Disk Usage Reporting for Linux Storage Reclamation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack an efficient method to identify and utilize non-utilized storage within file systems, leading to wasted resources in large Linux server estates, where allocated storage often remains unused or underutilized.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that processes data from network-attached storage devices to generate a disk usage report, highlighting unused disk space and providing an interactive interface for users to identify and reclaim unused storage, thereby improving resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If storage is allocated to servers, then storage capacity is available, but storage utilization is low and resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously collects disk usage data from multiple servers via data feeds, processes this information centrally, and generates reports that provide feedback to users about unused storage. This feedback loop enables users to identify and reclaim wasted storage resources, improving overall utilization efficiency while maintaining allocated capacity.
2Loss of information
If a centralized system is implemented to track storage, then visibility into unused storage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized processor as an intermediary component that collects data from multiple servers, processes the information, and generates reports. This intermediary layer provides comprehensive storage visibility without requiring direct complex interactions between all system components, thereby managing complexity while improving information availability.
3Device complexity
If manual storage management is used, then implementation is simple, but time and resources are wasted identifying unused storage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously collecting and processing storage data in the background, preparing disk usage reports before users need the information. This advance preparation eliminates the time users would otherwise spend manually investigating storage utilization, while the automated process keeps complexity manageable through standardized procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present invention is directed to determining non-utilized storage within a file system and providing a meaningful report for reclaims. An embodiment of the present invention is directed to implementing a reporting tool for presenting information about the storage allocated to one or more Linux servers, file systems as well as other components, resources and/or systems. The data may then be used to aid decision making for performing reclaims of the storage which may be highlighted as unused.