Dynamic Storage Provisioning via Policy-Based Thick-Thin Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for provisioning storage in data storage systems often lead to inefficient resource utilization and failure to allocate space for logical storage devices, particularly in virtualization environments.
Innovation Solution
A data storage system method that provides storage capability profiles and policy profiles to determine candidate storage configurations, prioritizing thin provisioning when thick provisioning is insufficient, and selecting storage pools based on utilization and I/O load to efficiently allocate resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thick provisioning is used for logical storage devices, then storage capacity is guaranteed, but storage resource utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic provisioning by allowing the storage system to switch between thick and thin provisioning modes based on real-time storage pool status. When storage is abundant, thick provisioning guarantees capacity; when storage is constrained, thin provisioning improves utilization efficiency. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between capacity guarantee and resource efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the provisioning parameter (thick vs. thin) based on storage pool conditions. The storage manager evaluates available capacity and I/O load, then selects the appropriate provisioning mode. This parameter change allows the system to optimize between capacity guarantee and resource utilization efficiency under different operating conditions.
2Ease of operation
If conventional provisioning methods are used, then simplicity is maintained, but resource allocation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage manager automatically evaluates storage pool status, generates candidate configurations, and selects optimal provisioning modes without manual intervention. This self-service approach maintains operational simplicity while dramatically improving resource allocation efficiency through automated intelligent decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors storage pool status (available capacity, I/O load) and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust provisioning strategies. The storage manager receives feedback about resource utilization and automatically optimizes allocation, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple storage pools are available, then provisioning flexibility increases, but selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage manager acts as an intermediary that automatically evaluates multiple storage pools and selects the optimal candidate configuration. It considers factors like available capacity, I/O load, and provisioning mode compatibility, then presents ranked options to the host system. This intermediary approach maintains flexibility while eliminating selection complexity for users.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method are disclosed for provisioning storage for a logical storage device. At least one storage capability profile is provided. A request to provision the storage for the logical storage device is received. A plurality of candidate storage resource configurations are determine based on the at least one storage capability profile and the storage policy profile, where a first candidate storage resource configuration specifies thick provisioning in a first storage pool and a second candidate storage resource configuration specifies thin provisioning in the first storage pool. A ranking of the plurality of candidate storage resource configurations is provided, the ranking indicating the first candidate storage resource configuration has a higher priority than the second candidate storage resource configuration. It is determined that the first storage pool has insufficient storage for thick provisioning. The storage of the logical device is provisioned in accordance with the second candidate storage configuration.