Custom Storage Classes for Hybrid-Cloud Data Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users in dispersed storage networks are limited to predefined storage classes, which restrict their ability to manage data lifecycle and scalability across different availability, reliability, and performance characteristics, especially in hybrid-cloud and multi-cloud environments.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism that allows users to define custom storage classes, specifying unique names, remote storage endpoints, protocols, credentials, and storage classes, enabling seamless data movement across different storage systems, including public clouds, for enhanced scalability and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users are limited to predefined storage classes, then system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but adaptability and versatility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically allows users to create custom storage classes with flexible parameters (storage type, location, performance characteristics) while maintaining the simplicity of predefined classes. This dynamic configurability enables the system to adapt to diverse data management needs without increasing operational complexity for standard use cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables users to modify storage class parameters by creating custom storage classes that extend predefined options. Users can define new parameters such as custom storage locations, performance requirements, and cost preferences, transforming the static predefined storage class system into a flexible, parameterizable framework.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users can define custom storage classes, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity and configuration complexity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides predefined storage classes that are configured in advance with common storage scenarios. Users can directly utilize these pre-configured classes for standard needs, avoiding the complexity of custom configuration. Custom storage classes serve as extensions rather than replacements, maintaining simplicity for common cases while enabling flexibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between users and storage infrastructure through the storage class abstraction. This intermediary simplifies complex storage configurations by presenting standardized interfaces, while still allowing users to define custom parameters when advanced flexibility is required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data can be moved across multiple dispersed storage networks, then adaptability and scalability are improved, but loss of time and operational complexity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The storage class system provides a universal interface that works across multiple dispersed storage networks and cloud providers. A single storage class definition can target different storage infrastructures (on-premises, public cloud, private cloud), enabling data movement without requiring separate configurations for each destination, thus reducing operational complexity and time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines optimal data movement paths and timing based on storage class definitions and current system state. Data movement operations are automated and can be triggered by events such as data lifecycle policies, reducing manual intervention time while maintaining flexibility across multiple storage networks.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes: receiving, by a computing device, input defining a custom storage class in a first dispersed storage network; receiving, by the computing device, input defining a data management rule in the first dispersed storage network; determining, by the computing device, a data object in the first dispersed storage network satisfies the data management rule; and moving, by the computing device and in response to the determining, the data object to a second dispersed storage network according to the custom storage class.