Application Aware Templates for Storage Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Configuring data storage systems for applications is a complex, error-prone, and time-consuming process requiring detailed knowledge of storage devices and scripting languages, especially when application requirements and best practices change frequently.

Innovation Solution

The use of application-aware templates that include configuration preferences based on best practices for applications, allowing users to configure data storage systems efficiently without needing detailed knowledge of scripting languages or manual operations, and enabling rapid deployment of new templates in response to changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual configuration of data storage systems is performed, then configuration precision can be controlled, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration precisionVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses templates as copies of successful storage configurations. Instead of manually creating configurations from scratch, users select from pre-defined templates that replicate proven storage setups, reducing complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration process is segmented into discrete template-based steps. Each template represents a complete, validated configuration unit that can be independently selected and applied, breaking down the complex configuration task into manageable segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If detailed knowledge of scripting languages and storage devices is required, then configuration precision improves, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration precisionVSAvoidease of configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Templates serve as an intermediary layer between the user and the complex storage configuration system. Users interact with simple template selections rather than scripting languages, while the templates handle the underlying complexity and translate into precise configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service configuration through templates that automatically apply the correct settings. Users don't need to manually configure parameters or understand scripting languages, as the templates self-apply the necessary configuration logic based on selected criteria.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If storage configuration is performed from scratch, then adaptability to specific needs is achieved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration adaptabilityVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Templates are prepared in advance with pre-configured settings based on common and specialized storage needs. This preliminary action eliminates the need to start from scratch, as the configuration work is already done and ready for immediate deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Templates are designed to be universally applicable across different storage scenarios. A single template can serve multiple purposes or be adapted to different needs through parameter customization, providing both speed and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If existing templates are used, then productivity increases, but adaptability to new application requirements may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration productivityVSAvoidadaptability to new requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The template system is dynamic rather than static. Templates can be modified, updated, and customized to adapt to new application requirements while maintaining the productivity benefits of template-based configuration. The system evolves with changing needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Templates incorporate adjustable parameters that can be modified to match specific requirements. Users can change parameters such as storage capacity, performance levels, and configuration details to adapt existing templates to new application needs without losing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9893953B1Using application aware templates

Publication Date: 2018.02.13 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC

AI summary

A method is used in using application aware templates for configuring data storage systems. An application aware template is received for configuring a data storage system. The application aware template includes a set of configuration preferences based on best practices for an application. The data storage system is configured based on the set of configuration preferences of the application aware template.