JP2007172018A - Data storage method and data storage system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data storage method and a data storage system allowing anyone to easily request of data storage, and effectively using a margin storage area of an external storage of a computer. <P>SOLUTION: The data storage method uses a virtual data center 2 provided with a virtual external storage W organizing provision data storage areas 41a comprised of each margin storage area of a data storage computer 12 group connected by a communication line. Data from a user side terminal 1 is stored in a virtual external storage W1 of one part of the virtual external storage W. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a data storage method and a data storage system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a data storage method and a data storage system in which a virtual data storage system is constructed by a group of computers connected to a network and data is stored by the system.

  Conventionally, in preparation for disasters such as earthquakes, important data has been stored and backed up in a remote data storage facility. However, if this data storage facility is constructed and operated by itself, there is a problem that the equipment cost is excessive and the running cost is increased. Therefore, it is common to request a specialized company for data storage such as data backup.

  However, the number of such specialized companies is limited, and it is difficult for anyone to easily request data storage such as data backup.

  On the other hand, with the spread of computers, there are multiple kitchens, there is a margin in the storage capacity of each computer's external storage device, and there is a demand to effectively use the spare storage area. It has arisen from users. If these spare storage areas can be used effectively, it is expected that a data storage system that is resistant to disasters can be constructed because those computers are widely distributed.

  However, at present, there is no method and system that anyone can easily request for data storage, or a method and system that can effectively utilize the spare storage area of the external storage device of the computer.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art, and anyone can easily request data storage, and a data storage method and data storage system that effectively uses the spare storage area of the external storage device of the computer. The purpose is to provide.

  The data archiving method of the present invention is a data archiving method by a virtual data center comprising a virtual external storage device that collects provided data archiving areas each consisting of margin storage areas of data archiving computers connected by communication lines, Data from a user terminal is stored in a virtual external storage device.

  In the data storage method of the present invention, it is preferable that data from the user terminal is copied and the copied data is distributed and stored in different data storage computers than the data storage computer that stores the original data.

  In the data storage method of the present invention, charging may be made according to the amount of data to be stored and the storage period, or a predetermined amount may be charged initially.

  Furthermore, in the data storage method of the present invention, the user may be registered on the virtual data center home page, or the resource provider may be registered on the virtual data center home page.

  On the other hand, the data storage system of the present invention is a data storage system comprising a user side terminal and a virtual data center connected to the user side terminal via a communication line, the virtual data center Is provided with a virtual external storage device that collects each spare storage area of a group of data storage computers connected by a communication line.

  In the data storage system of the present invention, the virtual data center includes, for example, a window computer and a coordinate computer.

  In this case, the window computer includes a home page storage unit for storing the home page of the virtual data center, a user management unit for managing users, a resource provider management unit for managing resource providers, and a user terminal. And a received data processing unit for processing data received from the data storage unit, and the coordinated computer monitors the usage status of the data storage area provided by each data storage computer, and each data A virtual external storage device construction processing unit that consolidates the data storage areas provided by the storage computer and constructs it as a virtual external storage device, and a part of the provided data storage area of the virtual external storage device is selected and mounted on a specific user terminal It is preferable that a virtual external storage device mount processing unit is provided.

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, anyone can feel free to request data storage, and the data storage can be performed effectively by utilizing the extra storage area of the external storage device of the computer. can get.

  Hereinafter, although the present invention is explained based on an embodiment, referring to an accompanying drawing, the present invention is not limited only to this embodiment.

Embodiment 1
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a data storage system applied to the data storage method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a more specific configuration of the system.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a data storage system U (hereinafter referred to as the present system) U is connected to a group of user terminals and a group of user terminals of a user CU of the system U via a communication line. A virtual data center 2 that stores data from the user terminal 1 is provided as a main component. Here, the communication line is, for example, the Internet.

  The user terminal 1 is, for example, a personal computer having communication means and image display means.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the virtual data center 2 is connected to a window computer 11 connected to a group of user terminals 1 through a communication line, and is connected to the window computer 11 to store data from the user terminal 1 The data storage computer 12 group provided by the resource provider RS is connected to the data storage computer 12 group via a communication line or the like and connected to the window computer 11, and the data storage computer 12 group is connected to the virtual external storage device. The coordinate computer 13 for functioning as W and constructing the virtual data center 2 is provided as a main component. The coordinated computer 13 may be connected to the user terminal group 1 via a communication line.

  The virtual data center 2 is operated by the virtual data center management headquarters TC. As shown in FIG. 2, the virtual data center management headquarters TC reviews the user CU of the system U and the resource provider RS that provides the data storage computer 12 to the system U, as well as the screening room R1 and the user. The contract room R2 for making a contract with the CU and the resource provider RS is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the window computer 11 transmits and receives various data and messages to and from the homepage data storage unit 14, the user management unit 15, the resource provider management unit 16, and the reception data processing unit 17. The transmission / reception unit 18 and a control unit 19 that controls each unit so as to provide a data storage service according to a predetermined procedure are provided as main units.

  The homepage data storage unit 14 stores homepage data of the virtual data center 2. The data stored in the homepage data storage unit 14 is sent to the user terminal 1 via the communication line by the transmission / reception unit 18 under the control of the control unit 19 and displayed by the image display means of the user terminal 1. Is done.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a home page stored in the home page data storage unit 14 and displayed by the image display means of the user terminal 1.

  FIG. 4 shows a top page 20 of the home page of the virtual data center 2, and this top page 20 indicates that a business introduction unit 21 that introduces the business of the virtual data center 2 and that the business being introduced is used. Application procedure explanation part 22 explaining the procedure when a desired person (user CU) applies for registration, a user registration part 23 for registering the user CU who made the registration application, and registration A login operation unit 24 for logging in the user CU to use the data storage service is included.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the business introduction unit 21 introduces a business for storing the data of the user CU in the form of a standard fee table together with a storage period and a fee. For example, if the storage data capacity is up to 1 GB (gigabyte), it is displayed as 10,000 yen per 0.1 GB in 100 days.

  The application procedure explanation section 22 is provided with, for example, a terms of use column, a confirmation button for confirming a willingness to agree to the terms of use, and a description column about documents necessary for user registration and their destinations. . In this application procedure explanation part 22, when the consent button is clicked, an explanation column is displayed.

  The user registration unit 23 is provided with a user information entry format for filling in user information, for example. The user information entry format includes a name / name entry frame for entering the name or name of the user CU, an address entry frame for entering an address, a phone number entry frame for entering a telephone number, and a FAX number entry for entering a FAX number. In addition to a frame, a mail address entry frame for entering an e-mail address, etc., a use condition description frame for describing a desired use condition (a use method, capacity, period, etc. described later) is provided.

  The terms of use include, for example, a clause for confirming that you agree to inquire about credit information from a credit information agency, a clause for use, a clause for deposit, and a disclaimer.

  Documents required for user registration are a copy of a driver's license, resident's card, income certificate, credit card information, etc. for individuals, and a copy of the registry, financial statements, bank, bank account for corporations. Number etc.

  FIG. 6 shows another example of the home page of the virtual data center 2. The home page of FIG. 6 is a members page 25 displayed when a predetermined login operation (input of identification number and password, etc.) is performed in the login operation unit 24 (see FIG. 4) of the top page 20, and this members page 25 includes a data transmission operation unit 26, a capacity allocation request operation unit 27, and a storage data management operation unit 28.

  The data transmission operation unit 26 performs an operation of transmitting data stored by the user CU to the virtual data center 2.

  The capacity allocation request operation unit 27 is an operation for requesting allocation of a data storage area 41a (see FIGS. 9 and 11) having a desired capacity so that the user CU can mount it on the user terminal 1 in the file system method described later. It is supposed to do.

  The stored data management operation unit 28 performs data management actions such as reading and erasing data stored by the user CU.

  Next, the user management unit 15 (see FIG. 3) of the window computer 11 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the user management unit 15 of the window computer 11 includes a user data registration unit 31, a usage condition information storage unit 32, a usage status monitoring unit 33, a usage permission unit 34, and a charging unit 35. And have.

  When input is made in the user information entry format on the home page, the user data registration unit 31 issues a temporary identification number to the user CU, and temporarily identifies the input user data for each user CU. Stored with a number. The data registered in the user data registration unit 31 may include the number of points that can be used by the user CU.

  The registration of the user CU is completed when, for example, the user CU logs in to the members page 25 using the identification number, password, and security code notified to the user CU after a predetermined examination procedure. Alternatively, the user CU may be registered directly by the virtual data center management headquarters TC after a predetermined examination. In this case, the user CU is also notified that registration is complete when notifying the identification number and the like.

  Here, the temporary identification number and the main identification number are usually the same number. Hereinafter, this identification number is referred to as a user identification number.

  The user data registration unit 31 also generates a message for inquiring whether or not to extend the registration period to the user CU whose end of the registration period is approaching. This message is transmitted to the user terminal 1 by the transmission / reception unit 17 of the window computer 11.

  The use condition information storage unit 32 stores information on use conditions permitted for use by the examination room R1 provided in the virtual data center management headquarters TC for each user CU (hereinafter referred to as use condition information). It is supposed to be stored. The usage condition information includes information indicating specific usage conditions such as a usage method (a file storage method and a file system method described later) of the virtual data center 2, a maximum usable capacity, a usable period, and the like.

  The usage status monitoring unit 33 monitors the usage status of the user CU based on the user identification number, and stores the monitoring result as usage status information. Here, the usage status to be monitored includes the capacity of the user's data stored in the virtual external storage device W, the storage time, the capacity of the provided data storage area 41a mounted on the user terminal 1, and Contains information about the period.

  The usage permission unit 34 refers to the usage condition information and the usage status information, and determines whether to permit or not use data transmission, storage, reading from the user terminal 1 and a capacity allocation request to be described later. The The determination result of the use permission unit 34 is notified to the coordinating computer 13 and the user terminal 1. In addition, when the use permission unit 34 determines whether or not the request is permitted, the user CU's intention confirmation process is performed as necessary (for example, an estimated amount is presented and the user CU's intention to accept or reject the request). Confirmation).

  The charging unit 35 refers to the usage status information and performs a charging process for the user CU by a predetermined calculation method. This billing processing includes processing such as issuance of invoices, processing of a withdrawal request to a credit company, and processing of withdrawal of points corresponding to the usage amount from the points possessed by the user CU.

  As the predetermined calculation method, for example, the following method is used.

Billing amount = (predetermined coefficient) X (storage data capacity) X (storage period)
The predetermined coefficient is a coefficient set in advance according to the data storage computer 12 to be used. For example, the coefficient of the high-performance data storage computer 12 having a high processing speed is set high, and the coefficient of the low-performance data storage computer 12 having a low processing speed is set low.

  As for the billing process, in addition to the method of charging according to the usage status, the contract storage data capacity and contract period, and the type of the data storage computer 12 to be used are set at the time of contract, whereby the so-called batch advance payment method It may be due to.

  Next, the resource provider management unit 16 (see FIG. 3) of the window computer 11 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the resource provider management unit 16 includes a provider data registration unit 36, a provision condition information storage unit 37, and a remuneration unit 38 as main components.

  The provider data registration unit 36 registers information (provider information) regarding the data storage resource provider (resource provider) RS, for example, the owner of the data storage computer 12. Hereinafter, registration by the provider data registration unit 36 will be described.

  The resource provider RS reports the information such as the name or name, address, telephone number, FAX number, and e-mail address, and the detailed information of the provided resource and information about the desired price to the virtual data center management headquarters TC. The virtual data center management headquarters TC performs screening by the examination room R1 based on the reported information, and the examination results and contract conditions are notified from the virtual data center management headquarters TC to the resource provider RS. When the resource provider RS accepts the contract conditions, a data management computer provision contract is exchanged between the resource provider RS and the virtual data center management headquarters TC.

  When this contract is made, the declared information and the contract conditions are provided together with an identification number (resource provider identification number) issued to each resource provider RS as resource provider information. It is input to 36 and registered. Further, an identification number (resource identification number) and a security code are assigned to resources (hardware resources and software) provided based on this contract. This resource identification number and security code are also input and registered in the provider data registration unit 36. Here, the resource identification number is a number associated with the resource provider identification number given to the resource provider. For example, the resource provider identification number is a branch number.

  The provided resource information storage unit 37 is configured to store information (provided resource information) related to the resources permitted to be provided. The provided resource information includes information on the capacity, performance, provision start time, provision period and provision consideration of the provision data storage area 41a, access information of the provision data storage area 41a (global IP address or domain name of the data storage computer 12). , Provided data storage area directory information, etc.).

  The remuneration unit 38 refers to the provided resource information, calculates a remuneration to be received by each provider RS by a predetermined calculation method, and performs a remuneration process for paying the calculated amount to each provider RS. The The reimbursement process includes issuance of a payment notice, a request to transfer a reimbursement to a designated bank account, and the like.

  Here, for example, the following method is used as the predetermined calculation method.

Reimbursement amount = (predetermined coefficient) X (provided data capacity) X (provided period)
The predetermined coefficient is a coefficient set in advance according to the provided data storage computer 12. For example, the coefficient of the high-performance data storage computer 12 having a high processing speed is set high, and the coefficient of the low-performance data storage computer 12 having a low processing speed is set low.

  Next, the reception data processing unit 17 (see FIG. 3) of the window computer 11 will be described.

  The received data processing unit 17 performs predetermined processing on the data received from the user terminal 1. The predetermined processing includes, for example, file format change corresponding to the data storage computer 12 to be stored, data division, data replication, and the like.

  Next, the data storage computer 12 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the data storage computer 12 includes a data storage unit 41, a resource provision processing unit 42, a transmission / reception unit 43, and a control unit 44. Based on the contract, a predetermined area of the data storage unit 41 of the computer is stored. The provision data storage area 41a is provided to be used under the control of the coordinated computer 13.

  Here, the data storage unit 41 is composed of, for example, a hard disk device. The owner or administrator of the data storage computer 12 (hereinafter simply referred to as the owner) classifies the unused area (extra storage area) of the data storage unit 41 as the provided data storage area 41a by partitioning, for example, The capacity and directory information are notified to the virtual data center management headquarters TC together with the global IP address or domain name of the data storage computer 12. The notified capacity, directory information, global IP address, and the like are input to the window computer 11 and the coordinating computer 13 to constitute a part of the provided resource information.

  The resource provision processing unit 42 performs processing for ensuring the use of the provision data storage area 41a as the virtual external storage device W, such as prohibiting the use of the provision data storage area 41a by the data storage computer 12 itself. This process is performed by using, for example, user access restriction of the NTFS file system in Windows (registered trademark).

  Accordingly, the resource provision processing unit 42 is activated by entering the resource identification number and the security code and enters a standby state.

  Next, the coordinate computer 13 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the coordinating computer 13 transmits / receives various data and messages to / from the resource usage status monitoring unit 45, the virtual external storage device construction processing unit 46, and the virtual external storage device mount processing unit 47. The main unit includes a unit 48 and a control unit 49 that controls each unit so as to provide a data storage service according to a predetermined procedure.

  The resource usage status monitoring unit 45 monitors the usage status of the provided data storage area 41a of all the data storage computers 12, and holds the monitoring result as resource usage status information. This usage status is monitored, for example, by acquiring information on a logical disk manager in Windows (registered trademark).

  The virtual external storage device construction processing unit 46 controls the bundled data storage areas 41a of the respective data storage computers 12 so as to be used as one virtual data storage device, that is, the virtual external storage device W. .

  That is, the virtual external storage device construction processing unit 46 refers to the provided resource information and the resource usage status information, connects to each data storage computer 12, and sends the data from the user terminal 1 to an appropriate provided data storage area 41a. (Or 41a, 41a,...) Is stored in the window computer 11 and when the user terminal 1 performs a management action such as reading or erasing data, the requested data is read. Thus, processing such as instructing the window computer 11 to transmit to the user terminal 1 is performed.

  FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram of the virtual external storage device W constructed by the virtual external storage device construction processing unit 46. As shown in FIG. 11, the virtual external storage device W includes a provided data storage area 41 a of each data storage computer 12 connected to the coordinated computer 13.

  The virtual external storage device mount processing unit 47 cooperates with the virtual external storage device mount processing auxiliary unit 53 (see FIG. 12) of the user terminal 1 to perform normal file operations (data with the mouse) on the user terminal 1. Part of the virtual external storage device W so that data can be stored, retrieved, rewritten and erased in the virtual data center 2 by dragging and dropping files, file storage operations in various applications such as word processing software, etc. Provided data storage area 41a (or 41a, 41a,...) Is selected as a virtual external storage device W1, and the selected virtual external storage device W1 is mounted on the user terminal 1. That is, the connection relation is maintained so that only the specific user terminal 1 can always access the virtual external storage device W1. This connection relationship is maintained by a network drive function in Windows (registered trademark), for example.

  Next, the user terminal 1 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the user terminal 1 includes a storage data periodic update unit 51, a home page via file transmission unit 52, and a virtual external storage device mount processing auxiliary unit 53 as main parts. The

  The storage data periodic update unit 51 stores data to be stored in a predetermined range in the virtual data center 2 by designating a folder so that the data stored in the virtual external storage device W is always the latest. The stored data is updated periodically. Such a stored data periodic update unit 51 is configured by installing software having a program for performing a corresponding process in the user terminal 1.

  The file transmission unit 52 via the home page is activated in the user terminal 1 when the user CU executes a predetermined operation in the file transmission operation unit 26 of the member's page 25, and the data specified by the user CU according to a predetermined procedure. It is assumed that the file is controlled to be transmitted to the virtual data center 2. Such a homepage via file transmission unit 52 is configured by installing software having a program for performing a corresponding process in the user terminal 1.

  The virtual external storage device mount processing auxiliary unit 53 cooperates with the virtual external storage device mount processing unit 45 to mount the selected provided data storage area 41 a on the user terminal 1. Such a virtual external storage device mount processing auxiliary unit 53 can be configured using, for example, the “allocate network drive” function of Windows (registered trademark) of the operating system.

  Hereinafter, a method for operating the virtual external storage device W will be described in detail. The user CU is assumed to use the virtual external storage device W by the following two methods, for example. Here, all data transmission is executed after being encrypted. About this encryption, well-known various encryption processes can be used suitably, There is no limitation in particular in the application.

1) File storage method In this method, data transmitted from the user terminal 1 is stored in the virtual external storage device W in units of files within a preset maximum capacity range. In this method, the coordinating computer 13 stores the data file from the user terminal 1 permitted to be transmitted by the use permission unit 34 in an appropriate data storage computer 12 of any of the data storage computers 12 constituting the virtual external storage device W. The storage in the area 41a is instructed.

  In this case, for example, the coordinating computer 13 distributes each data file by copying a predetermined number of data files and storing the duplicate files of one file in the data storage area 41a of the separate data storage computer 12 in different regions. Storage may be instructed to the window computer 11. As a result, even when a disaster occurs in one area and it becomes impossible to retrieve a data file from the data storage area 41a of the data storage computer 12 in that area, the data management computer 12 in another area It is possible to store the duplicate data of the data so that it can be taken out from the provided data storage area 41a at any time. Therefore, it is possible to avoid that the stored data is lost or cannot be used when the user CU needs it.

  Here, in the file storage method, charging may be performed based on the capacity and storage time of actually stored data. For example, the charge is calculated for each stored data file based on the capacity and the number of storage days (the storage start date is the first day) and the coefficient set for each data storage computer 12 used. The total fee for the data file may be charged.

  In the file storage method, there are the following three types of transmission methods in which the user CU transmits data to the virtual data center 2, more specifically, to the virtual external storage device W.

a) Transmission method by the storage data periodic update unit 51 (see FIG. 12) The storage data periodic update unit 51 transmits the storage target data within a predetermined range to the virtual data center 2 for each set time and stores it. This is a method of regularly updating data.

  At this time, the storage data periodic update unit 51 (i) transmits all the storage target data every predetermined time, and rewrites all the data regularly regardless of whether the contents are changed, or (B) Send all the data to be stored only for the first time. After the second time, create a difference file indicating the contents of changes when there is a change such as addition, update, deletion etc. Then, only the created differential file is transmitted to the virtual data center 2, and one of the differential backup methods for requesting that the differential file be additionally distributed and stored is selected by the user setting, and the selected method is selected. It is assumed that data is transmitted.

b) Transmission method using the home page of the virtual data center 2 This is a method of transmitting data by the user CU performing a predetermined operation in the data transmission operation unit 26 of the members page 25 (see FIG. 6). The

  Procedure 1: The user CU performs a predetermined login operation such as input of a user identification number and a password in the login operation unit 24 of the top page 20 (see FIG. 4) displayed by the image display means. As a result, the members page 25 is displayed.

  Procedure 2: The user CU performs predetermined operations such as designation of a file and display of the intention to transmit the file by the data transmission operation unit 26. As a result, whether or not to permit file transmission is determined by the use permission unit 34 (see FIG. 7).

  Procedure 3: When data transmission is permitted, data from the terminal 1 on the user side is received by the window computer 11, and the data is distributed and stored by the method described above according to a command from the coordinating computer 13, while data transmission is permitted. If not, the usage permission unit 34 generates a message to that effect and transmits it to the user terminal 1.

c) Transmission method using general-purpose file transfer software The user CU installs general-purpose file transfer software on the user-side terminal 1 and uses it to store according to the transfer method and procedure specified by the virtual data center 2 This is a method of individually transmitting data files. When there is a file storage request, the use permission unit 34 determines whether the storage is permitted or not, and when permitted, the window computer 11 sends a received file to the command from the coordinated computer 13. On the other hand, distributed storage is executed, but if it is not permitted, reception is not performed and a message to that effect is generated and transmitted to the user terminal 1.

2) File system method A part of the provided data storage area 41a of the virtual external storage device W is provided to the user terminal 1 by the cooperation of the virtual external storage device mount processing unit 47 and the virtual external storage device mount processing auxiliary unit 53. This is a mounting method and is used by the following procedure. Here, in the file system method, for example, charging is performed based on the mounted capacity, the period, and the coefficient set for each data storage computer 12 used.

  Procedure 1: The user CU performs a predetermined login operation such as input of a user identification number and a password in the login operation unit 24 of the top page 20. Thereby, the members page 25 is displayed by the image display means of the user terminal 1.

  Procedure 2: A user requests to allocate a desired capacity in the capacity allocation request operation unit 27 of the members page 25. As a result, the use permission unit 34 determines the request.

  Step 3: When the request is permitted, the virtual external storage device mount processing unit 47 of the coordinating computer 13 extracts the provided data storage area 41a having the requested capacity based on the provided resource information and the resource usage status information. A file system dedicated to the user CU is constructed in the extracted provided data storage area 41a.

  Step 4: A message including information necessary for mounting the virtual external storage device W on the user terminal 1 such as configuration information and access information of the constructed file system is a virtual external storage device mount processing unit. 47 and transmitted to the user CU.

  Procedure 5: Referring to the required information, the user CU mounts the constructed file system on the user side terminal 1 using the virtual external storage device mount processing auxiliary unit 53.

  As described above, in the data storage system U according to the first embodiment, the provided data storage area 41a which is an unused data storage hardware resource (hard disk device or the like) included in each computer connected to a wide area network such as the Internet. Are collected as a virtual external storage device W, and data from each user CU is stored in the virtual external storage device W via the network. For this reason, it becomes possible to effectively utilize the enormous excess of data storage hardware resources existing in the world. Therefore, it is possible to significantly reduce the cost compared to the case where a dedicated storage system is prepared, and it is possible to provide an inexpensive data storage service to the user CU.

  In addition to the method of mounting a predetermined capacity, it is possible to charge according to the actual usage state by charging based on the actual stored data capacity and storage time. Become. This eliminates billing only for securing capacity. Therefore, it is possible to provide a cheaper data storage service.

  In addition, since the stored data is replicated and the replicated data is stored on computers in various parts of Japan or around the world via a wide area network, the stored data can be stored without incurring enormous costs such as setting up a dedicated data storage system. It is possible to extremely reduce the possibility of being unavailable. Therefore, it is possible to provide a highly secure data storage service at a low price.

Embodiment 2
FIG. 13 shows a main part of the second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment is obtained by modifying the first embodiment, and the resource provider RS can be registered on the homepage via the resource provider side terminal.

  The remaining configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, differences of the second embodiment from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of a home page stored in the home page data storage unit 14 and displayed by the image display means of the user terminal 1 and the resource provider terminal.

  FIG. 13 shows a top page 60 of the home page of the virtual data center 2, and this top page 60 indicates that a business introduction unit 61 that introduces the business of the virtual data center 2 and that the business being introduced is used. An application explaining the procedures for applying for registration by a desired person (user CU) and a person who wants to provide the data storage computer 12 for the business being introduced (resource provider RS) The procedure explanation unit 62, the user registration unit 63 that registers the user CU who made the registration application, the provider registration unit 64 that registers the resource provider RS that made the registration application, and the registered user A login operation unit 65 for logging in by the CU and the resource provider RS is included.

  The business introduction unit 61 introduces the business for storing the data of the user CU in the form of a standard fee schedule for the storage period, the fee, etc., and provides the capacity of the data storage computer 12 provided by the resource provider RS. Consideration is also introduced in the form of a standard consideration table. For example, if the provided data capacity is up to 1 GB (gigabyte), 8,000 yen per 0.1 GB is displayed for 100 days.

  The application procedure explanation section 62 is provided with, for example, a terms column, a confirmation button for confirming the willingness to agree to the terms, and a description column for documents necessary for registration and their destinations. In this application procedure explanation part 62, when the consent button is clicked, an explanation column is displayed.

  The user registration unit 63 is provided with a user information entry format for entering user information, for example. The user information entry format includes a name / name entry frame for entering the name or name of the user CU, an address entry frame for entering an address, a phone number entry frame for entering a telephone number, and a FAX number entry for entering a FAX number. In addition to a frame, a mail address entry frame for entering an e-mail address, etc., a use condition description frame for describing a desired use condition (a use method, capacity, period, etc. described later) is provided.

  For example, the provider registration unit 64 is provided with a provider information entry format for filling in provider information. The provider information entry format includes a name / name entry box for filling in the name or name of the resource provider RS, an address entry box for filling in the address, a telephone number entry box for filling in the telephone number, and a FAX number for filling in the FAX number. In addition to an entry frame and an email address entry frame for entering an e-mail address, a provision condition description frame for describing desired provision conditions (capacity, period, etc.) is provided.

  The terms include, for example, a clause for confirming that you agree to inquire credit information with a credit information agency, a clause for use, a clause for deposit, a disclaimer, a guarantee clause for resources provided, a clause for damages, etc. Yes.

  Documents necessary for registration are a copy of a driver's license, resident's card, income certificate, credit card information, etc. if you are an individual, copy of register, financial statement, bank, bank account number, etc. if you are a corporation It is said.

  FIG. 14 shows another example of the home page of the virtual data center 2. The home page of FIG. 14 is a resource provider page 70 displayed when a predetermined login operation (input of an identification number and a password, etc.) is performed in the login operation unit 65 (see FIG. 13) of the top page 60. The resource provider page 70 includes a resource registration operation unit 71 and a provider information operation unit 72.

  The resource registration operation unit 71 performs operations for inquiring, registering, changing, and deleting resources provided by the resource provider RS.

  The provider information operation unit 72 is configured to perform operations such as a change above the registration of the resource provider RS, for example, inquiries about name, name, address, bank account, password, additional registration, and change.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, since the registration of the resource provider RS and the registration of the provided resource are also performed on the home page of the virtual data center 2, the resource provider RS can be recruited from a wider range, A more stable data storage system U can be constructed.

  The present invention makes it possible to store data by effectively utilizing a spare storage area of a huge number of computers connected to a wide area network.

1 is a schematic block diagram of a data storage system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram showing a more specific configuration of the system. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the window computer of the system. It is a schematic block diagram of an example of a homepage displayed by the same window computer. It is the schematic of an example of the display displayed by the homepage. It is a schematic block diagram of another example of the homepage displayed by the same window computer. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the user management part of the same window computer. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the provider management part of the same window computer. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the data storage computer of a virtual data center. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the coordination computer of a virtual data center. It is a block diagram which shows the concept of a virtual external storage device. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the user side terminal of the system of Embodiment 1. It is FIG. 4 equivalent view of Embodiment 2 of this invention. FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6 of the same embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 User terminal 2 Virtual data center 11 Counter computer
12 Resource provision computer (data storage computer)
13 Coordinated computer U Data storage system W Virtual external storage device

Claims (10)

A data storage method by a virtual data center comprising a virtual external storage device that collects provided data storage areas consisting of each spare storage area of a data storage computer group connected by a communication line,
A data storage method, wherein data from a user terminal is stored in the virtual external storage device.   2. The data storage method according to claim 1, wherein the data from the user side terminal is copied and the copied data is distributed and stored in a data storage computer different from the data storage computer that stores the original data.   2. The data storage method according to claim 1, wherein a charge is made according to a data amount to be stored and a storage period.   2. The data storage method according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined amount is charged initially.   2. The data storage method according to claim 1, wherein the user is registered on the home page of the virtual data center.   2. The data storage method according to claim 1, wherein the resource provider is registered on the home page of the virtual data center. A data storage system comprising a user side terminal and a virtual data center connected to the user side terminal via a communication line,
A data storage system, wherein the virtual data center comprises a virtual external storage device that collects each spare storage area of a group of data storage computers connected by a communication line.   8. The data storage system according to claim 7, wherein the virtual data center comprises a window computer and a coordinating computer.   The window computer receives a home page storage unit that stores the virtual data center home page, a user management unit that manages users, a resource provider management unit that manages resource providers, and a terminal from the user side. The data storage system according to claim 8, further comprising a received data processing unit for processing data.   Construction of a virtual external storage device in which the coordinated computer collects the provided data storage area of each data storage computer and constructs it as a virtual external storage device by monitoring the usage status of the data storage area provided by each data storage computer 9. The processing unit and a virtual external storage device mounting processing unit that selects a part of the provision data storage area of the virtual external storage device and mounts it on a specific user terminal. Data storage system.

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