John Matthew Guthrie

US Patent:

20050010592, Jan 13, 2005

Filed:

Jul 8, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/616411

Inventors:

John Guthrie - Woodinville WA, US

International Classification:

G06F017/00

US Classification:

707104100

Abstract:

A method and system for creating a snapshot of data. The snapshot system creates a snapshot of data that is hierarchically organized, such as the data of a file system. When a snapshot is to be created, the snapshot system copies the root node of the hierarchical organization to a new root node that points to the same child nodes as the copied root node. This new root node becomes the root node of the snapshot data. When a current node is subsequently modified, the snapshot system replaces each ancestor node of that node that has not yet been replaced with a new node that has the same child nodes as the replaced node. The snapshot system also replaces the node to be modified with a new node that points to the same child nodes of the replaced node.

US Patent:

20050114402, May 26, 2005

Filed:

Nov 20, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/718486

Inventors:

John Guthrie - Monroe WA, US

Assignee:

Zetta Systems, Inc. - Woodinville WA

International Classification:

G06F012/00

US Classification:

707200000

Abstract:

A block level data snapshot system uses agents to convert block level file commands from devices such as computer workstations intended for block level devices such as hard disks. The block level file commands are converted into instructions for a node based snapshot data system for taking snapshots at the block level. By converting the block level file commands into instructions suitable for the node based snapshot system, snapshots are able to be taken at the block level, which allows for disk storage savings and speed enhancements. One resultant feature is that the block level data snapshot system can be used as a block level storage device for one or more workstations thus allowing relatively simple integration of a snapshot system with existing workstations.