Switch device, system, backup method and computer program

Abstract

Disclosed is a system which includes at least one client, a plural number of file servers, each having a file system, and a switch logically arranged between the client and the plural file servers to provide file access services which virtually render the plural file services accessible as a single file system, termed a ‘pseudo file system’, when viewed from the terminal. The switch distributes a command for start of generation of snapshots to the plural file servers, which file servers formulate respective snapshots responsive to the command for start of formation of the snapshots. The switch sets the plural snapshots, generated by the plural file servers, so as to be associated with the file system structure of the virtual file system at the time of formation of the snapshots.

1 . A backup management system comprising:
 a plurality of file devices, each including a file system;   means for providing a consolidated file system consolidating said file systems; and   a unit for consolidating snapshots of said file devices using junctions of said snapshots.   
   
   
       2 . The backup management system according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 means for at least one of backup and restore, using said consolidated snapshots.   
   
   
       3 . The backup management system according to  claims 1 ,
 wherein said snapshots are consolidated by setting a link between the snapshots of said file devices.   
   
   
       4 . A file access service system comprising:
 an intermediate device logically arranged between at least one terminal and a plurality of file devices, each provided with a file system, said intermediate system providing a file access service which renders a plurality of file systems accessible as a single virtual file system, termed a ‘pseudo file system’, when viewed from said terminal; said intermediate device including a unit for consolidating snapshots of said file devices using junctions of said snapshots.   
   
   
       5 . The file access service system according to  claim 4 ,
 wherein said intermediate device further includes means for executing at least one of backup and restore by using said consolidated snapshots.   
   
   
       6 . The file access service system according to  claims 4 ,
 wherein said intermediate device consolidates said snapshots of said file devices by setting a link between the snapshots.   
   
   
       7 . A switch device logically arranged between at least one terminal and a plurality of file devices, each provided with a file system,
 said switch device including means for providing file access switching which renders a plurality of said file systems accessible as a single virtual file system, termed a ‘pseudo file system’ when viewed from said terminal;   said switch device including a unit for consolidating snapshots of said file devices using junctions of said snapshots.   
   
   
       8 . The switch device according to  claim 7 , further comprising:
 means for executing at least one of backup and restore, by using said consolidated snapshots.   
   
   
       9 . The switch device according to  claims 7 ,
 wherein said snapshots are consolidated by setting a link between the snapshots of said file devices.   
   
   
       10 . A method for backup management of a plurality of file devices, each including a file system,
 said method comprising:   providing a consolidated file system consolidating said file systems; and   consolidating snapshots of said file devices using junctions of said snapshots.   
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 10 ,
 wherein said method further comprising:   at least one of backup and restore, by using said consolidated snapshots.   
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claims 10 ,
 wherein said snapshots are consolidated by setting a link between the snapshots of said file devices.   
   
   
       13 . A method for ale access service comprising:
 providing an intermediate device logically arranged between at least one terminal and a plurality of file devices, each including a file system; and   furnishing said terminal with a file access service which allows said terminal to access a plurality of said file systems as a single virtual file system, termed a ‘pseudo file system’;   said intermediate device consolidates said snapshots of said file devices.   
   
   
       14 . The method for file access service according to  claim 13 , further comprising:
 executing at least one of backup and restore by using said consolidated snapshots.   
   
   
       15 . The method for file access service according to  claims 13 ,
 wherein said snapshots are consolidated by setting a link between the snapshots of said file devices.   
   
   
       16 . A method for file access switching comprising:
 providing a switch device logically arranged between at least one terminal and a plurality of file devices, each provided with a file system,   switching for file accessing a plurality of said file systems as a single virtual file system, termed ‘pseudo file system’ when viewed from said terminal; and   consolidating snapshots of said file devices using of junctions of said snapshots.   
   
   
       17 . The method for file access switch according to  claim 16 , further comprising:
 executing at least one of backup and restore, by using said consolidated snapshots.   
   
   
       18 . The method for file access switch according to  claims 16 ,
 wherein said snapshots are consolidated by setting a link between the snapshots of said file devices.