Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Apurva Ashwin Doshi

Bohdan W Raciborski

Grigory Borisovich Lyakhovitskiy

Juan-Lee Pang

Sarosh Cyrus Havewala

Branton Nicolas Boehm

Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to searching files. In aspects, a search engine is able to search not only the current files but also is able to search for deleted and previous versions of files that satisfy queries. The search engine may maintain an index that facilitates searches. In addition, the search engine may also determine not only that a file satisfies a query but what version(s) of the file satisfies the query.

Searching files

Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to backups and change journals. In aspects, a change journal is read to determine changes that have occurred to objects of a file system. From these changes a data structure is created to capture path information and collect changes for each object. Where the data structure is insufficient to identify a complete path, the live file system is consulted. After the data structure is complete, a data protection engine uses the data structure to update a catalog at least to provide the capability to view the namespace of the protected objects at one or more times covered by the catalog.

File system backup using change journal

Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to adaptive retention for backup data. In aspects, space may be needed on a backup storage in order to store additional backup data. In response, an indication that space is needed provided to a retention manager. The retention manager attempts to prune data on the backup storage to free up space on the backup storage. Before deleting a version on the backup storage, the retention manager determines whether deletion conditions are met. The retention manager may apply one or more retention policies in its efforts to free space. The retention manager may manage and free the space such that versions of files already stored are preserved for the longest possible time.

Adaptive retention for backup data

Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to data protection. In aspects, during a backup cycle, backup copies may be created for files that are new or that have changed since the last backup. If external backup storage is not available, the backup copies may be stored in a cache located on the primary storage. If backup storage is available, the backup copies may be stored in the backup storage device and backup copies that were previously stored in the primary storage may be copied to the backup storage. The availability of the backup storage may be detected and used to seamlessly switch between backing up files locally and remotely as availability of the backup storage changes.

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Seattle, WA, United States of America

Apurva Ashwin Doshi