DE10327155B4 - Backup procedure with adaptation to computer landscape - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of backing up a plurality of databases (A, B, C, D) in a computer system, comprising the steps of:
- identifying (1) the database servers (dbA, dbB, dbC, dbD) managing the databases (A, B, C, D) in a central directory;
- determining (2) the type (X, Y, Z) of the respective database servers, wherein determining (2) includes determining the database management systems of the respective database servers and determining the state of the database management systems;
Preparing (3) a snapshot backup by setting a database server type mode corresponding to the type; such as
- Execute (4) the snapshot backup for each database server.

Description

Territory of invention

The This invention relates to computer systems in general and to a computer-implemented one Method and a computer device for data backup in particular.

background

In Computer systems with databases, it is important to data before loss or damage to protect. This is usually served well-known backup procedures (backup procedures), where defined in intervals Data copies on independent Save to be created. There are backup solutions that use the databases reflect the data at the time of mirroring, and in case of data loss restore. Other backup solutions are watching changes in the databases even after their mirroring and allow correcting logical errors (e.g., accidental deletion of individual data).

The Mass storage devices used for backup are mostly tape drives or as a combination of many hard drives running, where the total capacity in the range of a few gigabytes or terabytes.

mass storage with connection to Computer Networks ("Network Attached Storage ") and with backup feature are commercially available, for example from Network Appliance, Sunnyvale (California, USA) and StorageTek, Louisville (Colorado, USA). Such devices provide the so-called snapshot feature, with a backup of the database structure within seconds of receiving a command.

Out US 2001/0056425 A1 discloses an automatic data backup process. where the respective computer system at a backup server log in and identify, a systematic analysis is done and a list for the Scope of the backup to be made is the list is sent to the backup server and the backup is made.

JP11249942A refers to specialized databases that store images before and after processing: a database for basic images and a database for processed images. In order to avoid large amounts of data during backup, the basic images and the image processing process parameters are stored, but not the processed images themselves.

The WO 01/84265 A2 relates to a method in which a backup server with host computers over one Computer network is connected. Furthermore, the backup server is using Connected to backup management units and tape drives. The backup server has a Emulation program, which describes the environment of the host computer, its Data is to be saved, emulated. By emulating the Environment, the hardware environment is mapped and an image at least a drive of the host computer is backed up.

in this connection the data is exchanged in a uniform data format. At least one image of a drive of a host computer will be on the Server by exchanging data between the drive to be backed up and the backup drive saved a uniform format.

computer systems are common heterogeneous landscapes with a variety of databases of different Types and manufacturers. The application of standard security procedures On single databases is a complex task that is difficult too manage is.

in addition that comes to change the landscapes dynamically. Databases are added moved from computer to computer (migrated) or even removed.

Of the Effort for the administration of the landscape in general and the administration of the security solution in the special increases with the increase in the complexity of the landscape.

Of the The invention is therefore based on the object, a method and to create a device that provides faster backup allows and in itself dynamically changing Can adapt landscapes.

Summary

These The object is achieved by the features in the main claims. Advantageous embodiments The invention are contained in the subclaims.

Backing up databases is done by identifying the database servers that administer the databases; Determining the type of the respective database server; Preparing a snapshot backup by setting a database server mode corresponding to the type; and running the snapshot backup for every database server.

One particular advantage of the invention is in adjusting itself dynamic changing Landscapes.

Summary the drawings

1 shows a computer system landscape with a plurality of database servers, a mass storage, and a central directory;

2 shows a flowchart of a method for creating a backup copy of a plurality of databases;

3 shows an embodiment of the method for example 4 databases;

4 shows an embodiment of a computer program for controlling the method; and

5 Figure 12 shows a sequence of screen representations illustrating the exemplary flow to an administrator.

1 shows a computer landscape 999 ("Computer system") with a large number of database servers, a mass storage, as well as a central directory. In addition, other elements are shown that are commonly found in landscapes. The landscape 999 is typically operated by an organization, such as a private sector company or a public body.

In a preferred embodiment the computer system is part of a landscape with business management Applications. Such applications are i.a. from SAP Aktiengesellschaft, Walldorf, offered, for example, under terms such as SAP R / 3 or SAP NetWeaver.

In the example of 1 The following computers are differentiated: Computer 900 with central directory (ZV) and control program 100 , as well as optional screen 950 for an administrator (cf. 3 ); computer 901 for database server dbA for managing database A; computer 902 for database server dbB for managing database B; computer 903 for database server dbC for managing the database C; computer 904 for database server dbD for managing database D; Mass Storage (MS) 905 (also known as "filer", preferably with hard disks) for storing backup data according to the invention; another mass storage 906 (preferably external, to store the data, usual tape drive); as well as computers 907 and 908 to run applications, such as CRM and SCM.

The computers communicate over a network 990 , Although the computers are shown as separate units for purposes of illustration, the invention may be practiced on a single computer. Those skilled in the art can optimize the number of computers.

The Computers have usual Elements such as processors, memory (e.g., semiconductor memory, hard drives), Buses, etc. The computers can in blade server technology be constructed. The processor and memory are on a plug-in card (blade) arranged. Several cards are stuck in a chassis and are centrally powered. As will be shown below, the present invention is particularly suitable for this technology, because individual computers (for example, with database servers) during the Operation added or can be removed and the method according to the invention automatically on such changes responding.

• (1) Identifizieren der Datenbankserver, die die Datenbanken verwalten, im Beispiel Server dbA bis dbD für Datenbanken A bis D;
• (2) Feststellen des Typs der jeweiligen Datenbankserver, im Beispiel dbA und dbB von Typ X, dbC von Typ Y, dbC von Typ Z;
• (3) Vorbereiten eines Snapshot-Backup (Schattenkopie) durch Einstellen einer Betriebsart des Datenbankservers, die dem Typ (des Servers) entspricht, im Beispiel von dbA and dbB gemäß Typ X, von dbC gemäß Typ Y und von dbD gemäß Typ Z; sowie
• (4) Ausführen des Snapshot-Backup für jeden Datenbankserver, im Beispiel dbA bis dbD

2 shows a flowchart of a method for creating a backup of a plurality of databases (A, B, C, D). According to the invention, the backup copy is made in a computer system and has the following steps:

• (1) identify the database servers that administer the databases, in the example server dbA to dbD for databases A to D;
• (2) determining the type of respective database servers, in the example dbA and dbB of type X, dbC of type Y, dbC of type Z;
• (3) preparing a snapshot backup (shadow copy) by setting an operation mode of the database server corresponding to the type (the server) in the example of dbA and dbB according to type X, dbC according to type Y and dbD according to type Z; such as
• (4) Perform snapshot backup for each database server, dbA to dbD in the example

In order to all databases are covered by the backup.

The next steps are ( 5 ) Reset the original operating modes of the database server and - optionally - the ( 6 ) Recording details (log file) of the executed process steps and transferring the data to another mass memory ( 906 ).

• • Rechtecke zeigen die Verfahrensschritte (1) bis (6);
• • Rhomben symbolisieren die Datenbanken, die von den jeweiligen Schritten betroffen sind;
• • perspektivische Symbole zeigen die Datenbankserver dBA–dbD und deren Computer 901–904, den Massenspeicher 905 sowie das Zentralverzeichnis (ZV) auf Computer 900;
• • durchgezogene Pfeile zeigen den Verfahrenslauf unter Berücksichtigung von Parallelabläufen (während (3) und (5)); und
• • gestrichelten Pfeile zeigen Interaktionsziele des Verfahrens zwischen den in der Landschaft vorhandenen Elementen.

The description will provide further details of the preferred embodiment and will first briefly 3 - 5 one:
3 shows an embodiment of the method for example, 4 databases.

• • Rectangles show the process steps ( 1 ) until 6);
• • Rhombs symbolize the databases affected by the respective steps;
• • Perspective icons show the database servers dBA-dbD and their computers 901 - 904 , the mass storage 905 and the central directory (ZV) on computer 900 ;
• • solid arrows show the process flow taking account of parallel processes (during ( 3 ) and ( 5 )); and
• • Dashed arrows show interaction goals of the process between the elements present in the landscape.

4 shows an embodiment of the computer program 100 to control the process. The program 100 is represented by a circle symbol in the middle. The successive process steps ( 1 ) to ( 6 ) are shown with the elements to be controlled around the circle.

5 shows - from top to bottom - a sequence of screen images (see screen 950 in 1 ), which illustrate the exemplary procedure to an administrator. Actions that have just been completed are displayed. Reference number ( 1 ) to ( 6 ) correspond to the process steps. The exemplary illustrations are self-explanatory.

The The content of the screen is entered in the log file, with the log file containing a log further details (e.g., times, amounts of data). Because the procedure is adapted to the conditions of the landscape, is incidentally also the State of the landscape logged.

The following description largely follows the sequence of steps of ( 1 ) to ( 6 ) and refers to all the figs.

It is advantageous to control the method by a control program 100 on one of the computers in the system, whereby the computer can be chosen arbitrarily. In the embodiment is program 100 on computer 900 , program 100 has computer instructions that cause a processor to perform the method steps. program 100 at least has access to the computers with the database servers ( 901 - 904 ), on the mass storage 905 and to the central directory.

Step ( 1 ) - Identify - using the central directory (ZV). In the exemplary embodiment ZV is also on computer 900 , But it can also be elsewhere. The directory identifies the databases and their servers by mapping the names of the database servers to the respective computers within the system.

Advantageous is the use of alphanumeric names (e.g., "dbA") for the database servers. IP addresses for the computers can optionally added or be determined by the name service. Name Services (name service, name server) are common in landscapes. Advantageous is to manage a single central directory in the landscape.

The Administration of the data backup of a complex system landscape is made easier. The directory itself does not have to contain backup-specific data.

At the Need not identify Be aware of whether the identified database servers are reachable and databases.

in the preferred embodiment the central directory is a yellow pages directory. Possible is also a central directory of the type "Universal Description, Discovery and Integration "(UDDI). The two types mentioned are part of the intranet or extranet the organization. For SAP applications, the directory "System Landscape Directory " become.

Step ( 2 ) - Determination - takes place to determine the database management systems (DBMS - data base management system) of the respective database server. This takes into account the fact that different database management systems provide different preparation steps for backups. In the example, there are systems of type X (server dbA and dbB), type Y (server dbC) and type Z (server dbD). The determination also includes determining the state of the database management systems such as "system started", "system enabled", "system disabled", etc. It is determined whether the identified database servers are reachable and whether the identified database servers also operate databases.

Step ( 3 ) - Prepare - involves setting a backup mode for certain types, such as type X backup mode, type Y, and type Z backup mode.

Step ( 4 ) - Run - occurs essentially simultaneously for all database servers. The backup data is stored in the mass storage (cf. 905 written). Advantageously sends program 100 a single command to the mass storage 905 from. This triggers the fast backup function of the mass storage and within seconds, the snapshot backup is generated.

Step ( 5 ) - Reset - occurs after the snapshot backup is performed. All preparations (step 3 ) undone.

Step ( 6 ) - Record - takes place optionally. The recording and management ("backup history") is advantageous for restoring the databases in the event of an error, in particular for logical errors that are discovered after the method has been executed in repetitions.

The process can be repeated periodically. Depending on the time interval between the individual repetitions (eg minutes, hours, days, weeks, months), history management can be used to access information about old backup data from the past, for example an hour ago, a day before two Days, a week ago, two weeks ago, etc. It also manages what data from the other mass storage 906 (Band, slower, but more capacity than 905 ) to be written.

The Use of the method is advantageous in a computer system, when the database server on computers in blade technology lie. The use of the method is advantageous in a computer system, where databases are linked to one or more applications. The applications concern for example: Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Business Intelligence, Supply Chain Management (SCM), Supplier Relationship Management, Enterprise Portal, Enterprise Resource Planning, Marketplace, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Human Resources, Financials, Mobile Business.

Further Advantages of the invention can be summarized as follows. The inventive backup solution is across from usual solutions more quickly. The raised Speed allows shorter Fuse periods between repetitions of the procedure, for example minutes instead of hours.

The inventive backup solution is low maintenance and self-adaptive: databases that are new to the system, are automatically found in the central directory and accordingly their condition automatically included in the backup. The removal a database does not require manual editing of backup parameters.

The History management enabled easy management of the various backups.

dbA, dbB, dbC,

Database server

DBD

A, B, C, D

databases

X, Y Z

Database types

YP

Yellow Pages, Yellow Pages

900-908

computer

950

screen

999

landscape

100

control program

Claims (14)

A method of backing up a plurality of databases (A, B, C, D) in a computer system, comprising the steps of: - identifying ( 1 ) the database servers (dbA, dbB, dbC, dbD) managing the databases (A, B, C, D) in a central directory; - Determine ( 2 ) of the type (X, Y, Z) of the respective database server, whereby determining ( 2 ) includes determining the database management systems of the respective database servers and determining the state of the database management systems; - To prepare ( 3 ) a snapshot backup by setting a type of operation mode of the database server corresponding to the type; and - execute ( 4 ) of the snapshot backup for each database server. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying ( 1 ) in a central directory of the type "Yellow Pages". The method of claim 1, wherein identifying ( 1 ) the database server takes place in a central directory of the type "UDDI". The method of claim 1, wherein preparing ( 3 ): Setting a backup mode for certain types. The method of claim 1, wherein executing ( 4 ) essentially simultaneously for all database servers and by storing the backup data in a mass storage ( 905 ) he follows. The method of claim 5, wherein executing ( 4 ) by sending a command to the mass memory ( 905 ) he follows. The method of claim 6, wherein executing ( 4 ) storing the backup data in a hard disk mass storage ( 905 ). Method according to claim 1, further comprising resetting ( 5 ) of the original operating modes of the database server. The method of claim 1, further comprising recording ( 6 ) of details of the executed process steps. The method of claim 9, wherein recording ( 6 ) transferring data to another mass storage device ( 906 ). Computer program with computer instructions for executing the Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 10. Use of the method according to one or more the claims 1 through 10, in a computer system where the database server is on computers in blade technology lie. Use of the method according to one or more the claims 1 to 10, in a computer system, in the databases (A, B, C, D) with one application or with several applications of the following Linked classes are: Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Business Intelligence, Supply Chain Management (SCM), Supplier Relationship Management, Enterprise Portal, Enterprise Resource Planning, Marketplace, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Human Resources, Financials, Mobile Business. Computer device for data backup ( 905 ) on which a backup copy of a plurality of databases (A, B, C, D) is produced by a method according to one or more of claims 1 to 10.