Dynamic Application-Aware Storage Optimization via Workload Hints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Information handling systems face challenges in optimizing storage device performance due to varying workload requirements, as existing technologies lack dynamic and application-aware management strategies to efficiently adapt to changing data flow and storage needs.

Innovation Solution

A data engine is implemented within the information handling system to analyze workload descriptors and generate hints that optimize storage device configurations, such as SSD capabilities, by managing data flow and adapting to changing workload demands through adaptive machine learning and rule-based solutions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing storage management technologies are used, then storage devices can operate with basic functionality, but they cannot dynamically adapt to varying workload requirements and application-specific needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to workload requirementsVSAvoidstorage management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic storage management by continuously monitoring workload characteristics and automatically adjusting storage device configurations in real-time. The system transitions from static to dynamic operation by adapting buffer sizes, data placement strategies, and caching policies based on changing workload demands, enabling the storage system to optimize performance for different application scenarios without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The storage management system performs self-service by autonomously analyzing workload descriptors, generating optimization hints, and configuring storage devices without external control. The system independently monitors its own performance metrics, identifies optimization opportunities, and implements configuration changes, reducing the need for complex external management while improving adaptability to varying workload requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If storage devices operate with fixed configurations, then device complexity is reduced, but performance cannot be optimized for different application workloads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage device performanceVSAvoidconfiguration management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system optimizes storage device performance by dynamically changing operational parameters such as buffer sizes, data placement patterns, and caching strategies based on analyzed workload characteristics. The workload analysis engine generates hints that modify these parameters in real-time, allowing the storage device to adapt its behavior to match specific application requirements and maximize productivity for different workload types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a workload analysis engine and hint generation mechanism as intermediaries between the storage device and the workload. This intermediary layer analyzes workload descriptors and translates them into optimization hints that the storage device can implement, bridging the gap between application requirements and device configuration without requiring direct complex interaction between applications and storage management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic and application-aware management strategies are implemented, then storage optimization is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication-aware optimization capabilityVSAvoiddata engine complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the storage management system into distinct functional modules: a workload analysis engine that processes workload descriptors, a hint generation component that creates optimization recommendations, and an execution mechanism that applies changes to storage devices. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, managing complexity through modular design while maintaining application-aware optimization capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10802760B2Apparatus and method of intelligent dynamic application aware storage device optimization
Publication Date: 2020.10.13 DELL PROD LP
  • US10802760B2 patent drawing
  • US10802760B2 patent drawing
  • US10802760B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information handling system with an improved dynamic application-aware storage optimization includes an application core that is configured to create a plurality of workload descriptors. The workload descriptors may represent workload requirements to implement a particular application program. A data engine performs an analysis of the workload descriptors, and based on the performed analysis the data engine generates a hint. A storage device is configured to use the hint in managing data flow in the information handling system.