Cloud Storage Data Migration via Quiesced Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data migration between storage systems from different vendors is challenging due to communication and coordination issues, making it difficult to transfer data effectively, especially when storage systems need to be taken offline for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The system migrates data from a first storage system to a second through cloud storage, where the first storage system is quiesced and snapshots are taken, allowing data to be transferred via conventional storage commands, enabling data exchange between host systems and storage systems, even if they are from different vendors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data is migrated directly between storage systems from different vendors, then data transfer can be performed, but communication and coordination issues arise making migration difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network file system server as an intermediary component that mediates between the first storage system and the second storage system. This server provides a standardized interface that both storage systems can communicate with, eliminating the need for direct complex coordination between different vendor systems. The intermediary translates and manages data transfer protocols, making the migration process simpler and more compatible across different vendors.
2Ease of repair
If storage systems are taken offline for maintenance, then maintenance operations can be performed, but data migration becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary data migration actions before the storage system is taken offline for maintenance. The system initiates and completes the data transfer process while the first storage system is still online and operational, ensuring that by the time maintenance begins, the data has already been migrated to the second storage system. This eliminates the conflict between needing the system online for migration and offline for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous data migration operations during the transition period. Data transfer continues uninterrupted even as the system transitions from online to offline state for maintenance. The migration process is designed to maintain continuous useful action, ensuring data is transferred completely before maintenance begins, thereby maintaining productivity throughout the entire process.
3Ease of operation
If direct communication path is established between storage systems, then data migration can be facilitated, but it is difficult to establish appropriate communication path between different vendor systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a network file system server that provides universal communication capabilities compatible with multiple storage system vendors. This single server can interface with different types of storage systems from various vendors using standardized protocols, eliminating the need to establish complex vendor-specific communication paths. The universal interface simplifies operations by providing a consistent method for data migration regardless of the storage system vendor.
Data Source
AI summary
Migrating data from a first storage system to a second storage system includes transferring the data from the first storage system to a cloud storage, transferring the data from the cloud storage to the second storage system, quiescing the first storage system prior to transferring remaining data from the first storage system to the cloud storage, and transferring remaining data from the cloud storage to the second storage system to complete migration of the data. The cloud storage may be accessible only through a private network or via the World Wide Web. Quiescing the first storage system may include the first storage system rejecting write operations or may include one or more external systems coupled to the first storage system foregoing write operations. Snapshots may be performed at the first storage system in response to commands provided by a host coupled to the first storage system.