Version collection technique implemented on an intrinsic versioning information storage and retrieval system

摘要

A technique is disclosed for implementing collection of obsolete object versions stored in an information storage and retrieval system. The information storage and retrieval system includes persistent memory configured or designed to store a plurality of different object versions. The information storage and retrieval system further includes volatile memory which may be configured to store an object table which includes object version information relating to the plurality of object versions. The object version information includes information relating to locations in the persistent memory where each of the plurality of object versions are stored. A version collection procedure is initiated. At least one object version may then be identified as an obsolete object version without performing a memory access operation to the persistent memory to retrieve information relating to the at least one object version. In one embodiment, the identification of the obsolete object version may be accomplished using information contained in the object table. Further according to specific embodiments, the information storage and retrieval system may correspond to a non-log based information storage and retrieval system which is configured or designed to implement intrinsic versioning of objects stored within the system.