Efficient data restoration for a disk-based network backup system
Zhiwei Qu, Yan Chen, Zhenhua Zhang, Boon-Lock Yeo · 2004
The paper considers the use of a disk-based solution for network backup and studies how it may be possible to restore data efficiently using the disk-based backup solution. Our study is based on the storage media and restoration method. With the maturity of technology and falling costs, disks are becoming increasingly compelling as the backup media over magnetic tape. The unique advantage of disk is that it is a random access media and it can apply, for example, possible compression algorithms to different versions of the same file during backup. In addition, restoration of data from disk can be much more convenient compared to tape. We consider a browser/server approach, as well as client application/server approach. We also present a working system called "A-backup system" that offers new benefits, such as efficient data restoration for disk-based network backup systems, benefits not possible before with tape-based backup systems.