Consolidated Database Schema for Multi-Model Topology Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage area network management applications require complex relational database schemas with numerous tables and associations, making data storage and retrieval cumbersome and inefficient for managing diverse storage area network resources.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a database management system that consolidates model definitions into a common schema while maintaining separate data values for each domain model, using a domain model table and data tables with foreign keys to efficiently store and retrieve topology objects across multiple model-driven applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional relational database schemas with numerous tables and associations are used to store managed object information, then data can be organized according to different domain models, but the system becomes cumbersome and inefficient for data storage and retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple domain model definitions into a single consolidated database schema. Instead of maintaining separate schemas for each domain model (configuration management, performance monitoring, fault management), the invention creates one unified schema that can accommodate all domain models through a common structure with flexible attribute definitions, thereby reducing schema complexity while preserving adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The consolidated database schema is designed as a universal structure that can serve multiple domain models simultaneously. The schema includes flexible mechanisms such as inheritable attribute groups and dynamic attribute definitions that allow the same database structure to adapt to different domain models without requiring separate specialized schemas for each model
2Stability of the object's composition
If separate tables are created for each type of attribute information in conventional relational databases, then data can be systematically organized, but the number of tables increases with the number of resources and attributes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple attribute tables into a unified attribute storage structure. Instead of creating separate tables for each attribute type (e.g., separate tables for hardware attributes, software attributes, performance attributes), the invention merges these into a single flexible attribute table that can store diverse attribute types through a common schema with type indicators and hierarchical organization
Solution Approach 2:
While merging tables, the patent introduces logical segmentation through inheritable attribute groups and hierarchical categories. The unified schema is divided into logical groups (e.g., common attributes, device-specific attributes, model-specific attributes) that can be inherited and customized, providing structured organization without requiring separate physical tables
3Reliability
If foreign keys are used to form associations between tables in conventional databases, then data relationships can be identified, but the complex web of associations makes the database cumbersome to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple association relationships into a unified relationship structure within the consolidated schema. Instead of having separate foreign key relationships for each domain model (configuration relationships, monitoring relationships, management relationships), the invention creates a single flexible relationship mechanism that can represent all types of associations through a common structure with relationship type indicators
Data Source
AI summary
A database manager maintains information (in a database) associated with each of multiple resources according to different domain models used to view the resources by corresponding topology services. Model consolidation (for the topology services) and a unique way of storing information associated with the models in the database enables the database manager to efficiently store, calculate, and retrieve topology objects from a database for multiple model-driven applications, which may have commonly defined portions of the domain models. The model consolidation solution provides flexibility and scalability in terms of defining cross-model functionality for model-driven applications. Additionally, the model consolidation solution also allows any model-driven topology service application to operate within a set of domain models derived from application needs.