JP2014021691A - Data backup device, data backup method and program of data backup - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To backup at a low cost and remotely without causing deterioration of operation performance.SOLUTION: The data backup device comprises: an operation storage 12 for storing operation data; a remote storage 14 that stores the operation data in a remote location over a wide area network 18; and a controller 10 that controls transmission processing for a backup of the operation data, and a stand-by storage 16 performing backup processing faster than performing the backup processing to the remote storage 14 is further installed at the operation storage 12. The controller 10 comprises: a transfer control part 20 that transfers backup object data (operation data) to the remote storage 14 when starting the backup processing until a target end time; an end time judgement part 22 that judges whether or not the backup processing to the remote storage 14 is completed until the target end time; and a change-over control part 24 that transfers the object data to the stand-by storage 16 when it is judged that the backup processing thereto is not completed until the target end time.

Description

  The present invention relates to a data backup device, a data backup method, and a program thereof, and more particularly to a data backup device, a data backup method, and a program thereof for backing up important business data to a remote place.

  Since important data stored in a data center or the like cannot be lost even in the event of a disaster, the loss of data must be effectively prevented. One of the countermeasures against data loss is a method of backing up data in advance to a remote location that is not affected by the same disaster.

However, this remote backup has problems such as the stability of the data capacity of the communication network, it is difficult to predict the time required for data backup, there is a possibility of adverse effects on business, and the cost burden is high. .
First, in order to assume the processing time required for data backup, the amount of data to be backed up and the transmission speed are required. When backing up the difference from the data backed up on the previous day, the amount of difference data must be estimated, but the amount of difference fluctuates from day to day, so it is difficult to accurately estimate the capacity of this difference data in advance. It is.

  Also, regarding the transmission speed, the usage fee for wide area networks used for data transmission to remote locations is high, so low-speed lines are used, and low-cost best-effort services ( When a service whose transmission bandwidth is not guaranteed is used, or when backup data and data for other purposes are used together, the transmission speed becomes unstable, and the possibility that the transmission speed changes with time increases. For this reason, it is often difficult to accurately estimate the transmission rate in advance.

As a general prior art, there is a remote location backup method and a method using both remote location and in-device backup.
These prior arts will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the storage for storing data used directly for business is the business storage 62, the remote backup storage is the remote storage 64, and it is deployed in the business device to which the business storage 62 belongs and is attached to the business storage. The backup storage is designated as spare storage 66.

  In the remote location backup method, as shown in FIG. 11A, business data stored in the business storage 62 is backed up to a remote storage 64 at a remote location. For example, the business data is backed up by copying the business data in the business storage 62 in Tokyo to the remote storage 64 in the remote Osaka. Business data in Tokyo is in use during business hours. Copying business data that is in use will adversely affect the performance of business data when it is used, that is, business performance. For this reason, this backup is performed during non-business hours when business data is not used.

This remote location backup method has the following problems.
(1) If backup performed outside business hours (usually at night) is not completed within the expected end time, business performance will be adversely affected.
(2) It is difficult to estimate the data backup time due to the amount of data and the communication speed of the communication line.

As for the remote location and in-device backup method, as shown in FIG. 11B, the backup method using both the remote location and the spare storage in the device is a two-stage copy backup.
As a first step, data in the business storage 62 storing business data in Tokyo is copied to the spare storage 66 in the same device during non-business hours. As a second stage, the copy data stored in the spare storage 66 in Tokyo is copied to the remote storage 64 in Osaka at a remote location during business hours.

  In the remote location and in-device backup method, backup is performed by copying in the first stage device and copying to the remote location in the second stage. Business data in Tokyo is in use during business hours. Copying business data that is in use will adversely affect performance when business data is used, that is, business performance. Therefore, the first-stage backup is performed during non-business hours when business data is not used.

  This first stage backup is a copy of the data in the same device. Using a high-speed transmission path inside the apparatus, it is possible to complete data copying in a short time. In addition, since the transmission speed of the transmission path inside the apparatus is stable, it is easier to estimate the backup time for the first stage than for remote location backup.

In the second stage backup, the copy data in Tokyo is copied to remote Osaka, so the business data in Tokyo is not copied. For this reason, since the backup at the second stage does not adversely affect the business performance, the backup can be performed even during business hours.
This solves the above-described problem with the remote backup method. However, a backup storage for in-device backup at the first stage is required, and the cost for installing this hardware resource is required.

Further, the following technical documents 1 to 3 are known as related technologies using a storage for data backup.
Patent Document 1 discloses a method for controlling backup in consideration of the estimation of the backup time and the priority order of the backup target in response to the problem of completing the nightly backup by the start of user operations in the morning. Yes. This Patent Document 1 discloses a method of selecting a file that can be processed in accordance with the priority order when it is determined that the backup of the target file is not completed within a specified time.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a technique of providing a cache disk on the master side for the purpose of improving copy response performance on the master side during remote backup. The method described in Patent Document 2 is the same as the two-stage copying method shown in FIG.

  Further, Patent Document 3 discloses a method for completing backup within a target time using a plurality of types of media having different performances for the purpose of performing backup within a limited time during business stoppage. This patent document 3 discloses a method of calculating a difference data writing time that differs for each medium from the performance and data amount of the medium and notifying an administrator who performs a backup operation.

JP 2004-318810 A JP 2006-155202 A JP 2011-170475 A

  However, the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 to 3 and the technology combining these have the disadvantage that remote backup cannot be realized at low cost.

(Object of invention)
The present invention provides a data backup device, a data backup method, and a program thereof capable of effectively reducing the cost required for data backup by remote storage without causing adverse effects on the operational performance of business storage. Is the purpose.

In order to achieve the above object, a data backup device according to the present invention includes a business storage for storing business data, a remote storage for receiving the stored business data via a wide area network and storing it at a remote location, A controller that controls each operation of the storage processing and transmission processing of business data,
In addition to the business storage, a spare storage that performs backup processing at a higher speed than data backup processing to the remote storage,
A transfer control unit for transferring the business data as backup target data to the remote storage when the controller starts backup transmission processing up to a predetermined target end time; and An end time determination unit that determines whether or not the transmission process for backup to the remote storage ends; and the remote storage when it is determined that the transmission process for backup to the remote storage does not end by the target end time And a switching control unit that transfers the target data after the cancellation to the spare storage.

In order to achieve the above object, a data backup method according to the present invention includes a business storage that stores business data, a remote storage that receives business data stored in the storage via a wide area network, and stores the business data in a remote location. And a controller for controlling each operation of the storage processing and transmission processing of the business data, and the business storage is provided with a spare storage for performing backup processing at a higher speed than the data backup processing to the remote storage. A data backup method for performing data backup processing using a data backup device,
When starting the transmission process for backup up to a predetermined target end time, the transfer control unit of the controller executes the preparation for transferring the backup target data in the business storage to the remote storage,
Next, an end time determination unit of the controller determines whether or not the transmission processing for backup to the remote storage is completed by the target end time,
When it is determined that the backup to the remote storage is not completed by the target end time, the switching control unit of the controller stops the transfer to the remote storage and transfers the target data after the suspension to the spare storage. It is made to transfer.

In order to achieve the above object, a data backup program according to the present invention includes a business storage for storing business data, and a remote storage for receiving business data stored in the storage via a wide area network and storing it at a remote location. And a controller that controls each operation of the storage processing and transmission processing of the business data, and the business storage is provided with a spare storage that performs backup processing faster than data backup processing to the remote storage A data backup device comprising:
A transfer control function for transferring backup target data in the business storage to the remote storage when starting a backup transmission process up to a predetermined target end time;
An end time determination function for determining in advance whether or not the transmission processing for backup to the remote storage ends by the target end time;
And switching to stop the transfer to the remote storage and transfer the target data after the suspension to the spare storage when it is determined that the backup transmission processing to the remote storage does not finish by the target end time Provide a control function,
Each of these functions is realized by a computer provided in the controller.

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, according to this, the business storage is released from the backup processing by the target end time by using the spare storage even if the transmission speed is low. In addition, since the spare storage capacity can be reduced, the cost required for remote backup can be reduced, and the above-described prior art superior data backup device, data backup method, and program therefor Can be provided.

It is a block diagram which shows 1st Embodiment in the data backup apparatus of this invention. It is a lock figure which shows the outline | summary of a structure of 1st Embodiment disclosed in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the correspondence of the remote storage and backup storage in 1st Embodiment disclosed in FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information processing by a controller when switching remote storage to spare storage in the first embodiment disclosed in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the specific structural example of the controller in 1st Embodiment disclosed in FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information processing when calculating an assumed end time by the controller disclosed in FIG. 5. It is a block diagram which shows the specific example of the outline | summary of a structure of 1st Embodiment disclosed in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a state which transfers data at low speed at night with the structure shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state example when switching to a spare storage when it is determined that the target end time is not met in the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a state in the case where backup data is transmitted from a backup storage to a remote storage during business hours in the configuration example shown in FIG. FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing examples of related related technologies. FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between business storage on one side and remote storage on the other side, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the correspondence of the backup storage attached to the storage, and the remote storage of the other side.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the point drawings.
First, the basic configuration content of the present embodiment will be described, and then the specific content will be described in detail.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the data backup apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment includes a business storage 12 that stores business data, and a remote that stores the stored business data at a remote location via a wide area network 18. A storage 14 and a controller 10 that controls each operation of the storage processing and transmission processing of the business data are provided. Further, the business storage 12 is provided with a spare storage 16 for performing backup processing at a higher speed than data backup processing to the remote storage 14.

  The controller 10 transfers the business data as backup target data to the remote storage 14 when starting backup transmission processing up to a predetermined target end time, and the target An end time determination unit 22 that determines whether or not the backup transmission process to the remote storage 14 is completed by the end time, and the backup transmission process to the remote storage 14 is not completed by the target end time. A switching control unit 24 that, when determined, stops the transfer to the remote storage 14 and transfers the target data after the stop to the spare storage 16.

  Therefore, according to this, it is possible to release the business storage 12 from the backup processing load by the backup end time while reducing the cost by reducing the speed of the wide area network 18 and minimizing the capacity of the spare storage 16. .

The controller 10 described above calculates the expected end time of the transfer at regular intervals using the data amount of the target data and the transmission speed of the wide area network 18 after the transfer of the target data to the remote storage 14 is started. A prediction calculation unit 26 is provided. Then, the above-described end time determination unit 22 determines that the backup transmission process to the remote storage 14 does not end by the target end time when the assumed end time exceeds the target end time. A function 22a is provided.
Therefore, according to this, since the backup can be completed within the target end time and the amount of data stored in the vicinity can be minimized, the spare storage 16 has a small capacity, and the business performance is reduced while reducing the cost. Remote backup that does not worsen

  Further, the switching control unit 24 described above transfers the target data stored in the spare storage 16 as the target data after the suspension to the remote storage 14 via the wide area network 18 after the backup processing to the spare storage 16 is completed. A restart control function 24a is provided.

  Thereby, after storing in the spare storage 16, the transfer from the spare storage 16 to the remote storage 14 does not cause a load on the business storage 12, so that the backup to the remote storage 14 is completed without causing a load on the business. be able to.

  In addition, the controller 10 described above monitors the transmission speed of the wide area network 18 after starting the transfer of the target data to the remote storage 14, and sends information on the transmission speed obtained by this monitoring to the prediction calculation section 26. A transmission rate monitoring unit 28 is provided. Therefore, by making it possible to cope with dynamic changes in transmission speed, it is possible to employ a best-effort wide-area network 18, thereby realizing remote backup that does not deteriorate business performance while reducing communication costs. be able to.

Further, the prediction calculation unit 26 described above includes a dynamic prediction function 26 a that calculates the assumed end time using the transmission rate immediately before being monitored by the transmission rate monitoring unit 28.
For this reason, this makes it possible to calculate the assumed end time when the current transmission rate continues.

The controller 10 further includes a transmission rate table ST that holds the transmission rates monitored by the transmission rate monitoring unit 28 in time series. Further, the above-mentioned prediction calculation unit 26 has a speed prediction function 26b for calculating an expected transmission speed up to the target end time by statistical processing using a plurality of transmission speeds held in the transmission speed table ST, and this prediction function 26b. And a statistical prediction function 26c for calculating the estimated end time using the transmission rate.
Therefore, according to this, it is possible to improve the calculation accuracy of the assumed end time in response to a dynamic and unstable transmission rate change.

Further, the switching control unit 24 described above has a speed change function 24b for changing the transmission speed of the wide area network 18 at a high speed when it is determined that the backup to the remote storage 14 does not end by the target end time. I have.
As a result, when the transmission speed of the wide area network 18 can be changed, the communication speed is reduced at a normal speed, and only when it is necessary according to the determination result of whether or not it is expected to end by the target end time. It is possible to secure a high-cost and high-speed transmission rate.

This will be described in detail below.
In the present embodiment, the data backup device 101 includes the controller 10, the business storage 12, the remote storage 14, and the spare storage 16, as described above.

  The business storage 12 stores business data to be backed up. The remote storage 14 stores business data remotely via the wide area network 18. The spare storage 16 is provided along with the remote storage 14 and backs up at a higher speed than the backup to the remote storage 14.

The controller 10 controls the operation of each component when backup of business data is transmitted. As described above, the controller 10 includes the transfer control unit 20, the end time determination unit 22, and the switching control unit 24.
The transfer control unit 20 causes the backup target data in the business storage 12 to be transferred to the remote storage 14 when starting backup up to a predetermined target end time. The target end time is, for example, the next work start time or a certain time before that. The backup target data is, for example, differential data from the previous backup.

  The end time determination unit 22 determines whether the backup to the remote storage 14 is completed by the target end time. The end determination unit 22 calculates the estimated end time at which the backup ends from the capacity of the target data to be backed up and the transmission speed of the wide area network 18 and compares it with the target end time. It can be determined whether or not the backup is completed.

  The end determination unit 22 calculates the estimated end time only when the backup target exceeds the normal data amount or the transmission rate is lower than normal, and the data amount is less than the normal data amount and the transmission rate is normal. If it is faster than the data transmission rate, it may be determined that it is within the target end time without any calculation.

  When it is determined that the backup to the remote storage 14 is not completed by the target end time, the switching control unit 24 stops the transfer to the remote storage 14 and transfers the target data after the cancellation to the spare storage 16. Let For this reason, by storing the remaining backup target data in the spare storage 16 using the time from the time when it is determined not to end before the target end time to the target end time, the business storage 12 is stored after the target end time. It is possible to avoid the occurrence of the situation of using for backup.

  In this embodiment, not all the backup target data is stored in the spare storage 16, but the remaining backup target data is stored in the spare storage 16 only when it is determined that the target end time is not met. The storage 16 can have a small capacity.

Further, even when it is determined not to end by the target end time, the backup can be ended by the target end time by using the spare storage 16.
As described above, while the spare storage 16 provides a margin for backup control, it is not necessary to provide a margin for the transmission speed of the wide area network 18. Accordingly, the wide area network 18 is made faster than the normal use, and the backup is made in time without stabilizing the speed, and the business performance is not further deteriorated. Therefore, the wide area network 18 can be made an inexpensive contract.

  In this embodiment, by providing this configuration, the wide area network 18 is slowed down, the capacity of the spare storage 16 is minimized, and the cost is reduced, and the backup is completed by the backup target end time, and after the target end time. Can release the business storage 12 from the backup processing load. The same applies to the backup method and the backup program.

  The prediction calculation unit 26 described above calculates the expected end time of the transfer at regular intervals using the data amount of the target data and the transmission speed of the wide area network 18 after the transfer of the target data to the remote storage 14 is started. . The fixed time is frequently set in an example in which the transmission speed of the wide area network 18 changes greatly, and is set to, for example, several tens of minutes in an example in which the transmission rate does not change greatly.

  The comparison determination function 22a of the end time determination unit 22 determines that the backup to the remote storage 14 does not end by the target end time when the estimated end time exceeds the target end time. For this reason, the end time determination unit 22 can automatically and mechanically determine whether or not to end. Thereby, in the present embodiment, the amount of data stored in the spare storage 16 can be minimized while the backup is completed within the target end time.

  In a preferred example, the switching control unit 24 may include a restart control function 24a. The resumption control function 24a transfers the target data stored in the spare storage 16 to the remote storage 14 as the target data after the suspension via the wide area network 18 after the backup to the spare storage 16 is completed.

  The target data stored in the spare storage 16 after the backup to the remote storage 14 is canceled is immediately backed up to the remote storage 14 by the resume control function 24a after the backup to the spare storage 16 is completed. That is, the backup to the remote storage 14 at a low speed is resumed.

  When the storage of the target data in the spare storage 16 is completed, the business storage 12 is released from the backup control. The transfer of the target data from the spare storage 16 to the remote storage 14 does not deteriorate the performance of the business storage 12 even during the business hours after the target end time. For this reason, the restart control function 24a can complete the backup from the backup storage 16 to the remote storage 14 while avoiding performance degradation regardless of the target end time.

Referring to FIG. 2, in this embodiment, a low-speed transmission path 40 is used between the business storage 12 and the remote storage 14, and a high-speed transmission path 42 is used between the business storage 12 and the backup storage 16. . The high-speed transmission line 42 does not add a special new hardware resource, but only uses the hardware resource originally possessed by the business device (the business device 52) including the business storage 12, The high-speed transmission line 42 can be used.
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the transmission path including the wide area network 18 between the business storage 12 and the remote storage 14 can be the low-speed transmission path 40. The cost of the network with the storage 14 can be greatly reduced.

(Operation during remote backup)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, an example of remote backup in which business data in Tokyo is copied to remote Osaka in non-business hours (usually at night) will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in this embodiment, backup is performed from the business storage 12 to the remote storage 14 by the low-speed transmission path 40 during non-business hours (FIG. 4: steps S1 to S4).

  When it is determined that the remote backup is not completed before the business hours (before the target end time), the remaining backup data that could not be transmitted to the remote storage 14 is stored in the spare storage 16 in the business device 52. (FIG. 4: Steps S5 to S8). Since the backup to the backup storage 16 can be reduced to a small amount of data that has not been backed up, the cost can be reduced as compared with the remote location and in-device backup method shown in FIG.

  The backup data stored in the spare storage 16 is transmitted to the remote storage 14 even during business hours. At this time, no load is applied to the business storage 12, so that the business performance is not deteriorated.

  Referring to FIG. 4, in specific information processing, the host device 50 normally uses the business storage 12 during business hours (FIG. 4: step S1). When the business hours end (FIG. 4: step S2), the controller 10 of the backup device 101 acquires the target end time of the backup end (FIG. 4: step S3). The target end time is time or period data, for example, a time earlier than a next business start time by a predetermined period.

  Subsequently, backup to the remote storage 14 is started (FIG. 4: step S4). If the backup has not ended, the estimated end time is periodically calculated (FIG. 4: step S6). The assumed end time can be calculated from the amount of data to be backed up and the transmission time, for example. When it can be determined that the backup is completed within the target time (step S7), the backup to the remote storage 14 is continued (FIG. 4: step S4).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the process does not end within the target time (FIG. 4: Step S7), for example, when the estimated end time is later than the target end time, backup to the remote storage 14 is performed. Cancel and switch to backup to the spare storage 16 (FIG. 4: step S8). After switching to the backup to the spare storage 16, the backup to the spare storage 16 is continued, and after the backup to the spare storage 16 is completed (FIG. 4: step S9), the backup from the spare storage 16 to the remote storage 14 is performed (see FIG. 4). 4: Step S10), the process ends.

  In step S7, the answer becomes yes and the backup to the remote storage 14 is continued. When the entire backup data is transferred to the remote storage 14, the backup is completed (FIG. 4: step S5), and the processing is completed.

(Best effort correspondence)
FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the data backup apparatus 101 suitable for the best effort type transmission path. In addition to the configuration example shown in FIG. 5, the data backup apparatus 101 further includes a transmission rate monitoring unit 28 and a transmission rate table ST.
Further, the above-described prediction calculation unit 26 includes a dynamic prediction function 26a, a speed prediction function 26b, and a statistical prediction function 26c. Further, the switching control unit 24 includes a speed changing function 24b. Further, the controller 10 may include an operation management unit 30 and an operation table WT.
This will be described in order.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the controller 10 includes a transmission rate monitoring unit 28. The transmission rate monitoring unit 28 monitors the transmission rate of the wide area network 18 after the transfer of the target data to the remote storage 14 is started, and sends the monitoring result (speed information on the transmission rate) to the prediction calculation unit 26. As a result, it is possible to cope with a dynamic change in transmission speed, and therefore, the best effort wide area network 18 can be used. Communication costs can be reduced by adapting to this best effort type.

  In addition, the prediction calculation unit 26 includes a dynamic prediction function 26 a that calculates an assumed end time using the immediately preceding transmission rate monitored by the transmission rate monitoring unit 28. With this dynamic prediction function 26a, it is possible to calculate an assumed end time when the current transmission rate continues.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, as described above, the controller 10 includes the transmission rate table ST, and the prediction calculation unit 26 includes the rate prediction function 26 b and the statistical prediction function 26 c.
The transmission rate table ST holds the transmission rates monitored by the transmission rate monitoring unit 28 in time series. For example, the monitoring (measurement) date and time and the transmission rate at that date are recorded in units such as bit / s.

The speed prediction function 26b calculates an expected transmission speed up to the target end time by statistical processing using a plurality of transmission speeds held in the transmission speed table ST. The value of the expected transmission rate by the statistical processing is, for example, a value obtained by arranging an average value, a median value, and a probability distribution for each probability category.
Then, the statistical prediction function 26c calculates the assumed end time using the predicted transmission rate. The estimated end time can be obtained by dividing the data amount by this transmission rate.

  The prediction calculation unit 26 calculates the estimated end time by statistical processing, so that even if the transmission speed of the wide area network 18 is dynamic and unstable, the calculation accuracy of the estimated end time is improved corresponding to the change. be able to.

  In the embodiment in which the transmission speed can be selected, the switching control unit 24 may include a speed changing function 24b. The speed change function 24b changes the transmission speed of the wide area network 18 at a high speed when it is determined that the backup to the remote storage 14 does not end by the target end time. As a result, the communication cost can be reduced at a low speed during normal times, and the transmission speed can be ensured only when necessary.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of measurement and information processing necessary for calculation processing of an assumed end time (FIG. 4: step S6) when the best effort type wide area network 18 is adopted. The transmission rate monitoring unit 28 monitors the transmission rate and the transmission amount of backup from the business storage 12 to the remote storage 14 (FIG. 6: step S11) and stores them in the transmission rate table ST (FIG. 6: step S12). .

The speed prediction function 26b of the prediction calculation unit 26 statistically processes the past transmission speeds stored in the transmission speed table ST and calculates the transmission speed up to the target end time stochastically to obtain the expected transmission speed (FIG. 6). : Step S13).
The statistical prediction function 26c of the prediction calculation unit 26 calculates the estimated end time from the predicted transmission rate and the remaining backup data amount (FIG. 6: step S14).

The comparison determination function 22a of the end time determination unit 22 determines that the backup to the remote storage 14 does not end by the target end time when the estimated end time exceeds the target end time (FIG. 6: step S14). If the target end time is later than the assumed end time (FIG. 6: step S16), it is determined that the target end time is sufficient and the backup is in time (FIG. 6: step S17). On the other hand, if the target end time is equal to or past the expected end time, it is determined that the target end time is exceeded and backup to the remote storage 14 is not in time (FIG. 6: Step S18).
The determination process in step S16 is the determination process in step S7 in the example shown in FIG. 4, and the branch based on the determination result is the same as that shown in FIG.

(Operation table WT)
As shown in FIG. 5, the controller 10 includes an operation management unit 30 and an operation table WT. The operation table WT holds a time during which the business storage 12 is in a high operation and a time during which the operation storage 12 is in a low operation. This operation table WT may have a date and time at regular intervals and a transmission rate for each date and time.
Then, the operation management unit 30 refers to the operation table WT and manages the operation state of the business storage 12. The operation management unit 30 includes a low operation time function 30a and a high operation time function 30b as shown in FIG.

  The low operation time function 30a controls to start the transfer of the backup target data to the remote storage 14 with the time from the start of the high operation to the low operation as the target end time. Thereby, the remote backup to the remote storage 14 can be automatically started and controlled.

  When the target data is recorded in the spare storage 16 at the time of transition from the low operation to the high operation, the high operation function 30b ends the target time until the next low operation start even during the high operation of the business storage 12 As a time, transfer control from the spare storage 16 to the remote storage 14 is started. Thereby, even if there is a manager's operation mistake, the backup from the spare storage 16 to the remote storage 14 can be completed with certainty.

Further, the high operation time function 30b may change the transmission speed of the wide area network 18 to a high speed when it is determined that the backup from the spare storage 16 to the remote storage does not end by the target end time. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the backup processing is not in time for the daily work start and end while minimizing the time period during which the transmission speed of the wide area network 18 is increased.
Thus, by providing the operation management unit 30, it is possible to automate the timing for starting and switching the backup, and to reduce the burden of monitoring and operation by the user.

(Overall operation example)
Next, an example of information processing according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 7, a specific example of data backup processing according to the present embodiment will be described using a business device 52 in Tokyo, a remote device 54 in Osaka, and a best effort wide area network 18.

  There is a sales department in Tokyo, and business data for sales is stored in the business storage 12 installed in the business device 52 in Tokyo. The business hours are used by referring to or updating the business data. Since this business data is important data, it is backed up to a remote storage 14 in remote Osaka in preparation for a disaster. The business storage 12 in Tokyo and the remote storage 14 in Osaka are connected by a wide area network 18 and data is transmitted via the wide area network 18 to perform remote backup for copying business data in Tokyo to Osaka.

Referring to FIG. 8, when the business hours are 8 hours from 0:00 to 8:00 at night, remote backup at low speed via the wide area network 18 is started from 0:00. That is, the transfer control unit 20 of the controller 10 transfers the data to be backed up in the business storage 12 to the remote storage 14 (step S4 in FIGS. 4 and 8, transfer control procedure).
The controller 10 of the business device 52 in Tokyo monitors the progress by measuring the transmission rate and amount of transmission data of remote backup.

  Subsequently, the end time determination unit 22 determines whether or not the backup to the remote storage 14 is completed by the target end time, and gives the determination result to the switching control unit 24 (step S7 in FIGS. 4 and 8). , Step S16 of FIG. 6, end time determination procedure). In this example, the assumed end time is delayed from the transmission rate and the remaining data capacity.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the remote backup is completed in the remaining 30 minutes at 7:30, 30 minutes before 8 o'clock, which ends outside business hours. If it is determined to be completed, the remote back is continued as it is. On the other hand, when it is not in time for the business start time, the high-speed transmission to the spare storage 16 is switched at a certain point before the business start.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, when it is determined that the backup to the remote storage 14 is not completed by the target end time at 7:30 (step S7 in FIGS. 4 and 9 and step S16 in FIG. 6). ), The switching control unit 24 stops the transfer to the remote storage 14 and transfers the target data after the cancellation to the spare storage 16 (step S8, switching control procedure).

Referring to FIG. 10, after the backup to the spare storage 16 in the business device 52 is completed, the data in the spare storage 16 is backed up to the remote storage 14 (step S10). Transmit remaining data at low speed even during business hours. Since business data for sales is not used, it is possible to avoid adverse effects in terms of performance on sales business.
The operation in this case will be described below.

  Remote backup is performed at night, which is outside business hours, so as not to affect business performance. Since the wide area network 18 has a high usage fee, it is preferable to reduce the wide area network 18 usage fee by contracting a service on the best effort side where the transmission speed is not guaranteed at a low speed.

  In addition, remote backup of business data is implemented by adopting a method that, after copying all data to Osaka for the first time, sends only the difference data from the previous day to Osaka and reflects the difference in the previous day's data. The transmission data amount of the network 18 is made as small as possible to reduce the usage fee of the wide area network 18.

  The controller 10 monitors the amount of difference data and the statistical data of the transmission rate of the wide area network 18 and records the data in the transmission rate table ST, thereby summing up and estimating the estimated end time of the nightly remote backup time (transmission rate monitoring). Part 28, prediction calculation part 26). When the transmission speed of the wide area network 18 can be selected, it is preferable to select the transmission speed of the wide area network 18 so that the estimated end time is completed by the target end time that is outside business hours (speed changing function 24b). .

  For example, from the statistical data, when the estimated end time is within about 8 hours with a probability of about 95% and within about 8 hours and within 9 hours with a probability of about 5%, the estimated end time is estimated as 8 hours. If the business hours are 8 hours from 24:00 to 8:00, remote backup will be terminated outside business hours with a probability of approximately 95%. The remaining 5% of chances do not end outside business hours.

  In this embodiment, in a backup method that combines remote backup and in-device backup, the progress of backup is monitored by adding a function for monitoring the progress of backup. When it is expected that the backup will not be completed within the expected time, the switching control unit 24 switches to the backup in the business device 52 (backup to the spare storage 16 / step S8).

By this switching, the backup speed is improved, and the backup is completed within the target time by improving the backup speed.
Further, by performing remote backup using backup data in the backup storage 16 separated from the work after the backup to the spare storage 16 is completed, adverse effects on the work can be avoided and the remote backup can be continued. to enable.

  With the function to monitor the remote backup status, it is judged whether or not the remote backup is completed in the remaining 30 minutes at 7:30, 30 minutes before 8 o'clock after the end of business hours (Steps S7, S16). If it is determined, remote back is continued. On the other hand, if it is determined that the processing is not completed, the backup is switched to the backup storage 16 in the business device 52 (step S8).

  Since the backup in the business apparatus 52 uses the high-speed transmission path 42, the backup of the remaining data that has not been remotely backed up is completed within 30 minutes. In other words, it is completed by 8 o'clock when business hours begin.

  When the backup in the business device 52 is completed, the remote backup of the data in the spare storage 16 is started. That is, in this example, remote backup is resumed from 8:00 when business hours start. Since the second remote backup uses data in the spare storage 16, the business storage 12 and business data used for business (sales) are not used. Therefore, even if backup is performed during business hours, business performance is not adversely affected.

  In addition, since this second remote backup is the remaining data that has not been remotely backed up, it is completed within 1 hour 30 minutes. That is, since the remote backup for 7 hours and 30 minutes has been completed in the first remote backup, the estimated end time with a probability of about 5% is within 9 hours, and the rest is within 1 hour and 30 minutes. Therefore, it starts at 8 hours and is completed at 9:30 after 1 hour 30 minutes.

  In the case of the remote backup method of the prior art shown in FIG. 11 (A), the transmission speed of the wide area network 18 is increased in order to cope with the backup time of 8 hours or more and 9 hours or less that occurs with a probability of about 5%. It becomes necessary to change to a transmission line. Because the wide area network 18 is expensive, this change requires a significant increase in cost. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the wide area network 18 can employ the low-speed transmission path 40.

  Further, in the case of the remote and in-device backup method of the prior art shown in FIG. 11B, in order to cope with a backup time of 8 hours or more and 9 hours or less that occurs with a probability of about 5%, A device backup device (spare storage 16) is required. In the case of this embodiment, a backup device (small capacity spare storage 16) for only 1.5 hours is sufficient.

  Here, the operation content (particularly each operation step in FIGS. 4 and 7) in the operation part of each configuration described above is programmed to be executable by a computer, and the end time for executing each step (procedure) described above. You may make it make the computer used as the determination part 22, the switching control part 24 grade | etc., Perform.

In this case, each programmed program may be recorded on a non-volatile recording medium such as a hard disk, DVD, CD, or flash memory. In this case, the program is read from the recording medium and executed by a computer.
In addition to program execution, it can also be realized by integrating logic circuits.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the end time determination unit 22 determines that the backup to the remote storage 14 does not end by the target end time, the switching control unit 24 transfers to the remote storage 14. Since the backup is stopped and transferred to the spare storage 16, the backup can be finished by the target end time using the spare storage 16, and it is determined that the backup to the remote storage 14 is not finished by the target end time. In this case, since the spare storage 16 is used, the capacity of the spare storage 16 can be made smaller than the capacity capable of accumulating the entire capacity to be backed up. Cost can be reduced.

  Even if the backup to the remote storage 14 may not be completed by the target end time, the business storage 12 can be released from the backup transmission processing by the target end time by the backup to the spare storage 16. First, using the business storage 12 for backup during business hours enables data backup transmission to the remote storage 14 without adversely affecting business performance. Second, the remote storage Costs can be further reduced by using a line with an unstable transmission rate for up to 14 wide area networks 18.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, even if the transmission speed is low, the business storage 12 is released from the backup process by the use of the spare storage 16 by the target end time, so that the business performance is not deteriorated. In addition, since the capacity of the spare storage 16 can be reduced, an excellent effect that is not found in the above prior art that the cost required for remote backup can be reduced can be obtained.

  Although the present invention has been described so far with the specific embodiments shown in the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings, and the techniques known so far are effective as long as the effects of the present invention are exhibited. Elements can be adopted.

  Here, the main points of the new technical contents of the above embodiment are summarized as follows. In addition, although part or all of the said embodiment is put together as follows as a novel technique, this invention is not necessarily limited to this.

[Appendix 1] (See FIGS. 1 and 4)
A business storage 12 for storing business data, a remote storage 14 for storing the stored business data at a remote location via a wide area network 18, and a controller for controlling each operation of the business data storage processing and transmission processing 10 and
The business storage 12 is provided with a spare storage 16 for performing backup processing at a higher speed than data backup processing to the remote storage 14,
The controller 10 is
A transfer control unit 20 for transferring the business data to the remote storage 14 as backup target data when starting a backup transmission process up to a predetermined target end time; and the remote storage by the target end time An end time determination unit 22 for determining whether or not the backup transmission process to 14 is terminated, and the remote process 14 when the backup transmission process to the remote storage 14 is determined not to be completed by the target end time. A data backup device comprising: a switching control unit 24 that stops transfer to the storage 14 and transfers the target data after the stop to the spare storage 16.

  According to Supplementary Note 1, the business storage 12 can be released from the backup processing load by the backup end time while reducing the cost by reducing the speed of the wide area network 18 and minimizing the capacity of the spare storage 16.

[Appendix 2] (See Figs. 1 and 4)
The controller 10 is
A prediction calculation unit 26 is provided that calculates an expected end time of the transfer at regular intervals using the data amount of the target data and the transmission speed of the wide area network 18 after the transfer of the target data to the remote storage 14 is started. ,
The end time determination unit 22 includes a comparison determination function 22a that determines that the backup transmission process to the remote storage 14 does not end by the target end time when the assumed end time exceeds the target end time. The data backup device according to supplementary note 1, wherein
In this supplementary note 2, since the backup can be completed within the target end time and the amount of data stored in the spare storage 16 can be minimized, the spare storage 16 can be reduced in cost while reducing the cost. Remote backup without degrading performance can be realized.

[Appendix 3] (See FIGS. 1 and 4)
The switching control unit 24 resumes transferring the target data stored in the spare storage 16 to the remote storage 14 as the target data after the suspension via the wide area network 18 after the backup processing to the spare storage 16 is completed. The data backup device according to appendix 1 or 2, further comprising a control function 24a.

  In Supplementary Note 3, after storing in the spare storage 16, the transfer from the spare storage 16 to the remote storage 14 does not cause a load on the business storage 12, so the backup to the remote storage 14 is completed without causing a load on the business. Can be made.

[Appendix 4] (See FIGS. 5 and 6)
The controller 10 is
Supplementary Note 1, 2 or 2, further comprising a transmission rate monitoring unit 28 that monitors the transmission rate of the wide area network 18 and starts to transfer the target data to the remote storage 14 and supplies the same to the prediction calculation unit 26 3. The data backup device according to 3.

  In Supplementary Note 4, the best effort type wide area network 18 can be adopted by making it possible to cope with the dynamic change of the transmission rate. As a result, it is possible to realize a remote backup that does not deteriorate the business performance while reducing the communication cost.

[Appendix 5] (See Figure 5)
The supplementary note 4, wherein the prediction calculation unit 26 includes a dynamic prediction function 26 a that calculates the estimated end time using the transmission rate immediately before being monitored by the transmission rate monitoring unit 28. Data backup device

  This makes it possible to calculate the assumed end time when the current transmission rate continues.

[Appendix 6] (See FIGS. 5 and 6)
The controller 10 includes a transmission rate table ST that holds the transmission rates monitored by the transmission rate monitoring unit 28 in time series,
The prediction calculation unit 26
A speed prediction function 26b that calculates an expected transmission speed up to the target end time by statistical processing using a plurality of transmission speeds held in the transmission speed table ST, and the assumed end using the predicted transmission speed The data backup device according to appendix 4, further comprising a statistical prediction function 26c for calculating time.

  In the supplementary note 6, unlike the supplementary note 5, it is possible to cope with a dynamic and unstable change in the transmission rate and to improve the calculation accuracy of the assumed end time.

[Appendix 7] (See Figure 5)
The switching control unit 24 is
From the supplementary note 1, comprising a speed changing function 24b for changing the transmission speed of the wide area network 18 at a high speed when it is determined that the backup to the remote storage 14 is not completed by the target end time. 6. The data backup device according to any one of items 6.

  When the transmission speed of the wide area network 18 can be changed, the communication cost is reduced at a normal speed, and the cost is high only when it is necessary according to the determination result whether or not it is expected to be completed by the target end time. A high transmission rate can be ensured.

[Appendix 8] (See Figure 5)
The controller 10 is
An operation management unit 30 that manages an operation state of the business storage 12, and an operation table WT that holds a time during which the business storage 12 is in a high operation and a time during which the business storage 12 is in a low operation.
The operation management unit 30
A low operation time function 30a for starting and controlling the transfer of the backup target data to the remote storage 14 with the time until the start of the next high operation at the time of transition from the high operation to the low operation as the target end time; When the target data is recorded in the spare storage 16 at the time of shifting from the low operation to the high operation, the time until the start of the next low operation even during the high operation of the business storage 12 is set as the target end time. 8. The data backup device according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, further comprising a high operation time function 30b for starting and controlling transfer from the spare storage 16 to the remote storage 14.

  According to the supplementary note 8, it is possible to automate the start and switching timing control of the backup transmission process, thereby reducing the burden of monitoring and operation by the user.

[Appendix 9] (See Figure 5)
The high operation time function 30b changes the transmission speed of the wide area network 18 to a high speed when it is determined that the backup transmission process from the spare storage 16 to the remote storage 14 is not completed by the target end time. The data backup device according to appendix 8, characterized by:
As a result, the remote backup transmission process can be reliably completed.

[Appendix 10] (See Fig. 5)
10. The data backup device according to appendix 8 or 9, wherein the operation table WT has a date and time for each fixed time and a transmission rate for each date and time.

  Thereby, the probability of the transmission rate according to the average value for a certain period and the distribution of the transmission rate can be calculated.

[Appendix 11] (See FIGS. 1 and 4)
Controls each operation of the business storage 12 that stores business data, the remote storage 14 that receives the stored business data via the wide area network 18 and stores it at a remote location, and the storage processing and transmission processing of the business data And a controller 10 for
The business storage 12 is a data backup method for performing data backup processing using a data backup device in which a backup storage 16 for backup processing faster than backup processing to the remote storage 14 is provided. ,
When starting backup processing up to a predetermined target end time, the transfer control unit 20 of the controller 10 prepares to transfer the backup target data in the business storage 12 to the remote storage 14,
Next, the end time determination unit 22 determines whether or not the transmission processing for backup to the remote storage 14 is completed by the target end time,
When it is determined that the backup to the remote storage 14 is not completed by the target end time, the switching control unit 24 stops the transfer to the remote storage 14 and stores the target data after the cancellation as the spare data. A data backup method characterized by transferring the data to the storage 16.

[Supplementary Note 12] (FIGS. 1, 4, and 6)
Before the determination of the end time, a transmission rate monitoring unit 28 monitors the transmission rate of the wide area network 18 after starting the transfer of the target data to the remote storage 14,
The prediction calculation unit 26 uses the data amount of the target data and the transmission rate of the wide area network 18 monitored by the transmission rate monitoring unit 28 after the transfer of the target data to the remote storage 14 is started. Is calculated at regular intervals by the dynamic prediction function 26a,
In the determination of the end time, the comparison determination function 22a determines that backup to the remote storage 14 does not end by the target end time when the assumed end time exceeds the target end time. The data backup method according to appendix 11.

  Thereby, remote backup using the low-cost wide area network 18 in which the transmission speed changes can be executed.

[Appendix 13]
Controls each operation of the business storage 12 that stores business data, the remote storage 14 that receives the stored business data via the wide area network 18 and stores it at a remote location, and the storage processing and transmission processing of the business data And a controller 10 for
The business storage 12 is a data backup device provided with a spare storage 16 that performs backup processing faster than backup processing to the remote storage 14,
A transfer control function for transferring backup target data in the business storage 12 to the remote storage 14 when starting backup processing up to a predetermined target end time;
An end time determination function for determining whether or not backup processing to the remote storage 14 is completed by the target end time;
When the backup process to the remote storage 14 is determined not to be completed by the target end time, the transfer to the remote storage 14 is stopped and the target data after the stop is transferred to the spare storage 16 Switching control function,
A data backup program characterized in that each of these functions is realized by a computer provided in the controller 10.

[Appendix 14]
Prior to realizing the determination of the end time, a transmission rate monitoring function for monitoring the transmission rate of the wide area network 18 after starting the transfer of the target data to the remote storage 14;
Prediction calculation that calculates the expected end time of the transfer at regular intervals using the transmission rate monitored in accordance with the execution of the transmission rate monitoring function and the data amount of the target data to be backed up to the remote storage 14 function,
A dynamic prediction function for calculating the estimated end time using the transmission rate immediately before being monitored by the transmission rate monitoring unit in the determination of the end time;
And a comparison determination function for determining that the backup to the remote storage 14 does not end by the target end time when the assumed end time exceeds the target end time,
A data backup program characterized in that these are realized by the computer.

The present invention is applicable to an information processing apparatus that requires remote backup.
In particular, when the remote backup is desired to be performed at a low cost, the present invention can exhibit the effect remarkably.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Controller 12 Business storage 14 Remote storage 16 Spare storage 18 Wide area network 20 Transfer control part 22 End time judgment part 22a Comparison judgment function 24 Switching control part 24a Restart control function 24b Speed change function 26 Prediction calculation part 26a Dynamic prediction function 26b Speed Prediction function 26c Statistical prediction function 28 Transmission speed monitoring unit 30 Operation management unit 30a Low operation function 30b High operation function 40 Low speed transmission line 42 High speed transmission line 50 Host device 52 Business device 54 Remote device ST Transmission rate table WT Operation table

Claims (10)

A business storage for storing business data; a remote storage for receiving the stored business data via a wide area network and storing it at a remote location; and a controller for controlling each processing operation for storing and transmitting the business data. A data backup device comprising:
In addition to the business storage, a spare storage that performs backup processing at a higher speed than data backup processing to the remote storage,
The controller is
A transfer control unit that controls the transfer of the business data as backup target data to the remote storage when starting a backup transmission process up to a predetermined target end time;
An end time determination unit that determines whether or not the transmission processing for backup to the remote storage is completed by the target end time;
Switching control for stopping the transfer to the remote storage and transferring the target data after the suspension to the spare storage when it is determined that the backup transmission process to the remote storage does not finish by the target end time And
A data backup device comprising: The data backup device according to claim 1, wherein
A prediction calculation unit that calculates the expected end time of the transfer at regular intervals using the data amount of the target data and the transmission speed of the wide area network after the controller starts transferring the target data to the remote storage; Prepared,
The end time determination unit includes a comparison determination function that determines that the backup transmission process to the remote storage does not end by the target end time when the assumed end time exceeds the target end time. A data backup device. The data backup device according to claim 2,
The switching control unit has a restart control function for transferring the target data stored in the spare storage after the backup processing to the spare storage as the target data after the suspension to the remote storage via the wide area network. A data backup device characterized by that. In the data backup device according to claim 1, 2, or 3,
The controller is
A transmission rate monitoring unit that monitors the transmission rate of the wide area network after the start of transfer of the target data to the remote storage and supplies the prediction calculation unit with rate information on the transmission rate obtained by the monitoring A data backup device characterized by that. The data backup device according to claim 4, wherein
The data backup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the prediction calculation unit includes a dynamic prediction function for calculating the assumed end time using the transmission rate immediately before being monitored by the transmission rate monitoring unit. The data backup device according to claim 4, wherein
The controller includes a transmission rate table that holds the transmission rates monitored by the transmission rate monitoring unit in time series,
The prediction calculation unit uses a speed prediction function for calculating an expected transmission rate up to the target end time by statistical processing using a plurality of transmission rates held in the transmission rate table, and uses the predicted transmission rate. And a statistical prediction function for calculating the assumed end time. The data backup device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The switching control unit is
A data backup device comprising a speed changing function for changing the transmission speed of the wide area network at a high speed when it is determined that the backup to the remote storage does not end by the target end time. The data backup device according to claim 6,
The controller includes an operation management unit that manages an operation state of the business storage, and an operation table that holds a time during which the business storage is in a high operation and a time during which the business storage is in a low operation.
The operation management unit
A function at the time of low operation for starting and controlling the transfer of the backup target data to the remote storage with the time until the start of the next high operation at the time of transition from the high operation to the low operation as the target end time;
When the target data is recorded in the spare storage at the time of transition from the low operation to the high operation, the time until the start of the next low operation even during the high operation of the business storage is the target end time. A data backup apparatus comprising a high-operation function for starting and controlling transfer from a spare storage to the remote storage. Controls each operation of business storage for storing business data, remote storage for receiving business data stored in the storage via a wide area network and storing it at a remote location, and storage processing and transmission processing of the business data A controller and
The business storage is a data backup method for performing data backup processing using a data backup device provided with a spare storage that performs backup processing at a higher speed than data backup processing to the remote storage,
When starting the transmission process for backup up to a predetermined target end time, the transfer control unit of the controller executes the preparation for transferring the backup target data in the business storage to the remote storage,
Next, an end time determination unit of the controller determines whether or not the transmission processing for backup to the remote storage is completed by the target end time,
When it is determined that the backup to the remote storage does not end by the target end time, the switching control unit of the controller stops the transfer to the remote storage and the target data after the stop is transferred to the spare storage A data backup method characterized by transferring data to Controls each operation of business storage for storing business data, remote storage for receiving business data stored in the storage via a wide area network and storing it at a remote location, and storage processing and transmission processing of the business data A controller and
The business storage is a data backup device provided with a spare storage that performs backup processing at a higher speed than data backup processing to the remote storage,
A transfer control function for transferring backup target data in the business storage to the remote storage when starting a backup transmission process up to a predetermined target end time;
An end time determination function for determining in advance whether or not the transmission processing for backup to the remote storage ends by the target end time;
And switching to stop the transfer to the remote storage and transfer the target data after the suspension to the spare storage when it is determined that the backup transmission processing to the remote storage does not finish by the target end time Provide a control function,
A data backup program characterized in that each of these functions is realized by a computer provided in the controller.

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