Generating storage reports using volume snapshots
US7548939B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 15, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jun 16, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 4, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S707/99954
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Described is a method and system by which storage reports are generated from a volume snapshot set, rather than from a live volume. A volume snapshot set includes a representation or copy of a volume at a single point in time. By scanning the snapshot, a consistent file system image is obtained. Scanning may take place by enumerating a volume's directories of files, or, when available, by accessing a file system metadata of file information (e.g., a master file table) separately maintained on the volume. With some (e.g., hardware-based) snapshot technologies, the snapshot can be transported to another computing system for scanning by that other computing system, thereby avoiding burdening a live system's resources when scanning. Accurate and consistent storage reports are thus obtained at a single point in time, independent of the number of volumes being scanned.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.