Minimize downtime with immediate upgrade of data in databases
Inventors
Coverston, Sam Jason • Walsh, Jefferson Bridger
Assignees
Publication Number
US-9569435-B2
Publication Date
2017-02-14
Expiration Date
2034-05-15
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Abstract
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for updating data stored within the database. In some implementations, actions include providing a plurality of cut-off dates, for each cut-off date in the plurality of cut-off dates determining a total time based on respective times associated with a plurality of tasks to provide a plurality of total times, each total time corresponding to a respective cut-off date, selecting an actual cut-off date based on the plurality of total times, and updating data within the database using the actual cut-off date.
Core Innovation
The invention provides systems, methods, and computer-readable media for updating data stored within a database by minimizing downtime, risk, and cost during database upgrade processes. The method allows current data to be upgraded and made accessible first, without waiting for all historical data to be upgraded. This is accomplished by using a cut-off date to separate current data (generated after the cut-off date) from historical data (stored on or before the cut-off date), enabling the database to come back online with upgraded current data while historical data upgrade is deferred or done in parallel.
The problem addressed is that conventional database upgrade processes require taking the database offline, making all data inaccessible to both users and the organization until the entire upgrade is complete. These processes can result in significant downtime and risk, including errors that must be resolved before regaining access. The invention aims to overcome these challenges by focusing updates on the most immediately necessary data and providing mechanisms for selecting an optimal cut-off date based on the time required for different upgrade tasks.
Key steps involve providing multiple potential cut-off dates, determining the total time required to upgrade for each cut-off date by modeling the necessary tasks (such as moving and updating data), and selecting the actual cut-off date that minimizes the total time needed. Data is then partitioned and processed based on this selected cut-off date, with portions of data being moved between tables, converted to a new data structure, and made available over the network as soon as each portion is ready.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes several independent claims describing inventive features centered on methods, systems, and computer program products for database upgrades.
Database upgrade using cut-off dates to partition data
The process includes: 1. Providing a plurality of cut-off dates to define pre cut-off date data and post cut-off date data within a database. 2. For each cut-off date, determining the set of tasks needed to update the database data. 3. Calculating total times for each cut-off date based on the duration of the associated tasks. 4. Selecting the actual cut-off date based on the calculated total times. 5. Using the selected cut-off date to update the database, partitioning data accordingly.
System for data updating using cut-off dates and task time modeling
A system of one or more computers with instructions to: - Provide multiple cut-off dates, each defining groups of pre and post cut-off date data. - For each cut-off date, determine tasks associated with updating the data and measure total time required for each. - Select the optimal cut-off date to minimize downtime. - Update the database data using the selected cut-off date to define groups for upgrade.
Non-transitory computer storage medium for upgrading database data using cut-off dates
A computer program product that: - Provides multiple cut-off dates for partitioning data. - Determines tasks and calculates total times for each cut-off date. - Selects the actual cut-off date based on total time calculations. - Updates the database using the selected cut-off date to partition and process the data upgrade.
The inventive features claim a method, system, and computer program for upgrading databases by dynamically determining and applying an optimal cut-off date through modeling of tasks and time, allowing for efficient, partitioned upgrade processes.
Stated Advantages
Reduces risk by implementing a quality assured upgrade package that ensures correct database configuration.
Significantly reduces the downtime required for database upgrades by allowing current data to be upgraded and made accessible before upgrading all historical data.
Decreases the cost of upgrades through standardized coding, reducing the need for customized database procedures.
Minimizes management and support costs by eliminating the need for customer-specific code or processes.
Reduces the effort required to perform database upgrades.
Documented Applications
Upgrading travel commerce databases, including storage and management of booking data such as transport reservations, hotel reservations, and car rental data.
Upgrading production databases for various organizations to minimize downtime while handling transactional and configuration data.
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