Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and system for remotely backing-up computer memories utilizing a global communications network. An embodiment of the present invention utilizes the INTERNET to access a plurality of computers. The plurality of computers is in electrical communication with a central office. In one embodiment of the invention, a computer located in the central office administers a memory back-up procedure at a customer&#39;s location. The central office computer may also assess whether the memory back-up procedure has been successfully completed, and if not, send an electronic notification to a predetermined system or individual that a failure has occurred, and to automatically provide repairs.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY TO PRIOR APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/187,843, filed on Mar. 8, 2000, incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and system for remotely backing-up a computer memory utilizing a global communications network. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and system that remotely administers a memory back-up procedure, ensures that the memory back-up procedure is successfully completed, and automatically performs necessary repairs. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Backing-up computer memory essentially consists of making a copy of the computer&#39;s hard drive and storing that copy in a remote location. It is well known that errors in back-up procedures occur frequently, however, these errors may not be detected and repaired until days, weeks, or months after the back-up procedure has been performed. The errors may result from mechanical failures, computer viruses, natural disasters or human error. 
     With the advent of the INTERNET, systems have been developed to provide computer back-up services by remotely connecting to a customer site to perform a computer memory back-up procedure. However, many individuals dislike the idea of providing a memory backup procedure through an open media like the INTERNET. Transferring private files over the INTERNET may compromise privacy, and may seriously damage any data in the files. Furthermore, processes for efficiently transferring large data files utilizing the INTERNET typically require very expensive wideband T1 connections. 
     Typically, speed of data recovery is not a concern. However, a memory back-up procedure that requires 10–20 minutes is preferred over an off site memory storage facility that may require as much as two days to recover any stored data. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and system for remotely administering a data storage backup process of a computer utilizing a network. In one embodiment, the system of the invention for administering a data storage backup process of a computer comprises means for remotely coupling to the computer, means for sending a signal to identify a problem in the data storage backup process, means for remotely repairing the problem and means for sending a signal to indicate that the data storage backup process is complete. 
     In one embodiment, a system is provided for administering a transfer of electronic data to a data storage device comprising a first computer and a second computer operatively coupled to the first computer through a network. In one embodiment, the network includes the Internet. The first computer is programmed to receive an electronic message from the second computer and, in response to the message, to remotely administer the transfer of electronic data from the second computer to the data storage device. In one embodiment, the data storage device includes an automatic transfer library that is operatively coupled to the first computer and/or the second computer. The first computer is further programmed to transmit an electronic message to indicate that the transfer of electronic data is complete. 
     The first computer of the system of the invention is also programmed to transmit an electronic message to identify a problem in the transfer of electronic data to the data storage device and to identify a repair that is required to correct the problem. The first computer either remotely repairs the problem or transmits an electronic message to notify an administrator local to the second computer to perform the repair. 
     In another embodiment, a method of administering a transfer of electronic data to a data storage device is provided comprising coupling a first computer to a second computer through a network, administering the transfer of electronic data to the data storage device and transmitting an electronic message from the first computer to indicate the transfer of electronic data is complete. In one embodiment, the network includes the Internet. The data storage device is operatively coupled to the first and/or the second computer. In one embodiment, the data storage device includes an automatic transfer library. 
     The method of the invention further comprises transmitting an electronic signal from the first computer to operatively couple the first and second computers, wherein the electronic signal is recognized by the second computer. If the electronic signal is not recognized, the transfer of electronic data is terminated and the first and second computers are decoupled. The method includes recording the termination of the transfer of electronic data and the decoupling of the first and second computers. 
     In addition, the method comprises identifying a problem in the transfer of electronic data and remotely repairing the problem. In one embodiment, the method comprises notifying an administrator local to the second computer to repair the problem in the transfer of electronic data. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the invention, reference is made to the drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference and in which like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the drawings. The drawings are not rendered to scale with emphasis upon illustrating the principles of the invention and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a communications network that implements an embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 2  is a flow chart of a method for implementing an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a method and apparatus for automatically backing-up a computer system and ensuring that the back-up was successfully completed. In particular, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method of remotely backing-up a computer system and utilizing a global communications network to ensure that the back-up was successfully completed. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 1–2 . 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a communications network  100  that implements a method of the invention. The communications network  100  includes a central office  120  that further includes a first computer  112 . The central office  120  is in electronic communication with a plurality of computers  160 . The plurality of computers belongs to various customers that request the back-up procedure of the invention. The central office  120  is in communication with the plurality of computers through a global communications network  140 , such as the INTERNET. In general, the first computer  112  located in the central office  120  connects to the global communications network  140  through a modem  110 . The modem  110  is in electrical communication with a telephone line  145  that connects to the global communications network  140 . 
     Typically, the global communications network  140  includes an internet service provider (ISP). In one embodiment of the invention, the ISP facilitates an electronic connection to the plurality of computers  160  through the telephone line  145 . In one embodiment, the computers  160  are individually connected to separate automatic transfer libraries  170 . In one aspect of the invention, a dedicated electronic link  165  is provided. The dedicated electronic link  165  connects the automatic transfer libraries to one of the plurality of computers  160 . 
     In one embodiment, a communications network may comprise one or more telephone lines or other networking system to operatively couple a first computer  112  with a computer network  120  or a second computer  162 . 
     Utilizing the communications network  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , the first computer  112  receives a ready signal from a customer&#39;s computer network  160 , and the first computer  112  electronically connects to the customer&#39;s computer network  160  after passing through a firewall  150 . The first computer  112  administers a transfer of data to the ATL  170  as described hereinbelow. Upon termination of the data transfer, the first computer  112  sends an appropriate electronic message that the data transfer was successfully completed or repairs are required. If repairs are required, then the first computer  112  may remotely perform any required repairs, or notify the local administrator that human intervention is required. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a flow chart  200  shows the steps of a method of the invention. Specifically, the flow chart shows the steps of a method that utilizes a global communications network, such as the INTERNET, for electronically backing up a computer system and for ensuring that the back-up was successfully completed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first computer  112  receives a ready signal from a customer&#39;s computer network. The steps of the method further include electronically connecting to the customer&#39;s computer network (Steps  205 – 220 ), performing a back-up procedure (Steps  230 – 245 ), and sending an appropriate electronic message that repairs are required. In a further embodiment of the invention, a step of the method includes remotely performing required repairs (Steps  250 – 265 ). 
     In one embodiment of the invention, a step of the method includes a central office computer receiving an electronic message from a second computer  162  (Step  205 ). In one aspect, the second computer  162  belongs to a customer that is a member of an organization that provides a computer memory back-up service. The electronic message behaves like a ready signal that prompts a first computer located in the central office  120  to begin the back-up procedure. The first computer  112  is located in the central office  120  of the organization that provides the computer back-up service. The back-up procedure begins when the first computer  112  remotely connects to a second computer  162  located at the customer&#39;s place of business or a computer storage facility (Step  210 ). 
     The first computer provides an electronic identification signal to the second computer  162  (Step  215 ). In one embodiment of the invention, the electronic identification signal includes a cryptographic or encoded message sent by the second computer  162  that is only recognized by the first computer  112 . Likewise, the first computer  112  may respond by sending an electronic signal that is only recognized by the second computer  162 . 
     After an electronic connection is obtained, the back-up procedure may begin (step  230 ). Throughout the back-up procedure the electronic connection is continuously observed. In one embodiment of the present invention a security check is used to validate the private key (Step  220 ). In that embodiment, if neither the first or second computer recognize the numerical combination, then the electronic connection is closed, the back-up procedure is terminated and a record of an electronic path is recorded by both computers. The electronic path serves as an electronic fingerprint that may be used to identify any attempted breaches in security. 
     At Steps  235 – 245 , the back-up procedure begins by transferring data from the second computer  162  to an automatic transfer library (ATL). In general, the ATL  170  is a data storage facility that may be located at a site of the customer&#39;s choosing. In one embodiment of the invention, the ATL  170  is in electronic communication with the first computer. In one aspect of the invention, the ATL  170  has a dedicated electronic connection to the second computer  162 , and the ATL  170  is not directly linked to the global communications network. Data is transferred from the second computer  162  to the ATL  170 , and the first computer administers the data transfer. A person of ordinary skill will appreciate that the transfer of data does not occur over open network lines. As a result, an added level of data security is provided to the customer because the possibility of tapping electronic lines to obtain a stream of confidential data is reduced. 
     In the method of the invention, the first computer administers the data transfer to the ATL  170 . The first computer may also check for any errors that may have occurred during the data transfer (Step  250 ). If an error occurs, then the first computer may provide a remedy to fix a source of the error (Steps  255 – 270 ). As a result, the error is automatically corrected, the back-up procedure is not halted unnecessarily, and a human administrator is not required to intervene. However, if the error requires human intervention, an electronic message may be generated that identifies the problem and suggested solution (if any), and sent to a local administrator (Step  260 ) or to a technician that may be dispatched to the site to perform any necessary repairs. In one embodiment of the invention, the electronic message is in the customer&#39;s standard language. In addition, the method of the invention requires an acknowledgment of the electronic message by the local administrator. In this way, the error is corrected and the back-up procedure can be reinitiated at any time. 
     A method for automatically backing-up a computer system and ensuring that the back-up procedure was successfully completed has been described above. Embodiments of the present invention include a method of remotely backing-up computer systems utilizing a global communications network to ensure that the back-up was successfully completed. The steps of the method include utilizing a first computer to receive a ready signal from a customer&#39;s computer network. The steps of the method further include electronically connecting the first computer to the customer&#39;s computer network and performing a back-up procedure. The back-up procedure includes transferring data to an automatic transfer library  170  located at a site of the customer&#39;s choosing. The steps of the method also include sending an appropriate electronic message that repairs are required, allowing the first computer to remotely perform the required repairs, or notifying a local administrator that human intervention is required. 
     In another embodiment, a system for automatically backing-up a computer memory and ensuring that the back-up was successfully completed has been described above. The system includes a communications network that implements a method of the invention. The system includes a mechanism that remotely connects to a customer&#39;s computer through a global communications network. The system further includes a mechanism that remotely administers a back-up procedure that transfers data to an automatic transfer library. Further, the data transfer does not occur over open network lines. Thus, tapping open network lines during data transfer does not occur. Accordingly, a more secure environment for data storage is provided. 
     Having thus described at least one illustrative embodiment of the invention, various alterations, modifications and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications and improvements are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended as limiting. The invention&#39;s limit is defined only in the following claims and the equivalents thereto.