Dynamic Storage Target Provisioning for Virtual Initiators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage provisioning systems are inadequate for dynamic allocation of storage resources in cloud-computing and distributed computing environments, where initiators are often virtual devices created and destroyed as needed, leading to inefficiencies in data segregation and access management.
Innovation Solution
A Just-In-Time Provisioning (JITP) state machine within a storage target that dynamically creates virtual targets, allocates storage, and configures access controls for initiators, using a map of initiator information to storage provisioning parameters and flexible rules to accommodate previously unknown initiators, enabling automatic provisioning of storage resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional static storage provisioning mechanisms are used, then data segregation between initiators is provided, but the system cannot adequately address virtual devices that are created and destroyed as needed in cloud-computing environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic storage provisioning by enabling the storage system to automatically create, modify, and delete virtual storage targets in response to initiator discovery requests. Unlike static provisioning mechanisms, this system continuously adapts its configuration based on the presence and needs of virtual initiators, allowing storage resources to be dynamically allocated and deallocated as virtual devices are created or destroyed in cloud-computing environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system performs self-service provisioning by automatically detecting initiators through discovery requests and autonomously creating appropriate virtual storage targets without requiring external manual configuration. The system maps initiator information to storage provisioning parameters and automatically provisions storage resources, eliminating the need for complex manual intervention while maintaining data segregation between different initiators.
2Productivity
If manual storage provisioning is implemented, then precise control over storage allocation is achieved, but the provisioning process becomes time-consuming and inefficient for dynamic environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring storage provisioning parameters and maintaining a map of initiator information to storage provisioning parameters. When an initiator is discovered, the system can rapidly provision storage by matching the initiator against pre-defined parameters and templates, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual configuration steps while maintaining precise control over storage allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring initiator discovery requests and automatically adjusting storage provisioning based on detected needs. The system continuously receives feedback about initiator presence and characteristics, processes this information through automated provisioning logic, and dynamically adjusts storage allocation accordingly, significantly reducing provisioning time compared to manual methods while maintaining precise control.
3Speed
If storage is pre-allocated to all potential initiators, then immediate access is provided, but storage resources are wasted when initiators are not actively using them
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic storage allocation where virtual storage targets are created on-demand when initiators are discovered and are automatically deleted when initiators are no longer present. This eliminates the need to pre-allocate storage to all potential initiators, ensuring that storage resources are only consumed when actively needed while maintaining immediate access performance for active users through pre-configured provisioning parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system changes its provisioning parameters dynamically based on initiator discovery. Instead of maintaining a static pre-allocated configuration, the system adjusts storage allocation parameters in real-time based on the presence and characteristics of active initiators, mapping initiator information to appropriate storage provisioning parameters. This ensures optimal resource utilization while maintaining fast access speeds for active users through pre-configured templates.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage target comprising a computer memory configured with storage provisioning parameters and a map of initiator information to the storage provisioning parameters. The storage target is configured to receive a discovery request from a requesting initiator, extract identifying information from the discovery request, determine a set of storage provisioning parameters to which the requesting initiator maps based on the extracted identifying information and the map of initiator information to storage provisioning parameters, dynamically create a new virtual target for the requesting initiator according to the set of storage provisioning parameters, dynamically create a storage partition from storage space of a plurality of storage devices according to the set of storage provisioning parameters, assign the storage partition to the new virtual target and return information about the new virtual target to the requesting initiator to allow the requesting initiator to connect to the new virtual target.