Automated Virtual Storage Pool Initialization in Software-Defined Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for initializing and configuring virtual storage pools in software-defined storage systems are complex, inefficient, and costly, relying heavily on human expertise and manual processes, which struggle to scale with increasing storage resources and applications, leading to delays and suboptimal Quality of Service (QoS).

Innovation Solution

An automated method that uses data mining and workload-aware approaches to identify the most frequently required storage capabilities, clustering physical storage resources into virtual pools based on application requirements, enabling efficient, scalable, and reliable initialization and configuration of virtual storage pools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration and provisioning tasks are performed by customers, then flexibility in storage configuration is improved, but the system requires high sophistication and knowledge that most customers do not possess

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage configuration flexibilityVSAvoidcustomer operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing application storage requirements and configuring appropriate virtual storage pools without requiring customer intervention or expertise. The automated initialization process examines application characteristics and autonomously provisions storage resources, eliminating the need for customers to possess sophisticated storage knowledge while maintaining configuration flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary automated storage management system is introduced between the customer and the complex storage configuration processes. This intermediary automatically translates application requirements into appropriate storage pool configurations, shielding customers from technical complexity while enabling flexible storage provisioning through automated analysis and configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If automated methods are used for initialization and configuration, then operational efficiency is improved, but the system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitialization and configuration efficiencyVSAvoidautomation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Manual mechanical configuration processes are replaced with automated software-based analysis and configuration systems. The automated initialization process uses software agents to analyze application requirements and provision storage resources programmatically, significantly improving operational efficiency while managing complexity through standardized automation frameworks rather than manual procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage system performs self-configuration by automatically analyzing application storage requirements and provisioning appropriate virtual storage pools without external intervention. This self-service capability improves productivity by eliminating manual configuration steps while containing complexity within the automated system that handles its own initialization and adaptation to application needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Quantity of substance

If heterogeneous storage resources are managed manually, then resource utilization is improved, but the time and expertise required for management increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage resource utilizationVSAvoidmanagement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The storage management system performs self-service by automatically analyzing heterogeneous storage resources and application requirements to optimize resource allocation. The automated process examines storage capabilities and application needs, dynamically provisioning resources from the heterogeneous pool without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving resource utilization while eliminating the time and expertise costs of manual management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A universal automated management system is implemented that can handle diverse heterogeneous storage resources through a single unified interface and process. This multi-functional system automatically adapts to different storage resource types and characteristics, optimizing utilization across the entire heterogeneous pool without requiring separate manual management processes for each resource type, thus improving resource utilization while reducing management time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10324643B1Automated initialization and configuration of virtual storage pools in software-defined storage

Publication Date: 2019.06.18 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC

AI summary

A computer implemented method, a computer program product, and a system for automated virtual storage pools within a software-defined storage comprising: receiving a set of physical storage resources that is enabled to have different storage capabilities; receiving a set of applications, wherein each application of the set of applications is enabled to require different storage capabilities; finding most frequently preferred storage capabilities requirements from capabilities of the set of applications; identifying a number of virtual storage pools based on the set of applications; and clustering at least some of the set of physical storage resources into the number of identified virtual storage pools.