 are drives where data that is accessed very rarely is stored. These drives generally have slow access times as they are built to store large amounts of data, but not necessarily provide access to it quickly.
Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary GUI 200 for interacting with the policy and scheduler. Using the GUI 200, a user has numerous options of how to configure the policy and schedule for data management. The options are able to be selected individually or together to specify a strict or broad policy. A "name" text box 202 allows a user to specify by name which data is included in the policy. The "name" text box 202 is useful if a user has been implementing a naming scheme for disparate types of files. For example, an engineer has been working on a project related to a new car radio design which utilizes wi-fi in addition to other features. The engineer has documentation written in Word, Powerpoint presentation files, drawings created using a photo editor and all of the software files for the project. Since these files have different types such as .doc, .ppt, .jpg, .c and .h, a policy based on file type would require more work than a name search such as "radio" assuming all of the files have that as part of the name. If on the other hand, a policy is needed to handle a specific type of file, such as all music files, then a "type" drop-down menu 204 is able to be used. Furthermore, typical drop-down menu rules apply so that multiple items are able to be selected with the proper key strokes. Hence, a user is able to select .mp3 and .wav, and all data files with those extensions are included in the policy. A user is also able to use a "size" drop-down menu 206 to specify that all files of a certain size are included within the policy. Coupled with greater than and less than check boxes, the policy is able to focus on only data files that fit the size requirements. For example, if a user only wants files that are larger than 5MB to be archived, the user is able to specify that by making the appropriate selections. Another feature that is able to be utilized for the policy is when the data was last modified/accessed using the drop-down menu 208. For example, a user is able to specify that data which has not been accessed for over 3 months is sent to an archive. Furthermore, a text box is able to be used instead of the drop-down menu 208 to specify an exact date.
A set of action radio buttons 210 are available to select which action the policy should take. As described above, a user is able to choose to have files that have not been accessed for a period of time archived. The user could alternatively choose to delete those files instead. Other actions include storing the data in a briefcase on the Internet or copying it to a network drive. A "when to take action" drop-down menu 212 allows a user to select when the policy should be implemented. Additional text boxes are able to be used to specify an exact date and time. For example, to avoid using system resources at peak hours, a user sets the policy to back up data at midnight. In addition to when actions are taken, how often is another option selectable by the user. A "how often" drop-down menu 214 provides users with options including once, daily, weekly, monthly and similar variations. So if a user only wants data to be backed up once a week, he is able to designate that option. A "where" text box and browse button 216 are available for a user to specify where the data is being sent. In some embodiments of the present invention, the data is sent to locations based on the action to be taken, for example all archived data is sent to drive X. However, to provide more flexibility, a user is able to designate or browse for a proper location for the data.
Another feature for making the interface simpler for users is a preset check box 218 and scroll bar 220 for selecting preset policies. The presets are able to vary greatly, but an example of presets include a minimum back up, a maximum back up and levels in between. The minimum backup only backs up essential files, for instance, all .doc files that have been accessed within a week and does it only monthly at midnight. The maximum backup backs, up all user data files and does it daily at midnight.
A default button 222 resets the user's settings and sets the fields to default settings that are predetermined. An OK button 224 is used to accept the user-defined policy and to initiate it, so that when the policy is supposed to function it is able to do so.
The exemplary GUI 200 of Figure 2 is not meant to limit the present invention in any way. Furthermore, it should be understood that although specific objects such as drop-down menus are used within the example, alternative embodiments include variations of similarly functioning objects. For example, instead of using a drop-down menu for selecting "how often" an action is taken, a set of check boxes is able to be used.
Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart of utilizing the DM. To utilize the present invention, after the DM is installed, the DM is initiated on a user computer or a server in the step 300. Once installed, the DM runs in the background and gathers knowledge about the user data including where the data is located, the file names, types, sizes and modified/accessed dates, in the step 302. The DM continues to gather knowledge until it is shut down, so that any modifications to the user data on the system are collected. In the step 304, a user generates one or more policies and schedules to manage the data. The user is also able to add, delete or modify the one or more policies and schedules within the step 304. With the policies and schedules, the user is able to designate when and what actions are to be taken. After the policies and schedules have been generated, the DM continues to run in the background and performs the specified tasks as scheduled, in the step 306. Users are able to further modify, add or delete policies and schedules to ensure the system functions efficiently and securely. The process continues unless the DM is shutdown in the step 308. If the DM is not shut down, further knowledge is gathered and utilities are executed as defined in the policies. In the step 310, if a user desires to modify a policy or schedule, he is able to do so.
Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary implementation of the DM. In this example, a policy has been defined to archive a specified database. In the step 400, the database is located, and its location is stored within the data knowledge. Then in the step 402, database management within the DM is initiated. The database management implements both the open File Management and VSS in the steps 404 and 406 to ensure the database is copied correctly. In the step 408, the data within the database is read, and then the data is synchronized in the step 410. The data is also encrypted in the step 412. The data is received at the archive drive where it is stored in the step 414. The example above is not meant to limit the invention in any way. Furthermore, the steps described above are able to be added, removed or modified as desired.
In operation, the DM provides a user with a GUI with numerous options to configure a policy and schedule within the DM as desired. Some of the options include the name of the file, the type of file, the size of the file, the date the file was last modified/accessed, the action to take, when to take the action, how often and where to take the action. Additionally, a user is able to specify an exact file, folder or drive to perform operations on, if desired. Furthermore, the user is able to make multiple selections in each category such as selecting music files - .mp3 and .wav. Multiple policies are able to be generated also, so that different levels of management are implemented. After the one or more policies are generated by the user using the GUI, one or more utilities implement the policies. The utilities provide database management, synchronization and encryption in addition to other desired functions. By using the DM, numerous operations are able to be automatically performed by being scheduled for execution.
The uses of the DM include, but are not limited to, backing up mission critical data from local hard drives to a storage location, synchronizing local data with a network device to allow others to access the data, archiving large data files that are not regularly used and copying multimedia files to Internet locations for sharing with others.
The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of principles of construction and operation of the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other various modifications may be made in the embodiment chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

C L A IM S What is claimed is:
1. A system for managing data comprising: a. a set of utilities for managing and synchronizing the data; and b. one or more configurable policies for determining how and when to execute the set of utilities.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a graphical user interface for receiving input from a user.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the one or more configurable policies permit selecting of one or more selectable options.
4. The system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the selectable options are selected from the group consisting of name, type, size, last accessed, action, when, how often and where.
5. The system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the action is selected from the group consisting of back up, archive, delete and copy.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the set of utilities further include database management and encryption.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the system is stored on a server.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the system is stored on a user computer.
9. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the data comprises user data.
10. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein data knowledge is stored and utilized by the one or more policies.
11. The system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the data knowledge includes locations of the data.
12. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the system runs in the background of a computer.
13. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the one or more configurable policies are configured by a user.
14. A system for managing data comprising: a. a set of utilities for providing: i. database management; ii. synchronization; and iii. encryption; b. one or more configurable policies for determining how to execute the set of utilities; and c. one or more configurable schedules for determining when to execute the one or more policies.
15. The system as claimed in claim 14 further comprising a graphical user interface for receiving input from a user.
16. The system as claimed in claim 14 further comprising one or more selectable options within the one or more policies wherein at least one of the options is selected.
17. The system as claimed in claim 16 wherein the selectable options are selected from the group consisting of name, type, size, last accessed, action, when, how often and where.
18. The system as claimed in claim 17 wherein the action is selected from the group consisting of back up, archive, delete and copy.
19. The system as claimed in claim 14 wherein the system is stored on a server.
20. The system as claimed in claim 14 wherein the system is stored on a user computer.
21. The system as claimed in claim 14 wherein the data comprises user data.
22. The system as claimed in claim 14 wherein data knowledge is stored and utilized by the one or more policies.
23. The system as claimed in claim 22 wherein the data knowledge includes locations of the data.
24. The system as claimed in claim 14 wherein the system runs in the background of a computer.
25. The system as claimed in claim 14 wherein the one or more configurable policies and the one or more configurable schedules are configured by a user.
26. A system for managing user data comprising: a. a graphical user interface for permitting user interaction; b. a set of utilities coupled to the graphical user interface for providing: i. database management; ii. synchronization; and iii. encryption, wherein the set of utilities perform one or more actions; c. one or more configurable policies for determining how to execute the set of utilities, wherein the set of utilities further comprise one or more selectable options and further wherein the policies utilize user data knowledge to locate the user data, further wherein the one or more configurable policies are configured utilizing the graphical user interface; and d. one or more configurable schedules for determining when to execute the one or more policies, further wherein the one or more configurable schedules are configured utilizing the graphical user interface.
27. The system as claimed in claim 26 wherein the selectable options are selected from the group consisting of name, type, size, last accessed, when, how often and where.
28. The system as claimed in claim 26 wherein the one or more actions are selected from the group consisting of back up, archive, delete and copy.
29. The system as claimed in claim 26 wherein the system is stored on a server.
30. The system as claimed in claim 26 wherein the system is stored on a user computer.
31. The system as claimed in claim 26 wherein the system runs in the background of a computer.
32. The system as claimed in claim 26 wherein the one or more configurable policies and the one or more configurable schedules are configured by a user.
33. A method of managing data comprising: a. storing information related to user data; and b. implementing a set of data management utilities for managing and synchronizing the data based on one or more user-configurable policies using the information related to user data.
34. The method as claimed in claim 33 wherein a graphical user interface receives input from a user for generating and configuring the one or more policies.
35. The method as claimed in claim 33 further comprising generating the one or more policies.
36. The method as claimed in claim 33 wherein one or more selectable options within the one or more policies are used to configure the one or more policies.
37. The method as claimed in claim 36 wherein the selectable options are selected from the group consisting of name, type, size, last accessed, action, when, how often and where.
38. The method as claimed in claim 37 wherein the action is selected from the group consisting of back up, archive, delete and copy.
39. The method as claimed in claim 33 wherein the set of data management utilities include database management and encryption.
40. The method as claimed in claim 33 wherein the method is implemented on a server.
41. The method as claimed in claim 33 wherein the method is implemented on a user computer.
42. The method as claimed in claim 41 wherein the information related to the user data includes locations of the user data.
43. The method as claimed in claim 33 wherein the method runs in the background of a computer.
44. A method of managing data comprising: a. storing information related to locations of user data; b. generating one or more configurable policies; c. implementing a set of data management utilities based on the one or more policies, wherein the data management utilities include: i. database management; ii. synchronization; and iii. encryption.
45. The method as claimed in claim 44 wherein a graphical user interface receives input from a user for generating and configuring the one or more policies.
46. The method as claimed in claim 44 wherein one or more selectable options within the one or more policies are used to configure the one or more policies.
47. The method as claimed in claim 46 wherein the selectable options are selected from the group consisting of name, type, size, last accessed, action, when, how often and where.
48. The method as claimed in claim 47 wherein the action is selected from the group consisting of back up, archive, delete and copy.
49. The method as claimed in claim 44 wherein the method is implemented on a server.
50. The method as claimed in claim 44 wherein the method is implemented on a user computer.
51. The method as claimed in claim 44 wherein the method runs in the background of a computer.
52. The method as claimed in claim 44 wherein the one or more configurable policies are configured by a user.
PCT/US2007/020547 2006-09-22 2007-09-21 A method of and apparatus for managing data utilizing configurable policies and schedules WO2008039394A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/525,471 2006-09-22
US11/525,471 US20080077622A1 (en) 2006-09-22 2006-09-22 Method of and apparatus for managing data utilizing configurable policies and schedules

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008039394A2 true WO2008039394A2 (en) 2008-04-03
WO2008039394A3 WO2008039394A3 (en) 2008-10-16

Family

ID=39226306

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2007/020547 WO2008039394A2 (en) 2006-09-22 2007-09-21 A method of and apparatus for managing data utilizing configurable policies and schedules

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20080077622A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2008039394A2 (en)

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012061255A2 (en) 2010-11-03 2012-05-10 Netapp,Inc. System and method for managing data policies on application objects
US8589323B2 (en) 2005-03-04 2013-11-19 Maxsp Corporation Computer hardware and software diagnostic and report system incorporating an expert system and agents
US8645515B2 (en) 2007-10-26 2014-02-04 Maxsp Corporation Environment manager
US8745171B1 (en) 2006-12-21 2014-06-03 Maxsp Corporation Warm standby appliance
US8761546B2 (en) 2007-10-26 2014-06-24 Maxsp Corporation Method of and system for enhanced data storage
US8812613B2 (en) 2004-06-03 2014-08-19 Maxsp Corporation Virtual application manager
US8811396B2 (en) 2006-05-24 2014-08-19 Maxsp Corporation System for and method of securing a network utilizing credentials
US8898319B2 (en) 2006-05-24 2014-11-25 Maxsp Corporation Applications and services as a bundle
US8977887B2 (en) 2007-10-26 2015-03-10 Maxsp Corporation Disaster recovery appliance
US9317506B2 (en) 2006-09-22 2016-04-19 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Accelerated data transfer using common prior data segments
US9357031B2 (en) 2004-06-03 2016-05-31 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Applications as a service

Families Citing this family (27)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7908339B2 (en) * 2004-06-03 2011-03-15 Maxsp Corporation Transaction based virtual file system optimized for high-latency network connections
US7664834B2 (en) * 2004-07-09 2010-02-16 Maxsp Corporation Distributed operating system management
US8234238B2 (en) * 2005-03-04 2012-07-31 Maxsp Corporation Computer hardware and software diagnostic and report system
US7512584B2 (en) 2005-03-04 2009-03-31 Maxsp Corporation Computer hardware and software diagnostic and report system
US7840514B2 (en) 2006-09-22 2010-11-23 Maxsp Corporation Secure virtual private network utilizing a diagnostics policy and diagnostics engine to establish a secure network connection
US8423821B1 (en) 2006-12-21 2013-04-16 Maxsp Corporation Virtual recovery server
TW200933484A (en) * 2008-01-17 2009-08-01 Wistron Corp Method and system for automated schedule control
US20100070466A1 (en) 2008-09-15 2010-03-18 Anand Prahlad Data transfer techniques within data storage devices, such as network attached storage performing data migration
US9244779B2 (en) 2010-09-30 2016-01-26 Commvault Systems, Inc. Data recovery operations, such as recovery from modified network data management protocol data
US9063787B2 (en) 2011-01-28 2015-06-23 Oracle International Corporation System and method for using cluster level quorum to prevent split brain scenario in a data grid cluster
US10706021B2 (en) 2012-01-17 2020-07-07 Oracle International Corporation System and method for supporting persistence partition discovery in a distributed data grid
EP2712450A4 (en) * 2012-03-30 2015-09-16 Commvault Systems Inc Informaton management of mobile device data
US9069799B2 (en) 2012-12-27 2015-06-30 Commvault Systems, Inc. Restoration of centralized data storage manager, such as data storage manager in a hierarchical data storage system
CN105027106B (en) * 2013-03-14 2018-03-27 英特尔公司 Data are managed in cloud computing environment using management metadata
GB2514568A (en) * 2013-05-29 2014-12-03 Push Button Recovery Ltd System to control backup migration and recovery of data and method of protection
GB2514569A (en) * 2013-05-29 2014-12-03 Push Button Recovery Ltd System to control backup migration and recovery of data
US10664495B2 (en) 2014-09-25 2020-05-26 Oracle International Corporation System and method for supporting data grid snapshot and federation
US9928144B2 (en) * 2015-03-30 2018-03-27 Commvault Systems, Inc. Storage management of data using an open-archive architecture, including streamlined access to primary data originally stored on network-attached storage and archived to secondary storage
US10585599B2 (en) 2015-07-01 2020-03-10 Oracle International Corporation System and method for distributed persistent store archival and retrieval in a distributed computing environment
US10798146B2 (en) 2015-07-01 2020-10-06 Oracle International Corporation System and method for universal timeout in a distributed computing environment
US10860378B2 (en) 2015-07-01 2020-12-08 Oracle International Corporation System and method for association aware executor service in a distributed computing environment
US11163498B2 (en) 2015-07-01 2021-11-02 Oracle International Corporation System and method for rare copy-on-write in a distributed computing environment
US10101913B2 (en) 2015-09-02 2018-10-16 Commvault Systems, Inc. Migrating data to disk without interrupting running backup operations
US11550820B2 (en) 2017-04-28 2023-01-10 Oracle International Corporation System and method for partition-scoped snapshot creation in a distributed data computing environment
US10769019B2 (en) 2017-07-19 2020-09-08 Oracle International Corporation System and method for data recovery in a distributed data computing environment implementing active persistence
US10862965B2 (en) 2017-10-01 2020-12-08 Oracle International Corporation System and method for topics implementation in a distributed data computing environment
US10742735B2 (en) 2017-12-12 2020-08-11 Commvault Systems, Inc. Enhanced network attached storage (NAS) services interfacing to cloud storage

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040201604A1 (en) * 2000-06-19 2004-10-14 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for developing and administering web applications and services from a workflow, enterprise, and mail-enabled web application server and platform

Family Cites Families (100)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4866635A (en) * 1987-10-19 1989-09-12 Carnegie Group Inc. Domain independent shell for building a diagnostic expert system
CA2166420C (en) * 1993-07-01 2006-03-28 James R. Woodhill System and method for distributed storage management on networked computer systems
US5602990A (en) * 1993-07-23 1997-02-11 Pyramid Technology Corporation Computer system diagnostic testing using hardware abstraction
US5835911A (en) * 1994-02-08 1998-11-10 Fujitsu Limited Software distribution and maintenance system and method
US5675723A (en) * 1995-05-19 1997-10-07 Compaq Computer Corporation Multi-server fault tolerance using in-band signalling
US5897635A (en) * 1995-06-07 1999-04-27 International Business Machines Corp. Single access to common user/application information
US5802364A (en) * 1996-04-15 1998-09-01 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Metadevice driver rename/exchange technique for a computer system incorporating a plurality of independent device drivers
US5787409A (en) * 1996-05-17 1998-07-28 International Business Machines Corporation Dynamic monitoring architecture
US6067582A (en) * 1996-08-13 2000-05-23 Angel Secure Networks, Inc. System for installing information related to a software application to a remote computer over a network
US6044381A (en) * 1997-09-11 2000-03-28 Puma Technology, Inc. Using distributed history files in synchronizing databases
US5950010A (en) * 1996-11-25 1999-09-07 J.D. Edwards World Source Co. System and method for customized application package building and installation
US6012152A (en) * 1996-11-27 2000-01-04 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) Software fault management system
EP1010076A1 (en) * 1996-11-27 2000-06-21 1Vision Software, L.L.C. File directory and file navigation system
US5933647A (en) * 1997-01-24 1999-08-03 Cognet Corporation System and method for software distribution and desktop management in a computer network environment
US6144959A (en) * 1997-08-18 2000-11-07 Novell, Inc. System and method for managing user accounts in a communication network
US6189101B1 (en) * 1997-10-24 2001-02-13 Richard G. Dusenbury, Jr. Secure network architecture method and apparatus
US6170065B1 (en) * 1997-11-14 2001-01-02 E-Parcel, Llc Automatic system for dynamic diagnosis and repair of computer configurations
US6694375B1 (en) * 1997-12-04 2004-02-17 British Telecommunications Public Limited Company Communications network and method having accessible directory of user profile data
US6339826B2 (en) * 1998-05-05 2002-01-15 International Business Machines Corp. Client-server system for maintaining a user desktop consistent with server application user access permissions
CA2332413A1 (en) * 1998-05-15 1999-11-25 Rick W. Landsman A technique for implementing browser-initiated network-distributed advertising and for interstitially displaying an advertisement
US6366986B1 (en) * 1998-06-30 2002-04-02 Emc Corporation Method and apparatus for differential backup in a computer storage system
US20020138640A1 (en) * 1998-07-22 2002-09-26 Uri Raz Apparatus and method for improving the delivery of software applications and associated data in web-based systems
US6314428B1 (en) * 1998-08-26 2001-11-06 International Business Machines Corporation Method and apparatus for application management in computer networks
US6366296B1 (en) * 1998-09-11 2002-04-02 Xerox Corporation Media browser using multimodal analysis
US6553375B1 (en) * 1998-11-25 2003-04-22 International Business Machines Corporation Method and apparatus for server based handheld application and database management
US6477531B1 (en) * 1998-12-18 2002-11-05 Motive Communications, Inc. Technical support chain automation with guided self-help capability using active content
US6459499B1 (en) * 1998-12-22 2002-10-01 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Push technology for network scanner
US6654801B2 (en) * 1999-01-04 2003-11-25 Cisco Technology, Inc. Remote system administration and seamless service integration of a data communication network management system
US6633782B1 (en) * 1999-02-22 2003-10-14 Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc. Diagnostic expert in a process control system
KR100382851B1 (en) * 1999-03-31 2003-05-09 인터내셔널 비지네스 머신즈 코포레이션 A method and apparatus for managing client computers in a distributed data processing system
US6378035B1 (en) * 1999-04-06 2002-04-23 Microsoft Corporation Streaming information appliance with buffer read and write synchronization
US6473794B1 (en) * 1999-05-27 2002-10-29 Accenture Llp System for establishing plan to test components of web based framework by displaying pictorial representation and conveying indicia coded components of existing network framework
US6536037B1 (en) * 1999-05-27 2003-03-18 Accenture Llp Identification of redundancies and omissions among components of a web based architecture
US8033913B2 (en) * 1999-06-03 2011-10-11 Igt Gaming machine update and mass storage management
US6578142B1 (en) * 1999-06-18 2003-06-10 Phoenix Technologies, Ltd. Method and apparatus for automatically installing and configuring software on a computer
US6349137B1 (en) * 1999-08-05 2002-02-19 Rockwell Electronic Commerce Corp. Apparatus and method for providing support software for an agent workstation of an automatic call distributor
US6282711B1 (en) * 1999-08-10 2001-08-28 Hewlett-Packard Company Method for more efficiently installing software components from a remote server source
US6556950B1 (en) * 1999-09-30 2003-04-29 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Diagnostic method and apparatus for use with enterprise control
US6751658B1 (en) * 1999-10-18 2004-06-15 Apple Computer, Inc. Providing a reliable operating system for clients of a net-booted environment
US6606744B1 (en) * 1999-11-22 2003-08-12 Accenture, Llp Providing collaborative installation management in a network-based supply chain environment
US6625651B1 (en) * 1999-11-30 2003-09-23 Accenture Llp On-line transaction control during activation of local telecommunication service
US6625754B1 (en) * 2000-03-16 2003-09-23 International Business Machines Corporation Automatic recovery of a corrupted boot image in a data processing system
US7032011B2 (en) * 2000-03-29 2006-04-18 Symantec Corporation Server based extraction, transfer, storage and processing of remote settings, files and data
US20020013827A1 (en) * 2000-05-18 2002-01-31 Edstrom Claes G.R. Personal service environment management apparatus and methods
JP2002056176A (en) * 2000-06-01 2002-02-20 Asgent Inc Method and device for structuring security policy and method and device for supporting security policy structuring
US6915343B1 (en) * 2000-06-22 2005-07-05 International Business Machines Corporation System and method of running diagnostic testing programs on a diagnostic adapter card and analyzing the results for diagnosing hardware and software problems on a network computer
US6941351B2 (en) * 2000-07-11 2005-09-06 Microsoft Corporation Application program caching
US6816462B1 (en) * 2000-08-02 2004-11-09 International Business Machines Corporation System and method to determine connectivity of a VPN secure tunnel
US6697852B1 (en) * 2000-08-17 2004-02-24 Siung Ryu Oneclick installation for client-server application package
US6757894B2 (en) * 2000-09-26 2004-06-29 Appstream, Inc. Preprocessed applications suitable for network streaming applications and method for producing same
US20020083183A1 (en) * 2000-11-06 2002-06-27 Sanjay Pujare Conventionally coded application conversion system for streamed delivery and execution
US6959320B2 (en) * 2000-11-06 2005-10-25 Endeavors Technology, Inc. Client-side performance optimization system for streamed applications
US6918113B2 (en) * 2000-11-06 2005-07-12 Endeavors Technology, Inc. Client installation and execution system for streamed applications
US20040236843A1 (en) * 2001-11-15 2004-11-25 Robert Wing Online diagnosing of computer hardware and software
WO2002044892A2 (en) * 2000-11-28 2002-06-06 4Thpass Inc. Method and system for maintaining and distributing wireless applications
US7024471B2 (en) * 2000-12-12 2006-04-04 International Business Machines Corporation Mechanism to dynamically update a windows system with user specific application enablement support from a heterogeneous server environment
US20020087625A1 (en) * 2001-01-04 2002-07-04 Kim Toll Sharing user profiles between processor-based systems
JP2002358245A (en) * 2001-06-01 2002-12-13 Toshiba It Solution Corp Backup system, backup method, program for backup, backup service providing system
US20020094868A1 (en) * 2001-01-16 2002-07-18 Alma Tuck Methods for interactive internet advertising, apparatuses and systems including same
US6718464B2 (en) * 2001-01-23 2004-04-06 International Business Machines Corporation Method and system for customizing a client computer system configuration for a current user using BIOS settings downloaded from a server
US7136912B2 (en) * 2001-02-08 2006-11-14 Solid Information Technology Oy Method and system for data management
US7298734B2 (en) * 2001-03-05 2007-11-20 Qwest Communications International, Inc. Method and system communication system message processing based on classification criteria
US6741996B1 (en) * 2001-04-18 2004-05-25 Microsoft Corporation Managing user clips
US20030078960A1 (en) * 2001-04-30 2003-04-24 Murren Brian T. Architecture and process for creating software applications for multiple domains
US20020188941A1 (en) * 2001-06-12 2002-12-12 International Business Machines Corporation Efficient installation of software packages
US7320011B2 (en) * 2001-06-15 2008-01-15 Nokia Corporation Selecting data for synchronization and for software configuration
JP2003025698A (en) * 2001-07-13 2003-01-29 Fujitsu Ltd Electronic unit, and method for judging compatibility of version between the electronic unit and other unit
US6978398B2 (en) * 2001-08-15 2005-12-20 International Business Machines Corporation Method and system for proactively reducing the outage time of a computer system
US20030037328A1 (en) * 2001-08-15 2003-02-20 International Business Machines Corporation Extending installation suites to include topology of suite's run-time environment
US7197550B2 (en) * 2001-08-23 2007-03-27 The Directv Group, Inc. Automated configuration of a virtual private network
US7111055B2 (en) * 2001-08-30 2006-09-19 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Method and apparatus to facilitate automated software installation on remote computers over a network
US7035944B2 (en) * 2001-09-19 2006-04-25 International Business Machines Corporation Programmatic management of software resources in a content framework environment
CA2404552C (en) * 2001-09-21 2008-12-09 Corel Corporation System and method for secure communication
US8126722B2 (en) * 2001-12-20 2012-02-28 Verizon Business Global Llc Application infrastructure platform (AIP)
US7895643B2 (en) * 2002-03-16 2011-02-22 Trustedflow Systems, Inc. Secure logic interlocking
US20030191730A1 (en) * 2002-04-05 2003-10-09 Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.P. Unobtrusive rule-based computer usage enhancement system
US20030204562A1 (en) * 2002-04-29 2003-10-30 Gwan-Hwan Hwang System and process for roaming thin clients in a wide area network with transparent working environment
US20030233493A1 (en) * 2002-06-15 2003-12-18 Boldon John L. Firmware installation methods and apparatus
US20040010716A1 (en) * 2002-07-11 2004-01-15 International Business Machines Corporation Apparatus and method for monitoring the health of systems management software components in an enterprise
US7107349B2 (en) * 2002-09-30 2006-09-12 Danger, Inc. System and method for disabling and providing a notification for a data processing device
US20040093492A1 (en) * 2002-11-13 2004-05-13 Olivier Daude Virtual private network management with certificates
US7353533B2 (en) * 2002-12-18 2008-04-01 Novell, Inc. Administration of protection of data accessible by a mobile device
WO2005001646A2 (en) * 2003-06-25 2005-01-06 Arkivio, Inc. Techniques for performing policy automated operations
US20050060281A1 (en) * 2003-07-31 2005-03-17 Tim Bucher Rule-based content management system
US7093089B2 (en) * 2003-08-18 2006-08-15 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, Lp. Systems and methods for storing data on computer systems
US20050144218A1 (en) * 2003-11-25 2005-06-30 Heintz Timothy J. Extendible software platform for the construction and deployment of intelligent agents
US20050149729A1 (en) * 2003-12-24 2005-07-07 Zimmer Vincent J. Method to support XML-based security and key management services in a pre-boot execution environment
US7627617B2 (en) * 2004-02-11 2009-12-01 Storage Technology Corporation Clustered hierarchical file services
US20050216524A1 (en) * 2004-03-23 2005-09-29 Integrated Data Corporation Smart and selective synchronization between databases in a document management system
US7330997B1 (en) * 2004-06-03 2008-02-12 Gary Odom Selective reciprocal backup
US20050283606A1 (en) * 2004-06-22 2005-12-22 Williams Mitchell A Selecting a boot image
US7669240B2 (en) * 2004-07-22 2010-02-23 International Business Machines Corporation Apparatus, method and program to detect and control deleterious code (virus) in computer network
US20060106896A1 (en) * 2004-11-12 2006-05-18 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for creating list of backup files based upon program properties
US20060143709A1 (en) * 2004-12-27 2006-06-29 Raytheon Company Network intrusion prevention
US7788303B2 (en) * 2005-10-21 2010-08-31 Isilon Systems, Inc. Systems and methods for distributed system scanning
US20070118804A1 (en) * 2005-11-16 2007-05-24 Microsoft Corporation Interaction model assessment, storage and distribution
US7685330B2 (en) * 2006-03-09 2010-03-23 International Business Machines Corporation Method for efficient determination of memory copy versus registration in direct access environments
US7860825B2 (en) * 2006-05-08 2010-12-28 Palm, Inc. Method for synchronizing software application and user data for asynchronous client-server and peer to peer computer networks
US20080034019A1 (en) * 2006-08-04 2008-02-07 Pavel Cisler System for multi-device electronic backup
US9317506B2 (en) * 2006-09-22 2016-04-19 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Accelerated data transfer using common prior data segments

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040201604A1 (en) * 2000-06-19 2004-10-14 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for developing and administering web applications and services from a workflow, enterprise, and mail-enabled web application server and platform

Cited By (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8812613B2 (en) 2004-06-03 2014-08-19 Maxsp Corporation Virtual application manager
US9569194B2 (en) 2004-06-03 2017-02-14 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Virtual application manager
US9357031B2 (en) 2004-06-03 2016-05-31 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Applications as a service
US8589323B2 (en) 2005-03-04 2013-11-19 Maxsp Corporation Computer hardware and software diagnostic and report system incorporating an expert system and agents
US9160735B2 (en) 2006-05-24 2015-10-13 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc System for and method of securing a network utilizing credentials
US9584480B2 (en) 2006-05-24 2017-02-28 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc System for and method of securing a network utilizing credentials
US8811396B2 (en) 2006-05-24 2014-08-19 Maxsp Corporation System for and method of securing a network utilizing credentials
US8898319B2 (en) 2006-05-24 2014-11-25 Maxsp Corporation Applications and services as a bundle
US10511495B2 (en) 2006-05-24 2019-12-17 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Applications and services as a bundle
US9906418B2 (en) 2006-05-24 2018-02-27 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Applications and services as a bundle
US9893961B2 (en) 2006-05-24 2018-02-13 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Applications and services as a bundle
US9317506B2 (en) 2006-09-22 2016-04-19 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Accelerated data transfer using common prior data segments
US8745171B1 (en) 2006-12-21 2014-06-03 Maxsp Corporation Warm standby appliance
US9645900B2 (en) 2006-12-21 2017-05-09 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Warm standby appliance
US9448858B2 (en) 2007-10-26 2016-09-20 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Environment manager
US8645515B2 (en) 2007-10-26 2014-02-04 Maxsp Corporation Environment manager
US8761546B2 (en) 2007-10-26 2014-06-24 Maxsp Corporation Method of and system for enhanced data storage
US9092374B2 (en) 2007-10-26 2015-07-28 Maxsp Corporation Method of and system for enhanced data storage
US8977887B2 (en) 2007-10-26 2015-03-10 Maxsp Corporation Disaster recovery appliance
EP2635970A4 (en) * 2010-11-03 2017-07-05 NetApp, Inc. System and method for managing data policies on application objects
WO2012061255A2 (en) 2010-11-03 2012-05-10 Netapp,Inc. System and method for managing data policies on application objects

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2008039394A3 (en) 2008-10-16
US20080077622A1 (en) 2008-03-27

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20080077622A1 (en) Method of and apparatus for managing data utilizing configurable policies and schedules
US10725868B2 (en) Data mining systems and methods for heterogeneous data sources
US11003626B2 (en) Creating secondary copies of data based on searches for content
US10372672B2 (en) Auto summarization of content
US9654417B2 (en) Methods and systems for managing bandwidth usage among a plurality of client devices
EP1344156B1 (en) Virtual storage system and method
US8433732B2 (en) System and method for storing data and accessing stored data
US8352430B1 (en) File storage system to support high data rates
US8386430B1 (en) File storage method to support data recovery in the event of a memory failure
US8140480B1 (en) Off-host cataloging of backup information
AGENT Features-Domino Mailbox Archiver Agent

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 07838699

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 07838699

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2