Method and apparatus for evaluating a backup policy in a computer network

摘要

Method and apparatus for evaluating a backup policy in a computer network is described. In one example, a control limit is established for each of a plurality of backup tasks in the backup policy based on a set of backup statistics. An aggregate requirement for the backup policy is computed by combining control limits for the plurality of backup tasks. The aggregate requirement is compared with aggregate capabilities of the computer network. The backup policy is evaluated based on the results of the comparison.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
receiving a proposed backup policy comprised of a plurality of backup tasks, wherein the proposed backup policy is received from an application server, and wherein each of the plurality of backup tasks comprises an instruction to back up a unit of data; establishing a quantitative control limit for each of the plurality of backup tasks in the backup policy based on a set of backup statistics maintained by a backup server, wherein the backup statistics include data on a historical success or failure rate of completion of one or more previously executed backup tasks over a plurality of execution cycles; computing a quantitative aggregate requirement for the backup policy by combining the established quantitative control limits for the plurality of backup tasks wherein the quantitative aggregate requirement represents the aggregate resource requirements of each of the plurality of backup tasks scheduled in the backup policy; comparing the quantitative aggregate requirement with aggregate capabilities of the computer network; evaluating the backup policy based on the results of the comparison, wherein said evaluating comprises determining a process capability for each of the plurality of backup tasks in the backup policy; and if one or more of the process capabilities is unacceptable, altering one or more of the backup tasks in the backup policy in order to improve a probability of success of the backup policy.