A client-based transaction system to maintain data integrity

ABSTRACT

This paper describes a technique for maintaining data integrity that can be implemented using capabilities typically found in existing file systems. Integrity is a property of a total collection of data. It cannot be maintained simply by using reliable primitives for reading and writing single units—the relations between the units are important also. The technique suggested in this paper ensures that data integrity will not be lost as a result of simultaneous access or as a result of crashes at inopportune times. The approach is attractive because of its relative simplicity and its modest demands on the underlying file system. The paper gives a detailed description of how consistent, atomic transactions can be implemented by client processes communicating with one or more file server computers. The discussion covers file structure, basic client operations, crash recovery, and includes an informal correctness proof.

REFERENCES

• 1: Robert M. Metcalfe , David R. Boggs, Ethernet: distributed packet switching for local computer networks, Communications of the ACM, v.19 n.7, p.395-404, July 1976 [doi>10.1145/360248.360253]
• 2: Jim Gray, Notes on Data Base Operating Systems, Operating Systems, An Advanced Course, p.393-481, January 1978
• 3: Butler Lampson and Howard Sturgis. Crash Recovery in A Distributed Data Storage System. unpublished paper, Xerox Palo Alto Research Center, 1977; revised version to appear in CACM.
• 4: Jay E. Israel, James G. Mitchell, and Howard E. Sturgis. Separating Data From Function in a Distributed File System. in the Proc. of Second International Colloq. on Operating Systems, IRIA, October 1978.
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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
      C.2.4 Distributed Systems
          Subjects: Client/server

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.4 OPERATING SYSTEMS
      D.4.3 File Systems Management

  H. Information Systems
  H.2 DATABASE MANAGEMENT
      H.2.7 Database Administration
          Subjects: Security, integrity, and protection

General Terms:
Management, Performance